Music Director / Conductor

Music Director / Conductor – Plymouth Concert Band

Position Overview
The Music Director serves as the artistic and musical leader of the ensemble, responsible for shaping the band’s artistic vision, elevating musical excellence, and fostering a positive, inclusive, and engaging experience for adult volunteer musicians. This role combines technical skills, artistic leadership, musician development, community engagement, and collaboration with the Board of Directors to ensure the continued growth, visibility, and impact of the band.

The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of concert band repertoire, strong rehearsal and conducting skills, and the ability to inspire musicians while building community through music. The Music Director also plays a key role in supporting the band’s culture of social connection.

Key Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership
• Plan, program, and conduct high quality concerts that are engaging for both performers and audiences.
• Select and program repertoire across diverse styles, genres, and difficulty levels, using the available budget and resources (PCB Library, local institution libraries, etc.) to ensure variety, appropriate challenge, and strong audience appeal.
• Interpret musical scores with clarity and intention, guiding tempo, phrasing, balance, and expression to honor the composer’s intent.
• Maintain high artistic standards while creating an environment that supports growth, camaraderie, and enjoyment.
Rehearsal Direction
• Prepare scores and lead weekly rehearsals that are well organized and enjoyable.
• Manage rehearsals that optimize musical progress and use time effectively.
• Provide constructive feedback to improve musicianship and ensemble cohesion.
• Work effectively with all sections, demonstrating strong knowledge of instrument capabilities, ensemble balance, and high performance standards.
Partnership
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors on concert planning and production, season programming, potential guest artists, and other organizational needs.
• Attend board meetings as an advisory-only member and communicate proactively about band needs, schedules, and artistic considerations.
• Manage the Music Director budget in accordance with financial guidelines set by the Board of Directors; communicate proactively regarding budget matters.
• Collaborate with Section Leaders to guide musical standards and performance, including partnering on musician development, section needs, and auditions.
• Work with librarians to ensure timely preparation and distribution of music.
Organization Leadership
• Participate in recruitment strategies to attract and retain musician members.
• Assist with contingency planning for schedule changes or operational needs.
• Contribute to marketing, outreach, and fundraising efforts, as appropriate.
• Engage with community stakeholders to build partnerships and strengthen the band’s presence.
• Support the band’s dual purpose as a place of musical expression and meaningful connection.

Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Conducting, Music Education, or related field
• Minimum 3 years of conducting experience with large ensembles; experience with adult community bands strongly preferred
• Proven rehearsal and conducting skills, with the ability to coach musicians with varied abilities and hold the ensemble to strong musical standards
• Comprehensive knowledge of concert band repertoire, including both classic and contemporary works
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; ability to connect with people of different backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to foster a positive, inclusive, respectful environment for adult volunteer musicians
• Ability to collaborate, build consensus, and work effectively with Section Leaders and Board members
• Commitment to ongoing musical growth, both personal and ensemble wide
• Experience collaborating with community organizations, volunteers, or nonprofit boards preferred but not required

Candidate Attributes
• Person centered, empathetic, and respectful
• Appreciates the culture, dynamics, and needs of adult community ensemble
• Organized, prepared, dependable, and committed
• Creative vision in programming for audience engagement
• Skilled at balancing musical excellence with enjoyable member experiences
• Comfortable serving as the public face of the ensemble
• Approaches leadership with humility, humanity, and a collaborative spirit

Statement of Inclusion
The Plymouth Concert Band is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment where musicians of all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and supported. We believe inclusion and diversity strengthens our community and enriches our music, and we seek leaders who uphold these principles.

Compensation and Benefits Information
Compensation for the Music Director positions is expected to total between $5,000-7,000 annually, paid on a monthly basis and aligned to the rehearsal and concert schedule.

Independent contractors with the Plymouth Concert Band are responsible for managing their own income taxes and are not eligible to receive group health and welfare benefits through the organization.

How to Apply
To be considered as a candidate for the Music Director role with Plymouth Concert Band, please apply through our website: https://www.plymouthconcertband.org/directorsearch (copy and paste into browser)

Using the website address above, please submit the following:
• Current Resume / CV
• Cover letter that includes:
o Your personal statement of interest in the Music Director role with Plymouth Concert Band.
o Qualifications that will present you as a top candidate for this role.
o Unique qualities and traits that may differentiate you from other candidates.
o Ideas for how you envision growing the PCB as a musician-focused, community-integrated organization.