Position: Music Director

Reports to: Executive Director

The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA) is seeking an experienced Conductor to serve as its next Music Director. This role is responsible for leading the artistic vision of SoNA with thoughtful and engaging programming, and exceptional conducting of rehearsals and performances. The Music Director will oversee all artistic endeavors of the orchestra and will provide artistic guidance for the SoNA Beyond community outreach series as well as support for SoNA’s education initiatives. Leading with passion, enthusiasm, innovation and a clear commitment to engage the broader community is key.

Position Overview:

The Music Director of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas will be responsible for the roles of Conductor and Artistic Director, with additional duties for Community Outreach.

Essential Job Duties & Responsibilities:

Conductor

In the role of Conductor, the Music Director will:
·      Conduct all orchestra performances in the mainstage series.
·      Lead and conduct orchestra rehearsals with the highest artistic standards possible, with special attention to efficiency and timekeeping.
·      Create rehearsal orders for all scheduled rehearsal services in collaboration with Music Librarian & Personnel Manager
·      Supervise and contribute to the artistic development of the Assistant Conductor

Artistic Director

In the role of Artistic Director, the Music Director will:
·      Provide artistic vision and guidance for the future of SoNA
·      Lead the programming and vision of the SoNA Beyond series
·      Design programs and select guest artists for all orchestral performances in collaboration with the Artistic Advisory Committee
      and the Executive Director
·      Adjudicate auditions for open orchestra seats

Community Outreach

In fulfillment of Community Outreach duties, the Music Director will:
·      Participate in promotional and public relations activities (radio interviews, TV appearances, etc)
·      Meet with support organizations, as well as community, civic, and student groups
·      Lead and participate in pre-concert lectures
·      Participate in SoNA’s educational outreach initiatives as needed by the Education Director
·      Assist with promotional strategy meetings with SoNA’s marketing partner Doxa/Vantage
·      Participate in fundraising activities, including meetings with donors and sponsors

Requirements: 

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in conducting and artistic leadership in a professional orchestra setting. The ideal candidate will possess outstanding musicianship and conducting skills, a thorough knowledge of orchestral repertoire in both the classical and popular genres, soloists, and standard protocols in the live music industry. The successful candidate must possess excellent public speaking abilities and charisma both on and off the podium. Because community connection and engagement is a priority for SoNA, a willingness to establish a residence in the Fayetteville area is preferred. SoNA offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Applications:

Interested applicants must submit:
·      A resume/CV
·      A letter of interest
·      2 to 4 sample programs conducted
·      Names and phone number of 3 professional references

 Submit materials by December 2, 2024, to: info@sonamusic.org

 Please do not submit video materials or links at this time.

About SoNA:

The Symphony of Northwest Arkansas (SoNA), formerly North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra (NASO), is a 501(c)(3) located in Fayetteville, AR. Founded in 1954, SoNA has grown to become a cultural touchstone in Northwest Arkansas with an annual season of five mainstage programs (three classical and two pops) at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, as well as special performances at other regional venues like the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP) in Rogers and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville.

SoNA’s community outreach efforts are centered around the SoNA Beyond concert series. Through SoNA Beyond, the symphony goes beyond the mainstage with creative and inclusive concert experiences that reach the entire region. For these performances, SoNA takes chamber ensembles into the shared spaces of Northwest Arkansas for performances designed to be accessible and welcoming for all members of the community.

SoNA is also committed to fostering future generations of musicians and listeners through education outreach programs. These programs include the in-school SoNA Mentors program, family and youth-focused performances, and free concert tickets for kids under 18 years of age.

About Northwest Arkansas:

Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Northwest Arkansas (NWA) is a metropolitan area with a population of nearly 600,000 residents, with an expected population of 1 million residents by 2050. The NWA region consists of four of the state’s ten largest cities: Fayetteville; Springdale; Rogers; and Bentonville; as well as the surrounding towns of Washington and Benton counties.

The fastest growing region in the state, NWA has seen incredible growth over the past three decades due to the presence of three Fortune 500 companies headquartered in the region: Walmart, Tyson Foods, and JB Hunt Transport Services. NWA has also seen significant investment in local amenities, including the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, the Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion (AMP) in Rogers, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary contemporary art space in Bentonville, and the Razorback Regional Greenway national recreation trail. Fayetteville is also home to the University of Arkansas, the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas system.