Apply Today! Student Leadership in Senior Symphony

Dear Senior Symphony Musicians,

Thank you for choosing to participate in the Senior Symphony! You are part of a very important orchestra and a wonderful group of young people. I am writing today about leadership opportunities. Some of you have taken on these roles in the past, and you have seen first-hand how effective you are at creating the type of orchestra and the supportive environment we cultivate.

As we move into the season together, my goals include giving you the chance to get to know each other and help you create outstanding musical experiences for yourselves. From my experience studying other strong organizations, I have observed that a vital element of success is the presence of effective leadership throughout every part of the team.

In an orchestra, and for an individual player, this can mean displaying personal dedication by knowing and performing all assigned music at a high level in both rehearsals and performances. Personal preparation gives one confidence and brings an inherent charisma to your section and the ensemble. Leadership through personal preparation is the foundation of great musicianship and excellence in ensemble music. This was evident in the orchestra last season and particularly on tour in Europe in 2023 where the orchestra’s strength of character, leadership, and musicianship were truly spectacular. We’ll return to Europe next summer, and we’ll need to create the same vibrant experience.

The Senior Symphony needs those of you who are willing to give additional time and even greater effort to the orchestra. Throughout the 40 or so weeks we operate, the orchestra will benefit from strong, vocal leadership to help everyone perform at the highest level possible. This can be achieved through practicing effective communication between both the players and sections, as well as MYSO’s administrative staff, coaches, and the Music Director. I am seeking leaders to help the orchestra in this way.

Most weeks, the orchestra will meet both in sections and as a full orchestra. Section time will be the chance to work on what your own section needs. While we’ll often have coaches, this time can be student-run, too. Therefore, leaders will be needed to help communicate and coordinate each week’s musical focus provided by the Music Director and in coordination with peers. In addition, I need students who will initiate and maintain excellent, professional communication within their sections and instigate weekly progress.

The orchestra needs both musical and organizational student leadership.

A common practice in orchestras and bands is that some the very advanced musicians are provided the opportunity to lead sections as concertmasters and principals of the orchestra, and thus act as our musical leaders. These musicians are given an honor to lead their sections because of excellent musical skills, knowledge, and often years of accumulated experience, which brings added respect from their peers. Musical leadership in Senior Symphony is vital and helps everyone perform at their highest level.

In addition to musical talents, I know that some of you are excellent communicators, thinkers, and energetic organizers. The orchestra must have you! Regardless whether you are named to a principal position, are you willing to give some more to your friends, to your section, and to the experience? Are you interested in making our orchestra the most excellent, efficient, inclusive, musical, and happiest orchestra around? If so, I would like you to let me know, and apply to be a section leader.

Concertmasters/Principals, and Section Leaders (you can be both!) can add immeasurably to our success.

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 Monday, August 19. 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 26, 1:00-5:00 pm
• Tuesday, August 27, 2:00-5:00 pm
• Wednesday, August 28, 1:00-5:00 pm
• Tuesday, September 3, 3:00-4:00 pm
• (If those times don’t work, just let me know!)

Application Deadline: Next Monday, August 19.

Leadership will be announced before the Monday, September 9, rehearsal.

I am going to be out of the office for a bit, but you are welcome to write to me with your questions.

Very best to each of you and thanks for taking the time to review and consider applying to fulfill these vital positions.

Yours,

Carter Simmons

Artistic and Music Director