The Walla Walla Symphony is committed to making our region a better place to live by awakening a passion for the arts in as many people as possible. As the oldest continually operating symphony orchestra west of the Mississippi, we are the only arts organization in our community providing world-class full symphonic and classical music experiences.

We strive for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as we support and promote orchestral music, artistry, and music education in our community. Symphony members are local and regional musicians, and each season we present an average of seven (7) concerts, serving 8,000-10,000 community members a year (pre-COVID). We are a team of 6 staff (3 full-time, 3 part-time) and 11-15 board members, with an annual budget of $850K. This support includes intentional funding focused on expanding our programming of and support for artists of color and from underrepresented backgrounds.

We are looking for a collaborative, engaging, and inspiring Music Director & Conductor who is committed to fulfilling the Walla Walla Symphony’s potential as an artistic and community resource. Our ideal candidate will enjoy working collaboratively with the Board, CEO, staff, and musicians to fulfill the orchestra’s mission, artistic potential, and role in the community.  The Music Director & Conductor will be expected to spend time in Walla Walla to build relationships, and be present for an average of seven (7) concerts each season.  Relocation to and residency in Walla Walla are not required.  We are committed to supporting our team with flexible work options. 

We are focused on cultivating a culture of inclusion and belonging that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe that our differences drive innovation and make us stronger. You don’t check every box listed?  Please apply anyway!  We recognize that, historically, women, LGBTQ, and applicants of color are likely to opt out of an application process if they don't meet all the desirable competencies; if this position intrigues you, we want to hear from you!

If you are:

• An:
  • Inspiring and strategic leader who is excited to lead the development and adoption of an artistic vision that the orchestra, organization, and community can embrace;
  • Experienced musician who can successfully serve as principal conductor, music director, and community arts leader;
• With:
  • Deep curiosity in music and imaginative programming that has relevance to the orchestra, the occasion, and the community;
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in motivating and eliciting the best efforts of orchestra musicians;
  • Ability to effectively and respectfully connect, communicate, build rapport and work with various constituencies, including musicians, staff, board, patrons, donors, current and potential audience members, and program participants;
  • Confidence and integrity in making decisions;
  • Demonstrated commitment to the principles of WWS’s shared vision for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in all aspects of an orchestra's operations;
  • An interest in developing a deep relationship with our community;
  • Openness to learning, growth, and professional development;
  • Ability to foster a sense of belonging;
  • A willingness to work collaboratively and an understanding that the role of Music Director operates in service to the full mission of the organization;
• Who has:
  • Musical knowledge, insight, expertise, and experience;
  • Effective time management skills and efficiency in planning for and running rehearsals;
  • A clear and artistic conducting technique;
  • Good listening skills; and
  • Demonstrated curiosity and responsibility in steering the orchestral model to be anti-racist and inclusive and welcoming to all.

Here is what we can offer:

• An annual salary in the range of $45 - $55K (commensurate with experience);
• A team of equally committed, passionate, and experienced individuals;
• Engaged, talented, and motivated musicians, Board, staff, and a committed network of volunteers and donors;
• Support for flexible schedule;
• Plenty of opportunity to put your creativity and ideas to good use;
• An organizational culture that values diversity and a sense of belonging, plays to the strengths of its members, works to advance equity and inclusion, and is tirelessly devoted to broadening its reach in our community.

What you will do:

• Leadership: Work with the CEO and Board of Directors to promote and advance the organization’s mission. Partner with the Board and CEO for long-range artistic planning.
• Artistic Planning: Collaborate with the CEO to design compelling programs and select guest artists with cultural and educational value, engage the entire community and musicians, and introduce symphonic music to current and new audiences with attention to financial considerations, community needs, inclusive innovation, and artistic goals.
• Conducting: Serve as principal conductor, music director, and community arts ambassador in charge of most rehearsals and performances for the Walla Walla Symphony. Create clear, organized, and efficient rehearsal schedules with personnel and guest artist considerations.
• Development: Support fundraising and organizational promotion.
• Community Relations & Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB): Participate in and support authentic, holistic community connections. Help foster a sense of community and belonging both on stage and off.
• Recruitment: Work with Orchestra Manager to attract and retain orchestra musicians, audition new members, and dismiss musicians if necessary.

Walla Walla Symphony’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging:

We are committed to centering relationships with our communities as we work to build connections through music. We envision creating welcoming spaces that offer a sense of belonging where all are valued regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, political affiliation, or education. 

We believe that orchestral music is more relevant and alive when it honors tradition while embracing new ideas.  We strive to work towards unraveling a history of exclusivity prevalent in classical music and we will continue our pursuit of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through learning, listening, and engaging.

We recognize that, at present, neither the musicians, the audience, the board, nor the staff of the Walla Walla Symphony fully reflect the diversity that is present in our valley. We want to transform our relevance to the diverse communities we serve.

TO APPLY:

To apply for this position, please click here.

To read the complete job description, please click here.

Please submit the following materials:

• A written or video-recorded Personal Statement of Interest (500 words or less, or 5 minutes or fewer) that addresses:
  • How your background, experiences, and interests have prepared you to become Music Director & Conductor of the Walla Walla Symphony;
  • How you see the role of an orchestra in its community;
  • How you would contribute to and elevate the Walla Walla Symphony’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB)?

• A written or video-recorded Statement of Artistic and Musical Philosophy (250 words or less, or 3 minutes or fewer);
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or résumé;
• Five (5) sample musical programs (for orchestra) you have designed (even if you have not conducted them);
• Names and contact information for three (3) professional references, including one musician and one administrative colleague (references will not be contacted without first notifying candidate);
• Three (3) video samples of your conducting, each no longer than 5 minutes:
  • One should be from a rehearsal;
  • One should be from a performance;
  • One is of your choice.

The priority deadline for application submission is February 26, 2023.

OUR SEARCH PROCESS AND FORMAT:

The Walla Walla Symphony’s Music Director Search Committee consists of 15 people: 4 board members, 4 musicians, 4 community members, CEO, independent Search Advocate (ex-officio), and secretary (ex-officio).  The full committee has participated in anti-bias training led by Jessica Schmidt of Orchestrate Inclusion.  We have engaged an independent Search Advocate who is advising the committee at every junction of the search process, to help advance inclusive excellence by identifying and supporting practices that promote open dialogue and advance diversity and social justice, while minimizing the impacts of cognitive and structural biases.  Periodic updates about the search process are made available to the public via the Symphony’s website: https://wwsymphony.org/music-director-search.

The Search Committee will begin reviewing applications after the priority deadline of February 26, 2023. Interviews will be conducted in March and April via Zoom. Finalists will be selected in late Spring of 2023 and will be invited to prepare and conduct a concert during the 2023-24 season.  The successful candidate will be selected in late Spring of 2024 and will begin their tenure with the Walla Walla Symphony at the start of the 2024-25 season.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT:

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We strive to build a diverse workplace and strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

At WWS we are proudly committed to providing an environment of respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, physical and mental disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, military and veteran status, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law or identities.

QUESTIONS:

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability or have questions about the inclusive approach of the search process, you may contact the Walla Walla Symphony’s independent Search Advocate, Margarita Banderas at maggi.banderas@gmail.com.

Please direct any other questions about this opportunity to:

• Leah Wilson-Velasco, Walla Walla Symphony CEO, (leah@wwsymphony.org)
• Richard Middleton-Kaplan, Search Committee Chair, (rkaplan001@ameritech.net)

About Walla Walla Symphony

The Walla Walla Symphony is committed to making our region a better place to live by awakening a passion for the arts in as many people as possible. With over a century’s experience training and developing countless generations of classical musicians and music lovers, we have been and continue to be a vital thread in the arts and cultural fabric of Walla Walla. As the oldest continually-operating symphony orchestra west of the Mississippi, we are the only arts organization in our community capable of providing world-class full symphonic and classical music experiences. Mission: The Walla Walla Symphony delights and challenges our community by providing live orchestral performances and opportunities for learning about music. Vision: We will cultivate a growing appreciation for symphonic music in Walla Walla by attracting enthusiastic audiences to programs of the highest artistic quality and by providing wonderful experiences and deep and rich education programs for the benefit of the Walla Walla community. We strive for inclusion, diversity, and equity as we support and promote orchestral music, artistry, and music education in our community. We bring these values into ou...r planning, dialogue, decision-making, programming, outreach, staffing, assessments, and study of emerging new practices. Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging: We are committed to centering relationships with our communities as we work to build connections through music. We envision creating welcoming spaces that offer a sense of belonging where all are valued regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, ability, economic status, political affiliation, or education. We believe that orchestral music is more relevant and alive when it honors tradition while embracing new ideas. We strive to work towards unraveling a history of exclusivity prevalent in classical music and we will continue our pursuit of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through learning, listening, and engaging. We recognize that, at present, neither the musicians, the audience, the board, nor the staff of the Walla Walla Symphony fully reflect the diversity that is present in our valley. We want to transform our relevance to the diverse communities we serve.

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