The Reno Jazz Orchestra (RJO) is seeking an accomplished musician with diverse musical tastes to serve as Music Director/Conductor. The ideal candidate will have a track record of leading and building jazz programs, as well as experience working with youth in a musical context. We are looking for an inspiring leader who can build relationships with the members of the orchestra and throughout the community.
This part-time position reports to the board of directors and supervises the personnel manager and the Orchestra's musicians. Applications are open until filled, with priority given to those who submit by August 15, 2023.
Our Vision: The RJO inspires, connects, and unites the community of northern Nevada and the region through locally produced professional jazz orchestra concerts and education programs.
Our Mission: To build a greater appreciation of jazz in Northern Nevada by providing outstanding jazz orchestra concerts, promoting the artistry of Reno Jazz Orchestra musicians through a variety of performance opportunities, and by providing jazz education programs.
The Reno Jazz Orchestra is a 17-piece contemporary big band based in Northern Nevada. The band was formed in 1997 by musicians who performed with acts such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Natalie Cole in the casino showroom orchestras. Currently, the band is comprised of highly skilled veteran musicians as well as graduates from UNR's jazz program, and has recently featured such guest artists as Kurt Elling, Patti Austin, Ernie Watts, and Dianne Schuur. The RJO has recorded five albums with a sixth to be released later this year. The RJO typically presents approximately six stand-alone concerts each year and is engaged to perform for other organizations for a similar number of concerts. In addition to performances by the Jazz Orchestra in Reno and at Lake Tahoe, the RJO manages extensive education programs including the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra, the "Jazz in the Schools" event, jazz mentors and private lessons. Following a stellar 27 years, founding Executive and Music Director Charles "Chuck" Reider has decided it is time to step down from his position. The Board has hired Tim Young to serve as Executive Director and is now seeking to fill the Music Director/Conductor role.
The Music Director/Conductor of the RJO is responsible for all aspects of the Artistic Affairs of the RJO and its performance programs and is engaged with the education program. It is envisaged that for greatest effectiveness the RJO Music Director would reside in Reno, NV. However, the search committee is open to candidates living elsewhere who could commit to travel to northern Nevada to perform the roles and responsibilities described below.
The Reno Jazz Orchestra Music Director and Conductor will be an accomplished musician with diverse musical tastes. They will have the ability to build relationships with the members of the orchestra as well as throughout the community. They will either have already established a presence in northern Nevada or be willing to invest time to do so. They will be organized and effective communicators. Overall, they will be able to inspire the jazz community with strong and visionary leadership.
The successful candidate will have a track record of Jazz Orchestra conducting experience, and of building jazz programs. They will also have experience in working with youth, in either an academic institution or through educational programs. A mastery of at least one instrument, and skills in composition or arrangement would be appreciated.
The starting salary for this part-time position will be between $10,000 and $30,000 commensurate with the extent of involvement with RJO community development and education programs, especially the Reno Youth Jazz Orchestra.
The RJO is committed to a diverse and inclusive working environment. The RJO is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, protected veteran status, age, gender, gender identity, or other legally protected status. Please email cover letter describing qualifications, resume, and three references to RJO Music Director Search Committee at tim.young@renojazzorchestra.org . No phone calls please.
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