Description:

The School of Music in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University seeks a dynamic leader to serve as Director of Orchestras. This is a full-time tenure-track appointment at the assistant/associate professor level, depending on experience, beginning fall 2024. This position will be located on the ASU Tempe campus.

The Director of Orchestras will strengthen the broader vision of the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, which is:  To create an environment that enriches and enlivens the role of music in our society. The successful candidate will provide leadership for the ASU orchestral program that will shape the future direction of the program and increase the already national and international reputation of the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre. Leadership for the program includes collaborative development of new initiatives within and beyond the School of Music, Dance and Theatre and working with students to reexamine and reimagine the role of the symphony orchestra in the 21^st century. The successful candidate will: 

• conduct on-campus rehearsals and concerts for the orchestra program;
• connect in meaningful ways with public school educators and ensembles;
• serve as a teacher and mentor for aspiring conductors at the graduate level;
• oversee the orchestra program budget and other administrative responsibilities; 
• initiate purposeful collaboration with faculty colleagues, the larger university community and regional professional arts organizations; 
• pursue creative activity and/or research that meets the highest levels of achievement.

Further responsibilities will include assisting in recruiting students regionally, nationally and internationally; teaching graduate conducting seminars in conjunction with the instrumental conducting faculty and other courses depending upon the candidate’s interests and experience; mentoring and assisting students as they pursue their professional goals; serving on graduate student committees; and working effectively with the administration in service of the mission of the ASU School of Music, Dance and Theatre.

About ASU

Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses positively impacting the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. In 2022, ASU was named a Hispanic-Serving Institution and in 2023, ASU joined the prestigious Association of American Universities. ASU is deeply committed to advancing in innovative ways while sustaining a welcoming, supportive, and empowering environment for all members of our community.

About the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts

The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, the largest comprehensive design and arts school in the country, is located within a dynamic research university focused on transformative change. Built on a unique combination of disciplines, the Herberger Institute comprises the Schools of Art; Arts, Media and Engineering; Music, Dance and Theatre; ASU FIDM; The Design School; and The Sidney Poitier New American Film School, and the ASU Art Museum. The Herberger Institute is committed to developing and scaling ideas that strengthen the role of designers and artists across all areas of society and culture, and increasing the capacity of artists and designers to make a difference in their communities. For more information on the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, visit herbergerinstitute.asu.edu.

About the School of Music, Dance and Theatre
The School of Music, Dance and Theatre in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University is widely recognized for preparing artists, scholars, visionaries and entrepreneurs to become creative leaders who transform society through their art. Our internationally recognized faculty artists, scholars and guest artists are motivating and compassionate mentors who work with students to cultivate excellence and personal growth. Our nationally recognized programs feature a comprehensive range of degrees plus minors and certificates and more than 600 concerts, events, performances, productions and recitals each year. Located in the culturally rich Southwest in one of the most vibrant, expanding urban centers, our programs afford students access to a diverse environment and engagement in Phoenix’s flourishing arts community. Above all, we value the creativity, personal experience and voice each student brings to the school. For more information on the School of Music, Dance and Theatre, visit musicdancetheatre.asu.edu.  

Desired Qualifications:

Candidates should provide evidence of demonstrated ability in one or more of these areas:

• Teaching undergraduate- and graduate-level university students;
• Interdisciplinary creative activity within and outside of the arts;
• Multidisciplinary performances and creative programming;
• Developing curriculum and pedagogy in orchestral repertoire and conducting;
• Attracting resources, including research funding grants or other sources of support;
• Teaching or interacting with secondary school music programs; and/or
• Recruitment and retention of exceptional students.

Application Deadline:

The application deadline is November 8, 2023. Applications will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis for a reserve pool.  Applications in the reserve pool may then be reviewed in the order in which they were received until the position is filled.

Instructions to Apply:

Please submit the following materials as separate items:

1. Letter of interest addressing how the candidate uniquely meets the qualifications for the position, in particular: work experience, creative activity (i.e. performance) and/or research, collaboration and innovative teaching.
2. Curriculum vitae.
3. A one-page teaching philosophy statement.
4. Recent (no more than 6 years old) unedited rehearsal segment videos, encompassing contrasting musical styles, and totaling 15-20 minutes.
5. Names and contact information for three references.

All applications must be submitted electronically via http://apply.interfolio.com/130896.