JOB DESCRIPTION

Orchestra Contractor ‍

‍Engagement Type: Independent Contractor

‍Reports to: Chief Executive Officer; works in consultation with the Artistic & Music Director

‍Term: Contractual; renewable based on performance and organizational needs

‍‍

Position Overview: The ideal candidate must be detail oriented and organized, with the ability to handle multiple projects, work efficiently and under pressure. Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as professional telephone etiquette are required. Superior computer skills in Word, Excel, and donor database management are also required. Individual must be able to work independently as well as with a team. This is an in-office part-time position.

The Contractor is responsible for sourcing, contracting, coordinating, and managing independent professional musicians to perform under the Palm Beach Symphony name, while ensuring the highest artistic standards and full compliance with contractual, legal, and union requirements.

This is a results-driven engagement. Palm Beach Symphony expects consistent musical excellence, operational discipline, timely communication, and strict budgetary accountability.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

‍1. Musician Engagement & Talent Provision

  • Identify, contract, and engage high-quality independent professional musicians trained in classical orchestral performance.
  • Secure and maintain a consistent core group of professional musicians for all Palm Beach Symphony program sets throughout the season.
  • Execute written agreements with each independent professional musician prior to the start of each season or engagement period.
  • Maintain and manage a vetted roster capable of meeting Palm Beach Symphony’s artistic requirements.
  • Provide qualified substitute or replacement musicians as necessary to ensure uninterrupted service.
  • Ensure musicians understand their status as independent contractors and not employees of Palm Beach Symphony.
    ‍

2. Scheduling, Rosters & Program Coordination

  • Provide the full season roster and individual concert rosters no later than September 1 annually for inclusion in season materials.
  • Coordinate all personnel needs based on finalized Program Sets, rehearsal schedules, venues, and artistic requirements.
  • Consult with the Music Director and Palm Beach Symphony leadership regarding orchestral needs, recognizing that Palm Beach Symphony retains final artistic and programming authority.
  • Provide the full season roster and individual concert rosters no later than September 1 annually for inclusion in season materials.
  • Coordinate all personnel needs based on finalized Program Sets, rehearsal schedules, venues, and artistic requirements.
  • Consult with the Music Director and Palm Beach Symphony leadership regarding orchestral needs, recognizing that Palm Beach Symphony retains final artistic and programming authority.
    ‍

3. Librarian Services

  • Provide professional orchestral librarian services directly or through qualified independent contractors.
  • Ensure timely preparation, marking, distribution, and collection of music materials in accordance with professional industry standards.
  • Maintain responsibility and control over the delivery of librarian services consistent with independent contractor status.
    ‍

4. Budgeting & Financial Accountability

  • Provide season estimates and final quotes within contractually defined deadlines.
  • Submit revised cost projections promptly if Program Sets, venues, or service requirements change.
  • Operate within approved budgets and proactively identify potential financial risks.
  • Assume full responsibility for payment of all musicians and librarians engaged by the Contractor.

5. Performance Standards & Quality Control

  • Deliver orchestras that meet or exceed Palm Beach Symphony’s artistic standards.
  • Address musician performance or conduct concerns promptly and professionally.
  • Replace musicians when necessary to maintain performance quality.
  • Acknowledge that failure to meet established artistic standards may constitute cause for termination.
    ‍

6. Communication & Professional Conduct

  • Maintain timely, responsive, and professional communication with Palm Beach Symphony leadership and engaged musicians.
  • Participate in consultations regarding orchestral quality and performance expectations.
  • Provide anonymous musician feedback to Palm Beach Symphony leadership when requested.
  • Uphold and model Palm Beach Symphony’s Core Values and Cultural Behaviors, and take reasonable steps to engage musicians who do the same.
    ‍

7. Compliance & Risk Management

  • Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, as well as union requirements where applicable.
  • Accept responsibility for all taxes, insurance, and legal obligations associated with contractor services.
  • Recognize Palm Beach Symphony’s right to proportionate fee adjustments in cases of musician failure to appear or incomplete fulfillment of contracted services.
  • Cooperate with Palm Beach Symphony regarding recording permissions for non-commercial archival and promotional use.  
    ‍

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Demonstrated experience contracting professional orchestral musicians.
  • Thorough knowledge of orchestral repertoire, instrumentation, and rehearsal/performance logistics.
  • Proven ability to consistently deliver high-caliber musicians.
  • Strong organizational, financial management, and communication skills.
  • Ability to operate independently while collaborating effectively with artistic leadership.
    ‍

Personal Attributes:

  • Decisive, reliable, and composed under pressure.
  • Solutions-oriented with a long-term commitment to artistic excellence.
  • Respected by musicians and trusted by organizational leadership.
  • Understands that quality is the defining currency of a professional orchestra.
    ‍

Performance Expectation Statement

The Orchestra Contractor functions as a strategic artistic partner. Success is measured by preparation, precision, professionalism, and performance quality. Musicians arrive prepared. Performances meet the highest standards. Operational details are managed seamlessly.

The Contractor will adhere to and model Palm Beach Symphony’s Core Values and Cultural Behaviors.

‍

Palm Beach Symphony Core Values

Excellence Commitment to the highest level of artistic, administrative, board, and volunteer performance.

Community Engagement Fostering meaningful, respectful, and collaborative relationships through enriching programming.

Education and Outreach Providing learning opportunities for students and audiences of all ages.

Partnership and Collaboration Approaching relationships with respect and interconnectedness.

Inclusivity and Diversity Embracing and promoting diversity across people, programs, and audiences.

Relevance Evolving offerings while remaining true to mission and vision.

Development and Sustainability Investing responsibly in sustainability, growth, and artistic advancement.

Stewardship and Impact Ensuring adherence to mission and documenting impact to stakeholders.

Fiscal Responsibility Practicing long-term planning, oversight, and prudent financial management.

Accountability and Transparency Maintaining high standards of transparency and responsibility to donors and stakeholders.

‍

Cultural Behaviors

  • Work with accountability and responsibility.
  • Treat all individuals with dignity and respect.
  • Demonstrate loyalty, dependability, and commitment to organizational goals.
  • Communicate with transparency and honesty.
  • Foster teamwork, professionalism, and shared purpose.
  • Empower others with the information and tools needed for success.