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Missed a month? MHS eNewsletter archives

Dearest Friends,

I'm not ashamed to admit that I have never done my own taxes. Why should I? Someone went to school to learn that skill! Content and without hesitation, I stuff my information and receipts in an envelope and turn it over to my accountant annually. No one gets hurt. Everyone gets paid.

However, this year, I decided that I'd rather like to educate myself in that seemingly intimidating world of numbers, so I did my own taxes ... which proved empowering and frustrating. While scowling at Turbo Tax, it dawned on me: artists are small businesses. Although I already knew this, the tax process illuminated the fact that we must apply the same OCD (meticulous attention to detail) that we use in music-making to our off-stage affairs, i.e. our accounts. I now understand the value of good bookkeeping!

Being a musician takes on a whole other facet, especially in this economy, if you cannot afford to hire someone to handle your affairs. And even if you can, you must always be on top of your career. (Let Toni Braxton and MC Hammer teach you a lesson about letting other people have too much control over your career! Yes I did.) So long to the stereotypical image of the flighty musician whose only concern is their sound or next gig! Knowledge of how to properly price yourself to becoming more legal-savvy is essential to today's artist.

Should you incorporate? When do you need a contract? Press releases: who, what, when, why, how? If you don't know how to answer these questions, please seek the counsel of your local union or pro bono lawyer. These are answers that you cannot afford to dismiss. (Thus concludes my PSA.)

Now for the newsletter ... I only wish to steal a quote from the review of The Soloist below:

Though you may hear mixed reviews, give this movie a chance despite its commercial attitude and sensitive subject matter. It's the true story of a gifted intelligent African American Man and Musician who lives for and within classical music. Happily, this movie let's music shine through, stand tall, and tell its story.

Be part of the mission. Make a tax-deductible contribution. Or send checks payable to Myrtle Hart Society to: Myrtle Hart Society, 4800 S. Chicago Beach Drive, Suite 2008S, Chicago IL 60615. If you want to be included in an upcoming edition of the eNewsletter, just email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or click reply to the sender.

The Soloist is one of those theater pieces that we expect through time will be recognized for its insight into a schizophrenic mind. At first look, the movie-going public, especially those who read the book prior to seeing the movie, may be disappointed that the movie does not stay true to the novel and quickly veers off into a "commercial" space.

However, the movie offers what the book could not -- a jarring use of sound as experienced by someone afflicted with this illness. Through the use of babbling voices, including both Ayers own melodious voice and his imaginary voices, crowd noise, traffic, footstep patter, and other sounds, we are made to see how the "white noise" many of us no longer hear everyday elevates the pain and feeds the disorder of a schizophrenic mind. Add to this soundscape images of order and disorder, flowing on the screen and you get the picture. There is only one thing that soothes Nathaniel's soul, keeps the voices away and brings him peace.....music. READ MORE

Based in New Jersey, Literary Voices (LV) is a book club for women of color that supports communities, artists and access to healthy living. For the past 11 years, LV has given back to their community by sharing their time and resources with the elderly and families in need. In addition to community service, they meet monthly to discuss the literary merits of many contemporary authors and socialize with other accomplished, intelligent and fun women.

While writing an article about diversity within the harp world for a harp publication last week, I was taken aback by one particular harpist, Winifred Starks-Garrett. Growing up in New York, I'd heard her name several times, but was never able to locate her or even see a picture to place with the name. It was not until this past summer that someone handed me a concert program from the 1970's, which listed her name as the harpist with the Frank Johnson Memorial Symphonic Chamber Ensemble.

Although I contacted Garrett requesting her input for my article, I was moved by her story. "I have played the harp since 1966. What I have seen ... heard ...experienced ... is beyond imaginings," she told me referring to being one of few African American harpists in New York. "From walking out on stage and hearing an audible "Gasp" from the audience in New York City when I took my place at the harp, to holding a crying mother of European descent in my arms in North Carolina as she thanked me for playing her father's memorial at Christmas time." Those are the memories that stick out in her mind.

As a professional harpist in the in the 1970's and 1980's, Garrett had to be weary of the performance venues policies. "Imagine going to a Country Club to play a party for the first time in your life and not knowing which door to come through ... the back or the front ... not because of the instrument, but because of ethnic origin. In this instance, the African American waiter affirmed for me that I could come through the front door." Being an anomaly had its shortcomings, but it also had moments that made it worthwhile. She reminisced, "Feel the tearful embrace of a ninety-year-old African American woman after a 'Seven Last Words of Christ' performance [who said] 'I have never seen anyone like you ...Thank you ...'" READ MORE

Brandee Younger is a New York based performing & recording harpist that has crossed multiple genre barriers as an artist. She is on faculty at the University of Hartford's Community Division, and Vice President of the Long Island Chapter of the American Harp Society. Please visit www.brandeeyounger.com for more information.

On Sunday, May 3 at 3:00 p.m. at the Main Library, 300. North Roxboro St., Durham County Library will host a Young Harpists Concert. Led by harpist Winifred Garrett, the W.G. Pearson Middle School Honors Harp Ensemble and The Harp Studio's Dreamstrings Harp Ensemble will present a concert featuring kids' songs, songs of patriotism and classical works, all performed by children. The event is appropriate for all ages and is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information call 919-560-0268 or visit www.durhamcountylibrary.org.

The Victor Salvi Museum announces their current exhibit, "The Harp, from the Congo to Chicago: traveling among sounds, cultures and traditions," a new exhibition featuring 50 unique harps from the collection of the Museo dell'Arpa Victor Salvi opened to the public in 2008. It will be on display through the end of the year. In addition to music, the collection also highlights the art, anthropology and origins of these fine instruments. Also appearing, as a part of the exhibit, are special items that were created for the Chicago World's Fair. [The very Fair that put Myrtle Hart on the map!]

On display are several triple harps, many single and double action pedal harps, several small Celtic harps, a few Paraguayan and Mexican harps, and many harps from Africa and Asia. The instruments have been restored beautifully and the original aesthetics and structural elements have been kept intact. The details on the harps from the very beginning though the end of the exhibit are very special and particular to each instrument.

Another section of the museum houses the African harp collection. All of these instruments look quite individual and unique. Each harp has its own character. The harps were made from indigenous materials that would have been quite easy to find in nature: gourds, wood, shells, skin, bone, and roots. They range in size from as few as four strings to twenty or so strings. It is evident that many of these harps were used as cultural symbols, artwork, and spiritual pieces and were not just made to create music. The forms of these harps are generally some sort of C-shape, to most likely be played in the lap. Others are for more aesthetic and artistic ends; they would probably be played on some sort of table or stand as they are formed in a very decorative shape. In all cases though, you can see the culture from where the harp originated in the structure and decoration of the harps.

Visit their website or showroom location for more information.

In case you missed it last month ...
Your Accompanist is the website that allows you to download real piano rehearsal tracks directly to your PC in MP3 format ... which can then be transferred directly to any portable MP3 player (such as an iPod or, Sony MP3 walkman, Archos box or iRiver), or burned to CD ... which comes in handy for times when you can't immediately find a pianist who already knows your tune!

Your Accompanist has contacted MHS to request the following:

We are also very aware that composers of color are very under-represented in the usual classical repertoire, and we like to give singers the opportunity to work with as broad a spectrum of pieces as we can. We have two songs by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, but we'd love to get your recommendations for other songs by him, or other composers, to include in our library.

MHS, we need your input. To which pieces would you absolutely LOVE to have the piano accompaniment/reduction (which facilitates learning)? Let me know: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Chicago Sinfonietta closes its 2008-09 season with Sound Waves featuring a World Premiere in collaboration with Chicago's Shedd Aquarium

The Chicago Sinfonietta and Chicago's Shedd Aquarium will collaborate in a concert featuring works inspired by water forces around world - oceans, lakes and rivers. The program begins with George Frideric Handel's acclaimed Water Music, a collection of orchestral movements originally performed for King George I on the River Thames. The orchestra will then be joined by guest pianist Anton Kuerti in Beethoven's melodic Piano Concerto No. 1. Also on the bill is one of the greatest orchestral works of the twentieth century, Claude Debussy's La Mer, a rich depiction of the ocean that pairs extraordinary orchestration with daring harmonies. The grand finale of the orchestra's 22^nd season will be the World Premiere of Aquadia, a co-commissioned work by the Sinfonietta and the Shedd composed by noted African American composer Michael Abels. The World Premiere of Aquadia will be performed to dramatic visuals of rivers, seas, and oceans projected behind the orchestra during the performances.

Sunday, May 10, 2009, at 2:30 p.m. at Lund Auditorium, Dominican University, 7900 W. Division, River Forest; Monday, May 11, 2009, at 7:30 p.m. at Orchestra Hall, Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan, Chicago. Call 312-236-3681 ext. 2 or visit www.chicagosinfonietta.org

Pianist Charles Joseph Smith Performs at Chicago's Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii on Sunday, May 17, 2009 Time: 3:00pm - 6:00pm at Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii Street: 1247 W. Lexington St. in Chicago, IL. Charles will perform with a small orchestra the original music of living composer Fr. Joseph McKenna, along with musicians Lisa Flores, Andrew Schultze and some surprise musical guests. Phone: 773.621.5275 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

THE ORCHESTRA/OPERA RUNDOWN:

Timothy Jones - Alabama Symphony

Janice Chandler-Eteme - Alabama Symphony

Eric Owens - Philadelphia Orchestra and Handel & Haydn Society

Karen Slack - Madison Symphony

William Henry Curry - North Carolina Symphony

Norwood Robinson - Baltimore Opera Company

Ashley Howard Wilkinson - Baltimore Opera Company

Kishna Davis - Baltimore Opera Company

Fikile Mvinjelwa - Baltimore Opera Company

Lisa Daltirus - Baltimore Opera Company

Leslie B. Dunner - Baltimore Opera Company

Phumzile Sojola - Connecticut Opera

Talise Trevigne - Connecticut Opera

Kenneth Overton - Connecticut Opera

Adina Aaron - Florida Grand Opera

Lawrence Brownlee - The MET

Janinah Burnett - Michigan Opera

Mark Rucker - Portland Opera

Arthur Woodley - Seattle Opera

Gordon Hawkins - Washington (DC) Opera

The 90th Annual Meeting of The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. (NANM) will be July 25-30, 2009 at The Doubletree Hotel Chicago, Magnificent Mile, 300 East Ohio Street Chicago, IL 60611.

CMA members Maurice Collins, Marvin Lynn, Dolores White, Lena McLin, Robert L. Morris, Keith T. Hampton, SugarStrings, former Scholarship winners Anisha McFarland and Arthur D. Griffin, Jr. will be featured prominently during NANM 2009.

Award recipients for NANM 2009 are Dr. Toni-Marie Montgomery, Dean of the Bienen School of Music, Northwestern University; Charles G. Kendrick, "Dean of Chicago Organists;" Simon Estes, internationally renowned bass-baritone; and Mrs. Isabel Brazier, Patron of the Arts and wife of Bishop Arthur M. Brazier, Pastor Emeritus of The Apostolic Church of God, Chicago.

The International Award for Outstanding Musicianship will be awarded to Stan Ford, a "Lena Rivers Dancy" Youth member of NANM originally from St. Louis, MO and now Professor of Piano at the Mozarteum, Salzburg, Austria.

Please remember to register early for NANM Inc. even if you don't plan to check into the Doubletree Hotel. The registration fee covers the cost of all events held at the hotel. This includes workshops, presentations, scholarship contest, master classes, the vesper and nightly concerts, the Gala Concert, the Awards Banquet and the Closing Luncheon. It is more economical to register for the conference than to purchase individual tickets for the events. The deadline for early registration at $185 per person is May 31. After that date, the fee is increased to $235 per person.

Dictionary of African Composers. The site takes a while to load, so be patient. Once it comes up, you'll be able to search alphabetically through decades of composers, read their biographies and access their discographies. You may send additions, corrections and suggestions to Alexander Johnson [ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ].

CHICAGO SINFONIETTA TO LAUNCH INTERNATIONAL SEARCH
FOR NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR

Founding Music Director Maestro Paul Freeman expected to lead
until successor has been named

CHICAGO - The Chicago Sinfonietta, the nation's most diverse symphony orchestra and Chicago's premiere mid-sized orchestra, has launched an international search for a new Music Director to succeed Founding Music Director Maestro Paul Freeman, who will become Music Director Emeritus after over two decades of leadership. The search is being led by a Succession Committee comprised of Chicago Sinfonietta Board Members, Executive Director Jim Hirsch and Artistic Consultant Evans Mirageas.

"As Founder and Music Director of the Chicago Sinfonietta, I have worked to promote the orchestra's mission of diversity, excellence and innovative programming in the field of classical music," notes Maestro Paul Freeman. "I am proud that the Sinfonietta has become our nation's most diverse orchestra and continues to serve as the model for inclusiveness and innovation under my artistic leadership. The time has come for my role with the Chicago Sinfonietta to evolve so that this unique and important ensemble can move forward and plan for the future. I fully support the organization through this transition and look forward to my new role with the orchestra in the coming years as Music Director Emeritus."

"As we near the next stage in our organization's history, it is important for us to reflect on all that Paul has accomplished for the Sinfonietta, Chicago and classical music as a whole," comments Executive Director Jim Hirsch. "A constant over the past 22 seasons, it is only natural that Paul would take an active role in the selection of his successor as his knowledge and experience will be invaluable. Paul will remain on a Music Director until we find the perfect fit for the organization, its members, and the Chicago community."

For more information about the Chicago Sinfonietta please visit www.chicagosinfonietta.org.

Urban Youth Harp Ensemble Instructor
(Atlanta, GA)

Term: 2090-2010 Scholastic Year
Responsibilities: Teaching harp skills (inclusive of theory and music history) to three classes per school day. Classes will be taught at an Atlanta Public Schools high school. Additional responsibilities shall include one after-school session per week. Instructor will also help recruit students and promote the overall program, conduct performances as needed, and will be involved in presenting grant proposals to foundations.

Qualifications: Degree in music, and extensive teaching experience. Degree in education and/or willingness to pursue certification standards may be considered.

Procedure: submit a resume, cover letter detailing your specific interest and qualifications for our program, and two letters of reference.

Application deadline: May 20, 2009

Direct further questions, and send application materials to: Elisabeth Remy Johnson ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ), or contact for a mailing address. Top candidates will be notified by May 26. For background on our program, please visit our website at www.urbanharp.org.

Digital Music Instructor
Project H.O.M.E. (Philadelphia, PA)

The Digital Music Instructor will be responsible for developing lesson plans for two Teen after school digital music classes (2 levels: beginners & advanced). Students are expected to work on independent or group projects as part of course completion that will be managed by the instructor. Skills taught should include but not be limited to: safe handling of equipment, creation of original music using Garage Band and Protools, and other music industry skills. Instructor will be responsible for setting tone of classroom and creating and maintaining a safe, positive and respectable learning environment. Program Schedule: Candidate would be required to work part-time, 12-18 hours a week (depending on number of classes taught). If hired candidate must receive satisfactory clearance of child abuse and criminal background checks.

Skills & Qualifications: Qualified candidates MUST have a Bachelor's Degree in Music or related field; knowledge of music theory; 2 years experience working with youth; strong computer skills (MS Office, Publisher, etc.) and strong project management skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; proficient in Garage Band and ProTools; the ability to create lesson plans to effectively keep order/manage a classroom; and develop relationships with students and parents. Candidates must successfully obtain clearance of criminal and child abuse background checks.

To Apply: Please submit your cover letter, resume and salary requirements to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . For more information please visit: www.projecthome.org

The Director of Finance and Administration reports to the Executive Director; works closely with the Finance & HR Committees of the Board of Directors; interacts daily with the members of the BCC community and is responsible for three broad areas of BCC operations: • Financial management and oversight • Administration/Human Resources/Legal • Leadership, Planning and Strategy Qualifications and Application Requirements

Skills & Qualifications: It is critical that the successful candidate have dominant experience in financial management. The ideal candidate must have a strong appreciation for the musical talents of our children, and share our vision of community impact and growth through the magic of choral voices.

Additionally, you must possess the following: BS Degree in Business, Accounting, or Finance; Five plus years of hands-on experience, working knowledge of GAAP; Ability to work as a stand alone with QuickBooks; Exercise initiative in a hands-on-environment; Solid organizational skills with strong affinity for organization with a mission; Commitment to Excellence.

To Apply: The Boston Children's Chorus is working in partnership with Cote, Pulitzer & Alvarez, Inc. For immediate consideration, submit a letter of interest and resume to:

David C. Howse, Boston Children's Chorus, 112 Shawmut Avenue, Suite 5B, Boston, MA 02118 or via email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

A perfect opportunity for an artist to get involved with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. Part-Time Education Assistant will be primarily assisting the Director of Education with his schedule as well as the marketing and promotion of VLA classes and workshops. Assistant will be responsible for maintaining current customer information, researching new customers, and scheduling and producing E-blasts. Assistant will also enter marketing data and provide marketing reports, as well as maintain VLA's online profiles and newsletter. Assistant will also contact arts organizations, law firms, and artists with new programming, as well as disseminate advertising material. Assistant will also help design a variety of projects from concept to completion (sign-up sheets, guides, invitations, promotional material).

Computer Skills: Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite and in HTML, Photoshop, Dreamweaver, Quark. Proficiency with additional graphic design and software packages desirable. Knowledge of Constant Contact a plus.

Qualifications and Requirements: -Must be available Mon-Fri (20 to 25 hrs per week)

To Apply: Please send resume, salary requirements, and cover letter to: Sergio Muñoz Sarmiento, Esq., Director of Education This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: www.vlany.org

• 2-week National Training Camp
• Direct service placements with ongoing site-based training and development
• National assessment and impact evaluation
• Special Events
• Year-end National Gathering and Awards Ceremony

Additional Qualifications:

• Excellent music performance skills as well as theory & ear training proficiency.
• Experience in and passion for music, youth and service.
• Strong entrepreneurial, community outreach and project management skills.
• Ability to innovate within existing music programs as well as develop new ones.
• Ability to improvise curricula within schools and communities in crisis.
• Must be at least twenty-one years old; college degree preferred.

All music disciplines welcome.

How to Apply:
Candidates are required to submit:
1) A resume, 2) Two letters of recommendation, 3) A completed application,
4) A link to a personal audio or video sample no more than three minutes in length if available.

Please send applications to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it by May 18th, 2009.

Please respond to the following questions (max 1200 characters per question):
1. You enter a sixth grade social studies class where students learn about the Underground Railroad in pre-Civil War America. How might you go about using music to enhance their learning process?
2. Margaret Thatcher Middle School has no music program, but they've hired you to teach a six-week percussion class for twenty seventh graders. Sketch out how you might develop this class sequence.
3. You're leading ten eighth graders in an afterschool program. Participants have been selected because of their history of behavioral problems. On day one, there's tension within the group. Sketch out how you would work with them.
4. Why do you want to be a MusicianCorps Fellow?

5. What will you bring to Music National Service?

Create a music production curriculum for a nonprofit youth program targeting youth ages 13-18. If you are living in the Chicagoland area and increasingly experienced within your field please send a resume, however if not, make sure that you send your contact information including name, number, email, school or professional organization, major, and interests. Must be an experience music producer, song writer, or DJ who can teach and write a strategic curriculum. *This may earn you a paid position in the near future.

To apply, contact: Bridget Harris, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 312-523-9473.

Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, America's longest-running, international dance festival seeks an organized, experienced, energetic Sound & Video Supervisor. Responsibilities include oversight of sound and video equipment in three theatres, adaptation and implementation of touring companies' requirements, and collaborative supervision of interns. Full-time and seasonal from May through August, includes competitive salary, single room, and board in the beautiful Berkshires 2.5 hours from NYC.

Details and full job description at: http://www.jacobspillow.org/.

Qualifications and Application Requirements: MFA or BA with at least three years of professional experience preferred.

Please send cover letter, résumé, and references to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , with Sound and Video Supervisor in the subject line.

SUPERVISES: Personnel Manager/Music Librarian, Artistic Services Manager, Associate Conductor, Staff Conductors

POSITION SUMMARY:
In consultation with the Artistic Director and the Executive Director/CEO and other key constituents, the Director of Artistic Planning plans, implements and coordinates all of the artistic elements of the Handel and Haydn Society's programming. These aspects include the programming of concert repertoire and the booking of guest artists and conductors for approximately 25 performances per year. The Director of Artistic Planning reports to the Executive Director/CEO.

The Director of Artistic Planning provides leadership and direction for designated projects, ensuring that they are completed on time, on budget, and to Society quality standards.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure that the artistic elements of each production (including run-outs, tours and chamber concerts) have been properly planned, contracted and communicated.
• In consultation with the appropriate conductor(s), guest artist(s) and production staff, design and implement creative and artistically fulfilling concert experiences.
• With the guidance of the Executive Director/CEO plan the season schedule and determine conducting assignments.
• Devise and manage elements of the artistic operating budget.
• Guarantee the timely and effective communication of all artistic details of events to appropriate staff.
• Assist in the creation and implementation of the long-range plan as related to artistic development and administration.
• Actively collaborate with Executive Director/CEO other staff on the planning and execution of concerts, special projects and other events.
• Coordinate all logistical concerns in related to guest artists and conductors.

PRIMARY DUTIES:

• Facilitate selection of repertoire for all programs; communicate repertoire (and any subsequent changes) to staff and musicians.
• Key liaison to musicians for communication of Society's programs and directions; ensures strong and positive communications with musicians at all time.
• Negotiate artist and guest conductor contracts and contract riders to maximize artistic goals while balancing financial liabilities.
• Work with the Executive Director/CEO and performance venues to develop annual concert season calendar and opportunities.
• Create itineraries for guest artists and conductors; arrange for travel.
• Manage the process of securing visas for artists and conductors who are citizens of foreign countries when needed.
• Research and maintain historical archive of Society performances.
• Contract for, and manage production deadlines for commissioned works, including instrumentation, music copying and delivery; coordinate artistic vision for same.
• Ensure correct program book information.
• Plan and execute a means for evaluating all guest artists and conductors.
• Serve as a member of the Society's Artistic Leadership Search Committee.
• Identify relevant trends that may present new opportunities for the Handel and Haydn Society.
• Attend, observe, and evaluate events.
• Coordinate the creation of archival recordings; Create and maintain system for the storage of Society recordings; responsible for the production of grant tapes.
• Provide input and expertise on all media projects.
• Compose/select scripts, as needed, for narration during performances.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Superior knowledge of baroque and classical repertoire.
• Broad knowledge of period instrument performers and conductors.
• Familiarity with contemporary orchestral composers, conductors and guest artists.
• Working knowledge of contract negotiations, artist fees and technical riders.
• Proven, effective and efficient written and oral communications skills.
• Knowledge an/or experience with electronic media practices and their associated AFM agreements.
• Proven creative skills with emphasis on music programming and concert production/creation.
• Superior organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to schedule priorities to maximize efficiency and institutional goals.
• Ability to work effectively with artists, artist managers and artist management firms; as well as community leaders, volunteers, and non-symphony related constituencies.
• Superior organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to schedule priorities to maximize efficiency and institutional goals.
• Ability to work under pressure, with a wide variety of personalities, exhibit patience, understanding, and a sense of humor.
• Confidence in reaching and implementing decisions.
• Familiarity with orchestra and choral industry practices, traditions and a working knowledge of musicians collective bargaining agreement.
• Substantial computer literacy a must, including all elements of the Microsoft Office Suite.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:
Degree in music, arts administration, or related field, or equivalent professional work experience.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
At least 5-10 years experience in a similar capacity at a music or performing arts organization.

The successful candidate will have a proven track record of being able to complete multiple tasks simultaneously, demonstrable organization and attention to detail and the ability to problem solve while working under pressure with a diversity of personalities.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience.

PLEASE SEND COVER LETTER AND RESUME TO:

Marie-Hélène Bernad, Executive Director/CEO
Handel and Haydn Society
300 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

No phone calls, please.

General Manager
Omaha Symphony Orchestra (Omaha, NE)

The General Manager is responsible and accountable for all aspects of orchestra operations and planning, ensuring that the breadth of musical activities supports and furthers the artistic goals of the Omaha Symphony. S/he provides leadership and strategic direction for the operations department and builds collaborative working relationships with the Music Director, Resident Conductor, and the musicians. As a member of the senior management team, this position is key as a resource and partner supporting the initiatives of the marketing, development, accounting, and education functions within the organization. The preparation and monitoring of budgets (approximately $4M.) is a critical aspect of this position.

Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will have a minimum of five years of progressive experience in orchestra management, specifically in concert operations in a unionized environment. S/he will have an appreciation for, understanding of, and sensitivity to the needs of professional musicians, guest artists and conductors. An in-depth knowledge of orchestral repertoire, classical artists and conductors, and pops performers is essential.

Please submit a cover letter that describes interest and qualifications. Include a resume, salary history or requirements, and names of several references. All applications will be treated as confidential and references will not be contacted without the applicant's agreement. Please send materials to:

Omaha Symphony General Manager Search
c/o Catherine French Group
2500 Q Street, NW, Suite 623
Washington, DC 20007
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(Please send MS word or Adobe Acrobat attachments only)
Website: http://www.omahasymphony.org

Interested applicants may send a resume and cover letter in confidence to Jaime Bard, Chief of Staff, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Longy School of Music, One Follen Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.