The Panama City Symphony Orchestra Music Director Search Committee invites nominations and applications for the position of Music Director, available beginning in the 2022-23 season.
The Position
The Music Director reports to the Panama City Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors and is responsible for carrying out the artistic mission of the orchestra.
The Music Director oversees the repertoire, programming, and artistic production of at least four (4) regular season concerts and two (2) holiday concerts. He/She/They direct the audition process including recruitment and selection of orchestra members and rehearses and conducts the orchestra.
As the orchestra’s artistic leader, the Music Director works with the PCSO Board to build and sustain the orchestra’s visibility and involvement in the community.
The Music Director is expected to work closely with the PCSO Board President and administrative staff in carrying out these responsibilities, and will also play a role in the orchestra’s fundraising and other development activities.
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will possess:
- excellent musicianship and conducting skills;
- knowledge of a broad range of repertoire, with the ability to create dynamic classical and popular music programs, select compelling guest artists, and collaborate artistically with the orchestra’s musicians;
- the knowledge and commitment to enthusiastically deliver PCSO’s music education and outreach programs;
- strong leadership and interpersonal skills to connect with donors, sponsors, and government officials to represent the vision and value of the orchestra as a strategic part of the region’s artistic and economic development;
- the ability to partner with PCSO’s leadership to actively participate and elevate PCSO’s marketing, promotional, and development activities; and
- the passion and creativity to develop and lead performances that resonate with existing patrons and attract diverse new audiences.
Previous or current music directorship or comparable experience is preferred. Emerging talent with artistic vision and examples of their commitment to orchestra growth and development will be thoughtfully considered.
Compensation
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Application
A complete application will include the following:
- a personal letter of interest in the position as PCSO Music Director and your vision for the continued growth of the orchestra as a cultural centerpiece of Bay County
- a resume or curriculum vitae
- sample programs previously conducted and/or proposed
- video links to YouTube with three (3) examples of your recent conducting work in a variety of music styles and from multiple genres
- the names, emails, and phone numbers of at least three (3) professional references
Please email complete application materials as pdf files to [email protected].
If needed, materials may be mailed to:
Panama City Symphony Orchestra
P.O. Box 744
Panama City, FL 32402
All materials must be received by June 30, 2022.
The Panama City Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer.
About the Panama City Symphony Orchestra
The Panama City Symphony Orchestra of 60 professional musicians, now in its 27th season, serves patrons from Bay and surrounding Florida counties, visitors from neighboring states, and seasonal residents from the US and Canada.
PCSO’s programming includes four regular season concerts and a Holiday Concert that fill the Gretchen Nelson Scott Fine Arts Center. A free outdoor Holiday concert performed at Aaron Bessant Park, Panama City Beach, attracts a diverse audience of over 3000 seniors, adults, and children. Special concerts have featured guest instrumentalists, vocalists, and symphony-backed rock bands.
The Symphony’s music education programs develop talented high school-aged orchestral musicians through its orchestra mentoring program and deliver an in-school music program to elementary grades in Bay and surrounding counties. Audience enrichment and community outreach programs include pre-concert lectures and program notes and partnership with the City of Panama City government for monthly ensemble performances.
PCSO is governed by a 24-member Board of Directors. The Board’s Executive Committee successfully handles planning and operations and manages a balanced budget. Orchestra operations are assisted by two Personnel Managers and a Librarian.
Situated in the geographic center of Northwest Florida, Panama City is the largest city between Pensacola and Tallahassee and is the government seat of Bay County. The county is home to Florida State University-Panama City, Gulf Coast State College, and Tyndall Air Force Base. Panama City is experiencing a surge of growth and development including a renaissance of its Historic Downtown and dynamic growth in the performing arts including the planned Performing Arts and Events Center.