Description
The Music Director and Conductor provides the artistic and musical leadership of the
ASO in fulfillment of the organization’s mission to produce concerts of artistic excellence
that are culturally and educationally meaningful and that actively engage the community.
The Music Director and Conductor:
Serves as the artistic leader and public face of the orchestra
Is responsible for the repertoire, programming, and artistic production of all ASO
performances
Shapes the orchestra’s artistic vision and maintains high performance standards
Cultivates strong relationships with musicians, audiences, donors, and
community partners
The Music Director and Conductor reports to the Board of Directors through the
President and works collaboratively with the Executive Director, Personnel Manager,
Librarian, and Programming Committee in advancing the artistic and institutional goals
of the orchestra.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The successful candidate will demonstrate artistic excellence, collaborative leadership,
and a strong commitment to community engagement.
Artistic Leadership & Musicianship
Demonstrates exemplary musicianship through mastery of conducting technique,
score study, and musical interpretation
Shapes orchestral sound, balance, phrasing, and ensemble with clarity and
intention
Leads from the podium with authority and collegiality, earning the trust and
respect of professional musicians
Artistic Collaboration
Cultivates a collaborative rehearsal environment that challenges and motivates
musicians
Encourages artistic growth and thoughtful risk-taking while maintaining high
performance standards
Articulates a clear artistic vision aligned with the orchestra’s size, resources, and
mission
Programming; Audience Engagement
In collaboration with the Programming Committee, designs imaginative programs
that honor audience expectations
Balances core repertoire with discovery, living composers, and underrepresented
voices
Communicates effectively as an advocate for orchestral music
Builds authentic connections with audiences on and off the stage
Community Presence & Leadership
Maintains a consistent in-person presence in Altoona, Pennsylvania, during
concert weeks for the organization’s seven regular-season concerts, providing
artistic leadership for rehearsals and performances and engaging with
community groups, schools, local media, donors, patrons, and key stakeholders.
Collaborates productively with the orchestra’s board, staff, and volunteers
Leads with professionalism, integrity, reliability, and clear communication
Institutional Engagement
Supports the orchestra’s long-term sustainability
Engages with donors, sponsors, and community leaders effectively
Represents the ASO as a persuasive artistic ambassador
Requirements
REQUIREMENTS:
Geographic Residence:
Candidates must reside within a 300-mile driving distance of Altoona, PA.
Applicants who do not meet this requirement will not be considered.
Education and Professional Background:
Master’s degree in conducting required
PhD, DMA, or equivalent professional experience preferred
A minimum of three to five years of experience as a music director or
assistant/associate conductor of an orchestra similar to or larger than the ASO
FINALIST EXPERIENCE
Finalists will be invited to work directly with the orchestra to demonstrate their artistic
leadership. Each finalist will:
Program the concert repertoire and conduct the Altoona Symphony Orchestra for
one performance during the 2026–2027 season, exercising independent artistic
judgment, in consultation with the search committee and coordinated with guest
soloists or artists as needed.
Present a proposed first-season plan for the orchestra, including programming
vision and approach to audience engagement
Musician feedback and observation of each finalist’s rehearsal and performance
approach will be an important component of the final selection process.
