Position Available

SJWS MUSIC AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

News Release: June 7, 2022, San Jose, CA.

San Jose Wind Symphony Seeks New Music and Artistic Director

The San Jose Wind Symphony, the West Coast's premier wind symphony, is now accepting applications for the position of Music and Artistic Director. Finalists will be given the opportunity to rehearse and conduct a complete concert in the fall of 2022 or the winter/spring of 2023. Applications are due by July 31 for the fall concerts and by October 31 for the winter/spring concerts.

  • For more information about applying for this position, scroll down the page or download this PDF file.

Sample Programs

For potential candidates who are not familiar with the San Jose Wind Symphony and would like to get a sense of the kinds of music we enjoy playing and the high caliber of the soloists we like to present, here’s a stack of our concert programs, dating back to the 2017-2018 season.

Concert Location

Most concerts are held at McAfee Performing Arts Center on the campus of Saratoga High School:
20300 Herriman Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070

 
 

Rehearsal Location

Rehearsals are Tuesday nights from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM at Obi Studios in south San Jose:
320 Piercy Road, San Jose, CA 95138

 
 

Job Description

PDF VERSION

MUSIC AND ARTISTIC DIRECTOR -- POSITION AVAILABLE

Title: Music & Artistic Director, San Jose Wind Symphony

Reports to: San Jose Wind Symphony Board of Directors

Overall Responsibilities: Provide strategic and musical direction for the wind ensemble, enhancing creative development and promoting the organization’s growth.


ABOUT THE SAN JOSE WIND SYMPHONY

The San Jose Wind Symphony (SJWS) is the West Coast's premier wind symphony, providing high-quality musical performances for audiences of all ages. SJWS performs five to six concerts per year with six to seven rehearsals for each concert. Most of the concerts feature a guest artist or ensemble. Each concert is a mixture of contemporary, classical and popular works for wind ensemble or symphonic band.

SJWS has performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago and at WASBE, the biennial conference of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. SJWS is a recipient of the prestigious Sudler Silver Scroll, the highest national honor that can be achieved by a community band.


JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key Areas of Responsibility

  • Conduct performances, including 5-6 concerts per year; conduct weekly rehearsals; conduct additional rehearsals and sectionals as needed.

  • Develop concert season programs, including input on soloists; work with the Board of Directors to determine concert logistics.

  • Collaborate with the Board of Directors, including attending Board meetings as requested by the Board, to define and implement a vision for the organization’s strategic growth and artistic development.

  • Oversee music personnel choices; collaborate with personnel directors and provide final decision on auditions for full-time members and substitute musicians.

  • Experience and interest in helping to promote the band is a definite plus.


Skills and Attributes

  • Effective rehearsal techniques, including score preparation, time management and communication of stylistic interpretations.

  • Extensive knowledge of wind ensemble repertoire.

  • Creative approach to programming concerts for community audiences.

  • Strong leadership and communication skills.

  • Enthusiastic and motivational personality.

  • Commitment to engage with members in a respectful manner.

  • Responsive to inquiries from the Board, personnel directors, and members.


Experience Required

  • Extensive experience in conducting required; experience with conducting wind ensembles is preferred, but not required.

  • Bachelor’s degree in music required; master’s degree in music – or equivalent experience – preferred.

  • Management experience, preferably with an arts-related non-profit organization.


Compensation

$150 per service (i.e., for each rehearsal and performance)


APPLICATION PROCESS

SJWS will review applications and select finalists to conduct concerts in the fall of 2022 (Fall Concerts) and the winter/spring of 2023 (Spring Concerts).

To apply for this position, please submit the following materials by email:

  • a cover letter with your expression of interest in the position

  • a current resume or CV

  • a printed sample of a recent program you conducted (PDF or JPG file)

  • a proposed program with approximately 90 minutes of music for a SJWS concert (which could include a suggested local soloist)

Email your completed application to application@sjws.org by the following deadlines:

  • To be considered as a finalist to conduct one of the Fall Concerts, please submit your application materials by July 31, 2022.

  • To be considered as a finalist to conduct one of the Spring Concerts, please submit your application materials by October 31, 2022.


Questions?