Artistic Director Position Opening
THE POSITION
The Artistic Director holds a part-time position, conducting at least three concerts per season and coordinating 2-4 small ensemble performances per year. The Director collaborates with the Executive Director and Board to program the season, select the musicians, rehearse the orchestra, and conduct the concerts. The Director assists with public relations for the Orchestra and is available for donor engagement, therefore the Director is expected to live within a 50-mile radius of Lawrence. The new Director will plan and lead the 2027-28 season.
Specific job duties include:
· Conducting all concerts (currently 3 full ensemble season performances)
· Coordinating 2-4 chamber music concerts per season
· Conducting rehearsals for each concert
· Appointing and managing Orchestra Manager, Orchestra Librarian, and Concertmaster
· Working with the Executive Director to select concert, rehearsal, and audition dates.
· Planning repertoire for the season; considering the advice of Board members interested in guest artists
· Assisting with the preparation of program and brochure information
· Conducting auditions, selecting personnel, and making chair assignments within the guidelines of the audition policy
· Selecting guest artists
· Making recommendations to the Orchestra Manager for hiring import musicians
· Collaborating with the Orchestra Librarian on the acquisition and distribution of music
· Providing information for publicity and marketing needs
· Assisting with corporate funding solicitations and other fund-raising events
· Presenting pre-concert talks when appropriate
· Working with the Executive Director to formulate budgets
· Providing a musical vision for the continued growth of the orchestra
· Participating in community events to promote the ensemble
CANDIDATE PROFILE
· Significant orchestral conducting experience
· Proven artistic leadership and programming creativity
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills
· Ability to collaborate effectively with administrative leadership, musicians, and staff
· Desire to be an active, visible member of the Lawrence community
· Commitment to education, audience engagement, and artistic excellence
COMPENSATION: $3000 quarterly
THE ORCHESTRA AND OUR COMMUNITY
The Lawrence Community Orchestra is a catalyst to elevate the cultural and artistic scene in Lawrence. We seek to provide a dynamic experience where people of diverse backgrounds celebrate and appreciate music together, building pride in our community.
The musicians are selected from university music departments in our area and community members who audition. In our 50+ years of existence the group has performed in a variety of venues under the direction of dedicated conductors and collaborated with several area groups, including the Lawrence Civic Choir, Lawrence Children’s Choir, choirs from Lawrence High School and Free State High School, Lawrence Women’s Chorus, Lawrence Arts Center Dance Studio, the University of Kansas School of Fine Arts, Ottawa Suzuki Strings, and the St. Joseph (Missouri) Community Chorus.
Recently the Orchestra has commissioned works by Dr. Alyssa Morris in 2025 and 2026, performed Brahms’ Requiem with the Lawrence Civic Choir, and collaborated with singer/songwriter Heidi Gluck.
Over the years, the Lawrence Community Orchestra has received operational funds from the Kansas Arts Commission and has been listed on the Kansas Arts on Tour roster. Funding has also been provided by the Lawrence Community Orchestra Endowment, the National Endowment for the Arts, Kansas Arts Commission, Douglas County Community Foundation, the City of Lawrence, corporate and individual contributions, ticket sales, and benefit events.
Lawrence, Kansas has a population of 98,000 and is home to the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. It has a dynamic history dating back to the Civil War Era. There is a vibrant arts scene featuring live music, visual arts, dance, and theater.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Applicants should submit:
· Cover letter
· Resume/CV
· Links to recent conducting videos that demonstrate both your rehearsal and performance technique, communication with musicians, and musical results
· Names and contact information for three professional references
Semi-finalists will have a video interview in 2026.
Finalists will conduct a rehearsal of the orchestra and have an in-person interview in fall/winter 2026-27.
Applications will be reviewed as received and accepted until the position is filled.
Send materials or questions to:
Alison Watkins, Executive Director