Music to Change Lives

el Sistema Program Director

el sistema: A visionary global movement that transforms the lives of children through music. A new model for social change.

Fall 2011
Waterbury, CT  

Position Announcement
            El Sistema Program Director  (Working name “Bravo Waterbury”)
            Waterbury Symphony Orchestra
            Waterbury, Connecticut
The Waterbury Symphony Orchestra welcomes applications for the position of Bravo Waterbury Program Director, available in the fall of 2011.  This is a unique opportunity to launch a program changing the lives of inner city youth through music.

Currently in the planning stages, Bravo Waterbury is patterned on Venezuela’s revolutionary national system.  It is founded by individuals who believe in the power of music to dramatically change the life trajectory of Waterbury’s youth.

El Sistema’s approach to music education emphasizes intensive ensemble participation from the earliest stages, group learning, peer teaching and a commitment to keeping the joy and fun of musical learning and music making ever-present.  The backbone of El Sistema training is preparation for participation in orchestral ensembles, which are the soul of the “nucleo” community and culture.  Of equal importance are choral singing and various other ensembles, which adapt well to a diversity of musical genres and origins.  Emphasis is placed on creating a community that supports one another, producing graduates with a sense of capability, endurance and resilience — owning a confidence about taking on the challenges in their lives.  See
www.elsistemausa.com

The Orchestra
www.waterburysymphony.org
Founded in 1938, the Waterbury Symphony Orchestra, (WSO), promotes the performance of live music as an essential element in bringing people and communities together through a shared personal experience.  Programming is comprised of educational residencies and concerts, classical and pops concerts, and workshops.  Audiences are drawn from Greater Waterbury and throughout Northwestern Connecticut. 

The WSO draws over 120 talented musicians from across New England to perform at the Naugatuck Valley Community College Fine Arts Center, Waterbury, and various other locations.  Currently in his 16th season, Music Director Leif Bjaland leads the orchestra on stage.  Through continued growth and development, the WSO aims to create and maintain a deeper connection with the local community.

The Opportunity
The Program Director will work in close cooperation with the Music Director, Executive Director, and a broad based program committee to advance the ideals of el Sistema and the mission of the WSO.  Reporting directly to the WSO Executive Director, the program director serves as the chief spokesperson for Bravo Waterbury.  Training may be available as needed.  Please review attached job description.

Compensation
Compensation, including benefits, is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Applications
Qualified applicants should submit the following no later than September 23, 2011:

• A cover letter that describes your interest and qualifications for the position
• A one page resume detailing your relevant work experience and education
• The names of three professional references
• Your salary history and requirements

All applications will be treated as confidential and references will not be contacted without the applicant’s knowledge.  Electronic submissions are preferred.  Please email or send to:
scollins@waterburysymphony.org
Waterbury Symphony Orchestra
Bravo Waterbury Search
P.O. Box 1762
Waterbury, CT  06721
(MS Word or Adobe Acrobat attachments only, please.)