Orchestra Librarian

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Reports to: Artistic Director
Department: Orchestra Production
Status: Full-time; Exempt
Job Summary:

The Orchestra Librarian, reporting to the Artistic Director, is a key member of the orchestra operations staff and is responsible for the preparation and distribution of music and scores for all large ensembles (including the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, and Ensemble 20/21), repertoire and conducting classes, conducting labs and auditions, orchestral sectionals, and family concert ensembles. The Orchestra Librarian also fulfills all music related requests from performance faculty, fulfills acquisition and rental needs for the season, manages licensing requirements, and liaises with Rock Resource Center staff regarding chamber music purchases and rentals. Working closely with the Artistic Director and Orchestra Manager, the Orchestra Librarian also participates in staff rehearsal duty, communicates with guest conductors regarding score and bowing requests, and communicates with students as needed. The Orchestra Librarian also participates in the preparation of parts and scores for Curtis student composers.

 

Essential Functions

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Oversee the acquisition of all orchestra parts and scores for each season, including repertoire for the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, Opera Orchestra, Ensemble 20/21, family concert ensembles, repertoire and conducting classes, conducting labs and auditions, orchestral sectionals, and other chamber ensembles as needed.
  • Prepare and distribute all orchestra parts for Curtis performing ensembles in a timely fashion as follows:

— Curtis Symphony Orchestra – working closely with the Artistic Director, consult with guest conductors and soloists on preferred editions and bowings; prepare practice parts for students; prepare additional scores and parts as needed.

— Curtis Opera Orchestra – liaise with opera department regarding preferred editions and cuts/key changes, bow and mark parts as needed, prepare practice parts for students.

— Orchestra Repertoire and Conducting Classes – consult with Orchestra Manager and performance faculty on weekly repertoire, acquire parts as needed, prepare and distribute parts to students.

— Orchestral Sectionals – consult with Orchestra Manager and guest conductors/faculty to prepare materials for string and wind/brass/percussion sectionals throughout the year.

  • Work with the Orchestra Manager to prepare a complete list of instrumentation requirements based on rosters for performance activities including concert cycles, repertoire classes, and conducting labs.
  • Curate the maintenance of on-site and off-site orchestral repertoire collection, including tracking performance history and updating inventory as needed (noting editions and bowings in stock).
  • Fulfill all orchestra music related requests from performance faculty and students, including preparing audition and excerpt packets, and parts for individual performance or practice.
  • Manage communication with publishers related to orchestra performance history, all orchestra licensing needs (including mechanical, live stream, synchronization, etc.), and ensure adherence to all copyright laws.
  • Train and supervise a crew of student workers who assist with bowings, part and score preparation, and administrative tasks.
  • Prepare the annual orchestra library budget, under the supervision of the Artistic Director and Senior Director of Concert Production and Artistic Operations.
  • Participate in orchestra staff rehearsal and performance duty and assist with orchestra production elements as needed, including music distribution at orchestral events such as rehearsals, repertoire classes, and concerts, set-up and tear-down of the rehearsal hall, and load-in and load-out at venues.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate would possess:
  • Bachelor’s degree in music performance, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
  • Minimum of three years professional experience as an orchestra librarian at the conservatory or professional orchestra level. Experience as an orchestra musician preferred.
  • Significant knowledge of orchestral repertoire; ability to read, understand, and transpose a full orchestra score; and ability to translate foreign language musical terms.
  • Ability to copy orchestra parts cleanly and legibly using manuscript paper and/or music notation software.
  • Extensive knowledge of copyright laws, and experience working with publishers related to licensing needs.
  • Knowledge of and experience working with binding and photocopying equipment.
  • Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, take initiative, and exercise good judgement, while maintaining the ability to successfully work in a team environment.
  • Knowledge of OPAS highly preferred, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office products required.
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with students, staff, faculty, conductors, and guest artists in a professional, confidential, timely, and tactful manner.
Candidates should have a strong orientation toward:
  • Maintaining a collaborative mindset in a small but high achieving organization
  • Improving upon personal and institutional practices to make Curtis ever more diverse, equitable, and inclusive
  • Administrative excellence that matches the excellence of the Curtis student body

Required Core Values:

The ideal candidate must exhibit:
  • a positive, “can-do” attitude
  • devotion and dedication to Curtis, its students, alumni, and parents
  • passion for their work, and contribution to the field and greater good
  • commitment and accountability for their work, and their ability to affect change
  • desire and willingness to collaborate, think creatively, and make data-driven decisions
  • respect, courtesy, and patience for colleagues, other staff, faculty, patrons, core constituents, and volunteers
  • an eagerness to make Curtis a more diverse and inclusive institution

Working Conditions/Physical Demands:

  • Ability to work flexible hours, including late nights and long weekend hours during rehearsals and performances.
  • Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally.
  • Ability to lift 25 pounds regularly.

To Apply:

For best consideration, interested and qualified applicants should electronically submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and salary requirements to: human.resources@curtis.edu. Position will remain open until filled. Curtis offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and an attractive benefits package. Hire is contingent upon the successful passing of PA Act 153 and criminal (ADP) background screenings. No phone calls, please. EOE. URL: http://www.curtis.edu

  • To Apply

    For best consideration, interested and qualified applicants should electronically submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and salary requirements to: human.resources@curtis.edu. Position will remain open until filled.

    Curtis offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and an attractive benefits package. Hire is contingent upon the successful passing of PA Act 153 and criminal (ADP) background screenings. No phone calls, please. EOE.

  • Submit Application