Job title:
Bloomington Symphony Orchestra Music Director

Duties and responsibilities:
The Music Director reports to the board of directors and is responsible for shaping the orchestra’s artistic vision, serving as its public face, and ensuring its continued artistic growth, including the following:

• leading 5-6 orchestral concerts per season (typically Sunday evenings with afternoon dress rehearsals), starting in August of 2026;
• leading approximately 30-35 weekly orchestra rehearsals (typically Tuesdays from 7:00–9:30 pm) to ensure a high quality of performance at each concert (see 2025-26 rehearsal and concert schedule for reference); 
• working alongside the Orchestra Recruitment and Development Committee to program season repertoire, plan concert logistics, identify musical partnerships, and recruit and maintain musicians;
• developing new and ongoing community collaborations and partnerships;
• publicizing the orchestra through press interviews and public appearances;
• working with the Marketing and Communication Committee to promote the orchestra and its programming to the general public;
• coordinating their efforts with those of other staff, volunteers, and committees to ensure that all aspects of the performance proceed as planned;
• and presenting status reports to the Board of Directors.

Our ideal candidate demonstrates: 

• excellent conducting skills;
• knowledge of a diverse orchestral repertoire;
• understanding of the needs of a community orchestra;
• the ability to collaborate with musicians from a variety of backgrounds;
• and enthusiasm, energy, and a true commitment to our organization.

Compensation: 
$18,000–$21,000 annually

Application procedure:
Applicants are asked to submit a CV or resume, cover letter, 1-3 references, and 3-5 links to videos of their conducting to the Music Director Search Committee using this online application form. Applications must be received by January 31, 2026.  Questions should be directed to hr@bloomingtonsymphony.com

About the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra:
The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra (BSO) promotes a lifelong appreciation of music through the performance of the orchestral repertoire and outreach to the community in Bloomington and south-central Indiana. Founded in 1969, the BSO is an orchestra comprising volunteer musicians of various backgrounds who perform approximately five full orchestra and two chamber concerts each season. The BSO has a strong commitment to programming a wide range of both traditional classical repertoire and lesser-known works from the whole range of orchestral history, with a special focus on underrepresented composers. For more information about the organization, visit www.bloomingtonsymphony.com.