ROYAL OAK SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCEMENT Orchestra Music Director/Conductor Position The Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra (ROSO) is seeking candidates for Music Director/Conductor for the 2024-2025 season forward.
As part of the application process, selected candidate(s) will have an opportunity to rehearse and conduct the orchestra during the 2024-2025 season. One of the candidates may be offered the position of Music Director/Conductor.
The 70-member Royal Oak Symphony is primarily a volunteer orchestra. The Music Director/Conductor position is a paid, per service position. We strive to program traditional and innovative music of diverse styles, periods, and cultures, and also contribute to the community through presentation of both professional and local talent. The orchestra is committed to the musical development of its volunteer members, providing enriching opportunities for them to work with each other and with outstanding guest artists in a professional way.
The orchestra season consists of four subscription concerts that are typically performed in October, December, March, and May. Audience members may purchase tickets in season packages or individually. As an educational outreach, high school students and younger are admitted free. Besides ticket sales, the orchestra is supported financially by private donations, and donations from ROSO members and the community.
Responsibilities of the Music Director: The Music Director is responsible for weekly rehearsing, conducting of concerts, auditioning new members, determining seating assignments, attending board meetings as needed, and inspiring the orchestra to reach high musical goals. The Music Director selects all music for the programs. A Program Advisory Committee will assist by reviewing the Music Director’s selections to avoid repetition of recently programmed works, to ensure that adequate instrumentation is available, and to encourage a variety of musical selections. Weekly rehearsals are held from 7:30-9:30 pm on Wednesday nights. Each concert averages 8 rehearsals plus a final dress rehearsal on the Thursday night before the Friday night performance. Occasionally, the Music Director may choose to designate one or two rehearsals per cycle as string sectionals.
Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in music is required, with a master’s degree preferred. Successful experience as a conductor of a symphony orchestra or symphony band is required. Rehearsal experience is essential.
Compensation: The Director will be compensated per service in line with comparable orchestras. Musician members of the orchestra are not paid.
Application Procedure: Applications received by November 15, 2023 will be given first priority. The search will remain open until the position has been filled. Submit a letter of application, resume, references, links to performances, and optional letters of recommendation to:
Dan Frohardt-Lane
Chair of the ROSO Music Director Search Committee
EMAIL: rososearchcommittee@gmail.com