President's Message January 10- Search Process Part 1. Click here to read it in a separate browser.
President's Message January 17- Search Process Part 2. Click here to read it in a separate browser.

President's Message View this email in your browser Hello and Happy New Year, Sinfonietta supporters,   As you know, the Sinfonietta is currently conducting a search for a new music director/conductor.  Three guest conductors are responsible for programming and conducting the three concerts of our 2016-2017 season. Each is a candidate for the music director/conductor position.   How will the board of trustees make its choice?  What are the desirable characteristics of a music director/conductor?   What's in a search?  Part One First, our audience of supporters will play an essential role in our decision.  I will be writing several letters informing you of the process and how our final decision will be made. So we will start at the beginning…   What does a music director/conductor actually do? The "music director" plans and executes each season of performances - what will be performed, who will perform it, how much it will cost. He works within guidelines (musical, budgetary and timeline) provided by the Board. He is the overall "visionary" for the orchestra. He will provide leadership and ideas for grant support, soloists, performance themes. The "conductor" part of it is doing the actual conducting of a performance and the essential rehearsals of the orchestra prior to performance.   Audiences expect to hear great music produced by the musicians who appear to be following the directions of the conductor.   What we usually cannot tell is whether a performance is a result of well-managed rehearsals or last minute planning/hope-for-the-best performances. We must rely on the orchestra musicians to inform us of their experience with each conductor. To include them in the equation and ultimate decision, we are providing them with evaluation forms for that purpose.   What about podium "presence."   Although in the past we have become accustomed to hearing commentary from the conductor about each of the pieces being performed at a concert, in most concert halls around the world this is not the practice.  Instead, program notes provide information about the music.  It is each guest conductor's choice about whether to talk to the audience, or not.  The conductor's podium presence is his demeanor on the podium.  It is his physical gestures and baton technique in service to the music and the musicians. It is helping the audience see the entrances of the instruments, the shaping of musical phrases, and making sure the musicians know where the ever-present beat is, so that they are sure of the rhythms they must play.  Some conductors move around a lot (recall Leonard Bernstein); others are more staid. Let us know your thoughts as you view each conductor on stage. It is important that we all understand what “podium presence” actually means in the evaluations.   What about the music on the program?  Who chooses it?   Each guest conductor has chosen the music and the program order for his concert. EXCEPT, the concertmaster chose his own solo piece for the November program and the emerging artist (previously selected) has chosen his solo concerto for the April program.  Music directors generally have the responsibility of selecting all the music and the soloists for their programs. They take into account which instruments and how many players are needed for each work; they research music prices, availability and cost or licensing of each piece of music. They vet prospective soloists. All within a board-established timeline and budget. Let us know if you liked their music choices.   In Part 2 we'll explore other parts of the music director/conductor job. As we did with our November concert, you'll have a chance to voice your opinions of our second conductor at our upcoming Winter Serenade concert on February 12.   With every good wish for the New Year,   Marion Maby President, Board of Trustees Copyright © *2017 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

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President's Message View this email in your browser Hello Sinfonietta supporters,   As you know, the Sinfonietta is currently conducting a search for a new music director/conductor.  Three guest conductors are responsible for programming and conducting the three concerts of our 2016-2017 season. Each is a candidate for the music director/conductor position.   How will the board of trustees make its choice?  What are the desirable characteristics of a music director/conductor?   What's in a search?  Part Two Our audience will play an essential role in our decision.  This is the second letter I have written to inform you of the process and how our final decision will be made. So we will pick up where we left off in Part One… As you may have gathered from What's in a Search, Part 1, gaining the respect and trust of the orchestra musicians is the primary responsibility for a prospective music director/conductor.  That is why the input of the VVS musicians will be heavily weighted when the search committee makes its recommendation to the full board of trustees.  From the musicians we ask for ratings and comments about a conductor's knowledge of the score (all the orchestral parts), instrumental techniques, ensemble issues and solutions. We ask about conducting technique, musicianship (musical insight, phrasing, tempi), rapport with the musicians and pacing/planning of rehearsals. We look for signs that our musicians are inspired to play their best and eager to work again with a conductor.   Another important aspect of the music director's job is working behind the scenes collaboratively with an orchestra's staff, and with the board of trustees.  The board establishes and oversees policies, timelines and budgets within which a music director works.  Publicity in all types of media, essential to attracting audiences, operates on deadlines that a music director must be able to meet.  A music director also works with ancillary staff - librarian, personnel manager, stage manager  - making sure that musicians are hired, music is delivered and the stage is set up. It is a constant communication process among board, staff (including the music director) and orchestra that, when it works smoothly, can produce satisfying musical results, audience turnout and support.  Because a music director should become a leader for the organization, it is fair to conclude that "plays well with others" is a very necessary characteristic for the person who hopes to achieve that desired leadership role.   Come to our February 12 Winter Serenade concert, and voice your opinions of our second guest conductor in the survey form we'll hand out at intermission.   If you are an attendee of all three VVS concerts this season, we'll have a special survey for your use at the April 2nd concert.   Thanks for your help!   With every good wish for the New Year, Marion Maby President, Board of Trustees Copyright © *2017 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

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