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Employment & Auditions

Open Staff Positions

We are expanding our team! If you would like to be considered for the open staff position below, please follow the instructions at the end of the posting. Please send questions to hr@kalamazoosymphony.com. The KSO is an equal opportunity employer (read all about it at the end of this page). 

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PART-TIME | EDUCATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Kalamazoo Kids in Tune Program Assistant (Elementary Site) | Open until filled. Best consideration given to applications submitted by March 15, 2023.

We are seeking a part-time Program Assistant to join our collaborative and enthusiastic team. The Kalamazoo Kids in Tune (KKIT) Program Assistnat will support the after school and summer programs.

KKIT Program Assistants are primarily responsible for supervising students during meals, transitions, enrichment, and dismissal times. They will support KKIT music faculty during music classes to maintain a positive and productive classroom environment. This individual will serve as a positive role model for students, supporting students holistically, fostering social and emotional development alongside musical growth.

Please click on the position title for details and application information. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with best consideration given to applications submitted by March 15, 2023. Please send questions to hr@kalamazoosymphony.com. No calls, please.

 

PART-TIME | OPERATIONS & ARTISTIC PLANNING

Stage Manager / Operations Assistant | Now Accepting Applications!

We are seeking a part-time Stage Manager / Operations Assistant to join our collaborative and enthusiastic team. This is a part-time hybrid position, requiring some weekend and evening work.

The Stage Manager/Operations Assistant coordinates and oversees staging requirements for all Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra events and programs, including orchestra and small ensemble services, educational programs, auditions, and other events as needed, and acts as a liaison between KSO Management, venue personnel, and equipment providers.

Please click on the position title for details and application information. Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please send questions to hr@kalamazoosymphony.com. No calls, please.

 


2022 - 2023 Auditions

The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra announces the following auditions for the 2022-2023 season:

Section Viola (2)

Per-service rate of $119.14 + travel & housing (if applicable)  | 58 (Chair 5) & 52 (Chair 6) guaranteed services

Audition Date: March 16, 2023

Application Deadline: March 1, 2023 | APPLICATION CLOSED | REPERTOIRE LIST

Position begins based on Kalamazoo Symphony and musician mutual availability.

If a position is won by a current member of the KSO, the resulting vacancy may be offered to a runner up as a temporary appointment with the possibility of becoming permanent.

Violin Artist in Residence

$29,993.98 annual salary  |  maximum 200 annual services

This position will be offered jointly with either the Associate Concertmaster chair or the Assistant Concertmaster chair.

If accepted as a pair, the details in this listing override details in the other.

Audition Date: May 17 & 18, 2023

Application Deadline: April 21, 2023 | JOB DESCRIPTIONAPPLICATION | REPERTOIRE LIST

Position begins based on Kalamazoo Symphony and musician mutual availability.

If a position is won by a current member of the KSO, the resulting vacancy may be offered to a runner up as a temporary appointment with the possibility of becoming permanent.

Associate Concertmaster (Violin I, Chair 2)

$128.08 per service  |  67 guaranteed services

Audition Date: May 17 & 18, 2023

Application Deadline: April 21, 2023 | JOB DESCRIPTIONAPPLICATION | REPERTOIRE LIST

Position begins based on Kalamazoo Symphony and musician mutual availability.

If a position is won by a current member of the KSO, the resulting vacancy may be offered to a runner up as a temporary appointment with the possibility of becoming permanent.

Assistant Concertmaster (Violin I, Chair 3)

$128.08 per service  |  67 guaranteed services

Audition Date: May 17 & 18, 2023

Application Deadline: April 21, 2023 | JOB DESCRIPTION | APPLICATION | REPERTOIRE LIST

Position begins based on Kalamazoo Symphony and musician mutual availability.

If a position is won by a current member of the KSO, the resulting vacancy may be offered to a runner up as a temporary appointment with the possibility of becoming permanent.

Section Violin (3 Positions)

$119.14 per service  |  50 (Violin II, Chair 8), 48 (Violin I, Chair 10), 33 (Violin I, Chair 12) guaranteed services

Audition Date: May 17 & 18, 2023

Application Deadline: April 21, 2023 | JOB DESCRIPTIONAPPLICATION | REPERTOIRE LIST

Position begins based on Kalamazoo Symphony and musician mutual availability.

If a position is won by a current member of the KSO, the resulting vacancy may be offered to a runner up as a temporary appointment with the possibility of becoming permanent.

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General Application Information

All applicants are added to the audition roster once a completed application is submitted AND their deposit is received. Candidates should mail a $50 deposit check, payable to the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra to:

Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra

Attn: Personnel Manager - Auditions

359 S. Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 100

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Deposits MUST be postmarked by the application deadline to be added to the audition roster. If you do not receive confirmation within seven(7) days of mailing your deposit, please contact the Personnel Manager. 

All candidates will receive a link to their instrument’s audition website via email after their deposit is received. This website includes all of the applicable details specific to that audition including but not limited to: a full audition repertoire list, layout of audition process, location and maps, preliminary block times, and much more.

 

Accepting a Position with the Kalamzoo Symphony Orchestra

Our musicians are the heart and soul of our organization and we are thrilled to have you join us - as a new contract musician or a substitute!

For musicians traveling 20 or more miles from their residence to a service venue, we offer mileage reimbursement and housing options!

  • We reimburse mileage at $0.43/mile capped at $68 (157.5 miles)/round trip.

  • Our Homestay Program offers our out-of-town musicians a “home away from home” during their time with us. Musicians placed with a host family receive a daily per diem equal to that of their daily roundtrip mileage.

  • If you would prefer a hotel stay instead, the KSO is happy to make a reservation for you at the Staybridge Suites. Hotel stays covered by the KSO are in lieu of mileage reimbursement, though those opting in for a roommate are eligible for one roundtrip of mileage reimbursement.  

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With audition questions, please email auditions@kalamazoosymphony.com, and include KSO <your instrument> Auditions in the subject line, and your name, instrument, and preferred contact information in the body of the email. 

We look forward to hearing from you!



The Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer and proud partner orchestra of The Sphinx Organization

The National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS) is a collaborative program between Sphinx, the League of American Orchestras, and the New World Symphony Orchestra that directly supports resources and logistical needs for Black and Latinx musicians and conductors pursuing careers in orchestral performance. The program offers grants t help offset audition-related travel expenses, amoung other resources. For more information, please visit: https://www.sphinxmusic.org/naas-grants.

National Alliance for Audition Support

For audition support, please visit: https://www.sphinxmusic.org/national-alliance-for-audition-support

At the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), national origin, disability status, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Candidates from all backgrounds and walks of life are encouraged to apply.