Reports To: General Manager

Supervises: None

Position Type:  Part-time, Per-service

POSITION SUMMARY 

The Orchestra Librarian is a key staff position responsible for the concert operations of the ACO Library. The Librarian will provide support and work closely with the Artistic Director, musicians, staff, other conductors and guest artists. 

ABOUT ACO 

American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by American composers. With a commitment to artistry, creativity, community, and equity, ACO produces concerts, pre-college and college education programs, and emerging composer professional development to foster a community of creators, audience, performers, collaborators, and funders. More information at www.americancomposers.org. 

ACO’s composer advancement and artistic programs include: 

• EarShot Readings in NYC and in partnership with orchestras  across the Americas 
• CoLABoratory, which provides composers with opportunities to workshop and premiere adventurous new work 
• Commissions and Consortia, including the Virginia B. Toulmin Orchestral Commissions Program, a program of the League of American Orchestras in partnership with ACO 
• EarShot Publishing, executed in partnership with Boosey & Hawkes
• Concerts and recordings in NYC; recent venues include Carnegie Hall, Perelman Arts Center, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Apollo Theater, Manhattan School of Music, and others

CANDIDATE PROFILE 

The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership skills, excellent organizational abilities, and a passion for the arts and nonprofit management. They should have experience in managing nonprofit organizations, fundraising, financial management, and working effectively with diverse stakeholders. 

We strongly encourage applications from historically marginalized communities and backgrounds currently underrepresented in the orchestra field. We are seeking a creative, resilient, highly organized, and strategic thinker, capable of realizing boundary-breaking work from concept to completion. ACO’s staff is a small and dedicated team who share responsibilities and support each other’s roles. We offer opportunities for learning and growth, and encourage all team members to bring their full selves to our collective work with authenticity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

MUSIC PROCUREMENT  

• Ensure that principal string parts are acquired far enough in advance for bowing
• Check all incoming and outgoing performance materials for condition and completeness and take appropriate action to rectify any deficiencies
• Check newly-commissioned scores and parts on arrival for alignment expected instrumentation and doublings per the commission agreement

MUSIC PREPARATION  

• Responsible for all aspects of music preparation, including but not limited to editing, proofreading, distribution, and managing the collection of and marking bowings in all string parts
• Work with conductors and soloists to prepare music according to their specific requirements
• Coordinate all music performance materials to ensure editions are compatible in every way
• Review all music to determine if orchestra parts meet acceptable standards: legible parts, adequate rehearsal letters, numbers, and measure numbers. Take the necessary steps to correct any problems that could potentially disrupt rehearsals
• Ensure that there are enough parts and scores available onsite at each service
• Ensure that bowings, rehearsal letters/numbers, measure numbers, and cuts are compatible between the conductor's score, soloists’, and the players' parts
• Assemble and arrange music in orchestra folders

CONCERT/REHEARSAL DUTIES  

• Deliver and return all music from rehearsal and performance venues 
• For assigned rehearsals and concerts, arrive at least one hour early to execute any changes in bowing, distribution of parts, etc.
• Ensure that all musicians have music and, if not, provide alternative materials
• Manage conductor's scores and batons; collect and store all music at conclusion of services
• Distribute and collect music at concerts and rehearsals; assist conductors and musicians with needs related to printed music
• Follow up at every rehearsal with the conductor and string principals for possible bowing changes, mistakes to be corrected in the parts, bad page turns, etc.  

ORCHESTRA LIBRARY MAINTENANCE  

• Acquire appropriate music storage equipment and materials
• Catalog and digitalize ACO commission score archive 
• Catalog general submissions for music director and artistic director to review

ADMINISTRATIVE  

• Communicate any discrepancies between received parts/scores and expected instrumentations/doublings to Personnel Manager and Operations and Production Manager

QUALIFICATIONS 

• Undergraduate degree required, and a minimum of five years orchestral library experience preferred
• Have strong desire to work with musicians and to provide the best work environment possible
• Ability to interact effectively with Artistic Director, conductor, musicians, staff, stage crew, and guest artists
• Must possess knowledge and love of contemporary music
• Thorough knowledge of orchestral literature, foreign terms, musical terms/signs (including bow markings) and contemporary notation
• Ability to read/write music in different clefs and transpositions, transcribe parts, copy orchestra parts legibly and quickly using hand manuscript and computer notation software
• Knowledge of current score editions and reference sources, enabling performance from materials meeting the highest scholarly standards
• Possess knowledge of copyright laws in the U.S. and knowledge/familiarity with music licensing agencies
• Knowledge of archival preservation of paper materials
• Self-directed, with a strong work ethic and collaborative skills
• Ability to think creatively, problem-solve in advance, meet deadlines, and work in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high degree of accuracy are essential
• Willingness to work flexible night and weekend hours during the concert days
• Proficiency with Google Workspace

About American Composers Orchestra

American Composers Orchestra (ACO) is dedicated to the creation, celebration, performance, and promotion of orchestral music by American composers. With a commitment to artistry, creativity, community, and equity, ACO produces concerts, pre-college and college education programs, and emerging composer professional development to foster a community of creators, audience, performers, collaborators, and funders. More information at?www.americancomposers.org.

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