Conductor Search

LAKE WOBEGON® BRASS BAND CONDUCTOR SEARCH ANNOUNCEMENT

Application Deadline: March 1, 2024

The Lake Wobegon® Brass Band (LWBB), based in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, is seeking qualified applicants to become its next conductor. Michael Halstensen, the band’s conductor for the last 25 years, is retiring at the end of the 2023-24 season. The LWBB Board of Directors will select the new conductor at the conclusion of the search process.

ABOUT THE LAKE WOBEGON® BRASS BAND

Now in its 32nd season, the Lake Wobegon® Brass Band is a 30-piece British-style brass band. Founded in 1992, the group is sponsored by the Anoka Brass Band Association and Anoka-Ramsey Community College. The LWBB is a member of the North American Brass Band Association. To learn more about the ensemble, its upcoming performances, recordings, or the current 2023-24 concert season, detailed information may be found on the band’s Facebook page or at lwbb.org. (Lake Wobegon® is used by permission of Garrison Keillor and Minnesota Public Radio. Lake Wobegon® Brass Band is not affiliated with either entity.)

ABOUT THE POSITION

The conductor is the musical/artistic director of the band, responsible for rehearsing in preparation for performances and conducting the band at all season concerts. The conductor serves as a member of the Music Committee, which annually selects each concert’s repertoire. The conductor also collaborates with and attends meetings of the Board of Directors and the Steering Committee (ex-officio) to provide practical and artistic input. The conductor position is a paid position reporting directly to the LWBB Board of Directors (see below for compensation details).

A typical LWBB season consists of three, three-concert weekends, usually with a Friday evening, Saturday evening, and Sunday afternoon performance. These have routinely been scheduled:

• the 5th weekend after Labor Day (early October),
• the first full weekend of December,
• and the first full weekend of March.

  Each concert series is preceded by four consecutive Saturday morning rehearsals (9-noon) with two variances: 1) the Thanksgiving weekend rehearsal is on Sunday from 6-9 p.m., and 2) in February, there is usually no rehearsal on the weekend of MMEA.

  Special projects, such as CD recording projects, international tours, and significant performance opportunities outside of the normal season concert schedule, are determined by the LWBB Steering Committee & Board in collaboration with the conductor and have become fairly regular occurrences.

  QUALIFICATIONS

• Earned undergraduate degree in music or commensurate experience.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting musical ensembles, including strong knowledge of brass

  and percussion instruments.

• Record of high standards of musicianship and achievement for an ensemble, including utilization

  of effective and efficient rehearsal techniques.

• Record of positive and respectful communication with ensemble musicians, audiences, and other

  stakeholders.

• Demonstrated experience with collaborative decision-making, including programming, scheduling, and fiscal matters.
• Experience with brass band literature and programming preferred.

  APPLICATION

  Interested applicants are invited to submit:

1. A cover letter indicating interest and addressing qualifications.
2. A current resume reflecting conducting experience and educational background.
3. Contact information (email and phone number) for two references.
4. Links to video recordings of two recent ensemble-conducting performances strongly encouraged.
5. Two sample concert programs that the candidate envisions would be appropriate for the Lake Wobegon® Brass Band.

AUDITION PROCESS

Selected finalists will be asked to conduct the band in some capacity. This may include rehearsals (full or partial) and/or concerts (full or partial) during the 2024-25 season.

COMPENSATION

The LWBB conductor receives a $1,000 stipend for each regular “concert set” (four rehearsals and the connected concerts). Special projects (as noted above) pay an additional stipend based on the rehearsal/performance commitment and past practice.

Please submit applications by March 1, 2024 either by:

MAIL:

LWBB Conductor Search    Attn: Dick Miller
8301 Creekside Circle #920 Bloomington, MN 55437

Or EMAIL:

dmillerfinancial@msn.com

Applications must be received by March 1, 2024, to be considered. The search committee will conduct phone, virtual, or in-person interviews to assist in selecting finalists. Candidates will be notified of their status in the process by the beginning of May 2024.

For additional information, contact Dick Miller at dmillerfinancial@msn.com or (651) 587-4191.