| Author |
Subject |
ruthann
Registered User
(3/10/01 10:25:48 am)
Reply |
New
Conductor Search
Our community orchestra needs a new
conductor, and I'm on the hook to report to the board of directors
on how the go about conducting a conductor search. Great. As
thrilled as I am with the prospect of getting a new conductor, I
confess I haven't the slightest idea of how to go about it. I hear
there are publications that one can advertise in, but I don't know
what they are. Any information would be most appreciated.
cello_suttonr@hotmail.com
|
drcello
Registered User
(3/10/01 10:30:44 am)
Reply | Edit
 |
How to
find a conductor...
Find a good cello section leader who
needs a higher salary, and hire him/her. You may find another
Ormandy, Toscannini or Barbirolli that way.
Marshall C. St. John
drcello@vei.net
Cello Heaven
|
Ginger
Van 
Registered User
(3/10/01 10:35:57 am)
Reply |
Re: New
Conductor Search
Our community Orchestra did this
about 5 years ago and may be doing it again soon! Colleges in the
area are one way to get the word out. You may not want a "fresh out
of school" conductor, but they may be able to pass the word along to
former grads as well. Professional orchestras in your area might be
a good place to look, too. They might help in getting the word out
that you are looking.
If your orchestra is not already a
member of the American Symphony Orchestra League, that is a good
organization to consider joining. We have been very pleased with
information received and connections made through them.
It's
a difficult thing, finding a new conductor. Just be sure that you
chose the best musician and personality for the job. Our last one
was a political decision and we have had some rough
times.
Ginger
|
zambocello
Registered User
(3/12/01 11:09:04 pm)
Reply |
Re: New
Conductor Search
Everyone looks good at first, no?
And beware of glowing references from other orchestras. They're just
trying to get rid of there duds!
Wasn't there once a study
which showed that chimpanzees could pick stocks as succesfully as
professional business analysts? There might be something to go on
there...... 
|
Dorie
Straus
Moderator
(3/13/01 6:27:53 am)
Reply |
Re: New
Conductor Search
Our community orchestra went through
this a couple years ago; this is what I remember. There was a search
committee with a chairperson. The position, which is part time and
not high paying, was advertised in Strad, Strings, and maybe another
periodical. The committee received hundreds (like 500, if I remember
correctly) of resumes from all over the world. That number was
narrowed down to about 60. Those people were contacted for phone
interviews. The 60 was narrowed down to about 20 for face to face
interviews. Finally on 3 consecutive rehearsal days we auditioned 6
prospective conductors. Each one had one hour; they brought music
and worked us through one movement maybe. We filled out evaluation
forms, which included questions regarding direction and personality.
I don't remember the exact questions. The committee voted using our
evalution forms and information we didn't have, like: what other
groups/activities were the people involved in - it was important
that our conductor was making a living but wasn't so busy that our
orchestra wasn't a high priority - things like that. This process
took about 10 mths.
We're in the NYC metro area so there is a
plethora of wandering conductors out there in search of an orchestra
they can shake a stick at. Our orchestra is a stepping stone, we
know that, so we chose from some ambitious well-trained people. I
have to say, though, that personality/compatability was a big factor
for us.
|
sarah
schenkman
Registered User
(3/13/01 10:46:40 am)
Reply |
Re: new
conductor search
Change can be good - lucky
you.
Last time we had auditions for assistant conductor in my
orchestra it got narrowed down to 3 finalists and there was a very
clear order of preference after rehearsing with each for 10, 15
minutes, whatever. Then the three were hired to come back and each
conduct a concert series. After a week of rehearsing and concerts
with each of them the one who started out in third place got almost
unanimous 1st place votes and was hired. It's amazing what can be
hidden for a short time and becomes obvious later.
|
MaryK
Registered
User
(3/13/01 12:07:09 pm)
Reply
 |
To
Dorie
So Dorie, after all that, are you
happy w/your conductor??
BTW, how're you and the new cello
getting along?
Cheers,
MaryK
|
Dorie
Straus
Moderator
(3/13/01 4:22:26 pm)
Reply |
Re: To
Dorie
I like our conductor. He is busy and
getting busier with other adventures. As the librarian, I might have
a bit more of a problem with his business than some other members.
But, I do like him. The cello section likes him, I can't speak for
the violins, etc.
The cello is fine - it was all spiffed-up,
new bridge, tail piece, fingerboard was planed; it's looking good,
sounding good but the day before I got it back I shot a staple into
the pad of the upper part of my left index finger. I haven't
completely healed from that momentary slip of concentration. Just a
few more days, I should be good to go.
|
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