Job Details

Visiting Interim Director of Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, Spring 2026

Position Number: 6784772
Location: Worcester, MA
Position Type: Fine and Applied Arts - Music

Visiting Interim Director of Orchestra and Wind Ensemble, Spring 2026

Description
The Department of Music at the College of the Holy Cross, a Jesuit liberal arts undergraduate institution, invites applications for a full-time Visiting Interim Director of Orchestra and Wind Ensemble for the Spring 2026 semester. This full-time (40 hours a week), one-semester position will encompass a range of critical responsibilities for the Department of Music, the Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble.

The successful candidate will provide artistic leadership to both ensembles, design and lead effective rehearsals, collaborate closely with faculty and staff, and foster an inclusive musical community. Participation in and support of select performance activities is expected as part of the position duties (about 10 hours per week on average). The successful candidate will also maintain an active presence in the department and on campus. Support for professional development is available through the Provost's Supplemental Research Fund, and relocation expenses will be reimbursed according to College policy. All full-time appointments offer competitive salaries and include full benefits. The compensation for this one semester full-time visiting faculty position will be $35,000

The College will not support H-1B applications that require the $100,000 employer fee.

Qualifications

Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching, conducting, and inclusive pedagogies. A doctoral degree in music is preferred; ABD in conducting, or a closely related field, will also be considered. Candidates should show evidence of successful ensemble leadership and experience working effectively with college-age musicians.

Core Competencies

Demonstrated skill in orchestral and wind ensemble conducting

Mastery of score study and score reading

Professional understanding of music theory and music history

Ability to craft compelling and communicative musical interpretations

Experience with diverse repertoire selection and artistic planning

Effective rehearsal pedagogy and ensemble management

Excellent communication, collaboration, and coordination skills

Strong leadership qualities

Commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment

Major Areas of Responsibility

The major areas of responsibility of the Visiting Interim Director of Orchestra and Wind Ensemble will include:

Conduct all rehearsals (Mon/Wed 6:00-9:00 PM) and all performances for both ensembles

Plan the Orchestra and Wind Ensemble season (one dedicated concert per ensemble and one shared concert featuring both ensembles)

Prepare the ensembles for the annual Academic Conference Concert in conjunction with the Director of Choirs

Purchase or rent scores and parts, and prepare all performance materials (e.g., string bowings)

Hold auditions and determine placement assignments

Coordinate with the Department Chair to determine budgetary needs, including the hiring of professional instrumentalists, as needed

Coordinate with Department music lesson instructors and faculty to schedule sectionals at least once per semester

Collaborate with the Music Facilities Manager and Senior Office Coordinator in the preparation of publicity materials and concert programs

Coordinate with the Orchestra and Wind Ensemble Student Advisory Board to support ensemble activities

Coordinate with the Department of Music on activities of the ensembles

Hold weekly scheduled in-person office hours to meet with and be available to students

Engage in and support campus performances and activities, and participate in departmental meetings and initiatives (about 10 hours per week on average)

This includes the coordination of and attendance at departmental performance forums, lunchtime concerts, student recitals of various types, and the coordination of other performance series

The Interim Director is expected to maintain a strong on-campus presence, actively participate in departmental and ensemble life, and be readily accessible to students. Some hours may be flexible at the Interim Director's discretion.

Qualifications

Application Instructions
Please submit a letter of application: a current curriculum vitae; a statement on teaching philosophy and interests; graduate transcripts (D.M.A. preferred); at least two confidential letters of recommendation; and video recordings of the applicant conducting an orchestra or wind ensemble, including one rehearsal sample and one recent performance. The recordings should not be longer than 20 minutes total and should be from within the last five years.

In your cover letter, please address the ways you might contribute to and further the College's mission as a Jesuit, undergraduate liberal arts college.

The College of the Holy Cross uses Interfolio to collect all faculty job applications electronically. Please submit all application materials to https://apply.interfolio.com/178946.

Review of applications will begin on December 19th, 2025 and will continue until the position has been filled. Questions about this search may be directed to Professor Chris Arrell, Search Committee Co-Chair (carrell@holycross.edu).

To apply, visit https://apply.interfolio.com/178946

The College of the Holy Cross is a highly selective Catholic liberal arts college in the Jesuit tradition. It enrolls about 3,000 students and is located in a medium-sized city 45 miles west of Boston. The College seeks faculty members whose scholarship, teaching, advising, and on- and off-campus service demonstrate commitment to the educational benefits of a richly diverse community. Holy Cross aspires to meet the needs of dual-career couples, in part through its membership in Higher Education Consortium of Central Massachusetts (http://www.heccma.org) and the New England Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (https://new-england.hercjobs.org/)