Dear Senior Symphony Musicians,
I hope that wherever this finds you that you are enjoying your well-deserved summertime. I am super proud of you! Ms. Edelstein, MYSO CEO and I are getting ready to fly to Seoul on Sunday. I am both excited and a little nervous since I have never been there before! We will be meeting many people and traveling throughout the country to visit concert halls and destinations to help set up the orchestra’s concert tour next summer. I hope you will be in the orchestra!
Thank you for choosing to participate in the Senior Symphony where student voice and leadership play a major role in shaping our orchestra each season. Many of you have served in leadership roles before and returning members have seen firsthand how powerfully student voice contributes to the excellence and caring environment we all value.
As we begin the new season together, my primary goals are to help you build strong relationships with one another and create outstanding musical experiences. I have long observed that engaged leadership throughout the orchestra is essential to our success.
This begins with personal dedication: knowing and performing all assigned music at a high level in both rehearsals and performances. Thorough preparation builds confidence, brings natural charisma to your section and the ensemble, and forms the foundation of great musicianship. It is the reason Senior Symphony consistently achieves exceptional performances in a supportive, happy environment.
The Senior Symphony needs members willing to invest additional time and effort as leaders. Over our 40-week season, strong, vocal leadership will help every musician perform at their highest level. This includes clear communication among players, sections, coaches, administrative staff, and with me, your devoted Music Director.
Most weeks, we will rehearse in sectionals and as a full orchestra. Sectionals offer focused time to address your section’s specific needs—often with a coach, and sometimes student-led. I am looking for leaders who will communicate the weekly musical priorities, coordinate effectively with peers, maintain excellent professional communication within their sections, and drive consistent progress toward excellence.
We need both musical and organizational leadership. A handful of musicians will have the opportunity to serve as concertmasters and section principals. These roles honor outstanding musical skill, knowledge, and experience, and they provide vital musical direction that elevates the entire ensemble.
At the same time, I know many of you are gifted communicators, thoughtful organizers, and energetic team players. Whether or not you hold a principal position, I invite you to give a bit more to your friends, your section, and our shared ensemble experience.
If you are interested in helping make the Senior Symphony the most excellent, efficient, inclusive, musical, and happiest orchestra it can be, please let me know. I warmly encourage you to apply to be part of the Senior Symphony Leadership Team.
In addition, some of you may be interested in a more focused leadership development opportunity we have been creating. I am pleased to introduce the new Anthony J. Petullo Leadership Fellows Program, designed specifically for Senior Symphony members. This new program combines leadership training, mentorship, real-world experiences, and meaningful involvement both within music and beyond.
Please keep an eye out for more information coming your way very soon. If selected, Senior Symphony musicians are certainly eligible to participate as both Section Leaders and Petullo Fellows.
With gratitude and excitement for the season ahead,
Carter Simmons, Music Director
Roles: Senior Symphony Concertmaster, Principal, Section Leader
Purpose: to provide musical leadership in your section and through weekly organization and communication with all section members and Senior Symphony staff.
Reports to: Music Director
How to Apply: Write a brief letter of interest and send it to me via email at cartersimmons@myso.org by Wednesday, July 29. We’ll use this letter during a short interview and conversation. There is no additional audition required for these roles. No experience is necessary, but some could help, of course.
In your letter include answers to the following:
- Why are you interested in serving as a Concertmaster, Principal, or Section Leader?
- What musical experiences have you had which might contribute to your success in a leadership role?
- What experience have you had organizing projects/communicating with teams?
- How do you think this role will benefit you and the orchestra?
- Anything else you would like to add.
Please include a block of times you are available to meet with me for an interview on:
- Monday, August 24, 1:00-4:00 pm
- Tuesday, August 25, 2:00-5:00 pm
- Wednesday, August 26, 2:00-4:30 pm
- Thursday, August 27, 1:00-3:00 pm
- Tuesday, September 1, 3:00-4:00 pm
- (If those times don’t work, just let me know!)
Application Deadline: Wednesday, July 29.
I am going to be out of the office for a bit, but you are welcome to write to me with your questions.
Again, very best to each of you and thanks for taking the time to review and consider applying to fulfill these vital positions.
Warm regards,
Carter
