Title: Orchestra Librarian

Reports to: Director of Orchestral Operations

Department: Artistic Programs and Performance

Status: Exempt

Job Summary

The Orchestra Librarian, reporting to the Director of Orchestral Operations, is a key member of the orchestra operations staff and is responsible for the preparation and distribution of music and scores for all large ensembles (including the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, opera orchestra, chamber orchestra, and 20/21 Ensemble), repertoire and conducting classes, and family concert ensembles. The Orchestra Librarian also fulfills all music related requests from performance faculty, fulfills acquisition and rental needs for the season, manages licensing requirements, and liaises with Rock Resource Center staff regarding chamber music purchases and rentals. Working closely with the Director and Coordinator, the Orchestra Librarian also participates in staff rehearsal duty, communicates with guest conductors regarding score and bowing requests, and communication with students as needed. The Orchestra Librarian also participates in the preparation of parts and scores for Curtis Summerfest activities.  

Responsibilities include but are not limited to

• Oversee the acquisition of all orchestra parts and scores for each season, including repertoire for the Curtis Symphony Orchestra, chamber orchestra, opera orchestra, 20/21 Ensemble, family concert ensembles, repertoire and conducting classes, and other chamber ensembles as needed.

• Prepare and distribute all orchestra parts for Curtis performing ensembles in a timely fashion as follows:

  • Curtis Symphony Orchestra – working closely with the Director, consult with guest conductors and soloists on preferred editions and bowings; prepare practice parts for students; prepare additional scores and parts as needed.

  • Curtis Opera Orchestra – liaise with opera department regarding preferred editions and cuts/key changes, bow and mark parts as needed, prepare practice parts for students.

  • Family Concerts – working closely with the Director of Community Engagement, generate PDF parts and scores, and prepare practice parts for students.

  • Orchestra Repertoire and Conducting Classes – consult with performance faculty on weekly repertoire, acquire parts as needed, prepare and distribute parts to students.

• Curate the maintenance of on-site and off-site orchestral repertoire collection, including tracking performance history and updating inventory as needed (noting editions and bowings in stock).

• Fulfill all music related requests from performance faculty and students, including preparing audition and excerpt packets, parts for individual performance or practice.

• Manage communication with publishers related to performance history, all licensing needs (including mechanical, live stream, synchronization, etc.), and ensure adherence to all copyright laws.

• Train and supervise a crew of student workers who assist with bowings, part and score preparation, and administrative tasks.

• Prepare the annual orchestra library budget, under the supervision of the Director and Vice President of Artistic Programs & Performance.

• Participate in orchestra staff rehearsal and performance duty and assist with orchestra production elements as needed, including set-up and tear-down of the rehearsal hall, and load-in and load-out at venues.  

• Curtis Summerfest – working closely with the Manager of Summer Programs, the Orchestra Librarian communicates with Summerfest faculty regarding editions and bowings for the Young Artists Summer Program Orchestra, and in conjunction with the Coordinator, prepares scores and parts as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music performance, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

• Minimum of three years professional experience as an orchestra librarian at the conservatory or professional orchestra level. Experience as an orchestra musician preferred.

• Significant knowledge of orchestral repertoire; ability to read, understand, and transpose a full orchestra score; and ability to translate foreign language musical terms.

• Ability to copy orchestra parts cleanly and legibly using manuscript paper and/or music notation software.

• Extensive knowledge of copyright laws, and experience working with publishers related to licensing needs.

• Knowledge of and experience working with binding and photocopying equipment.

• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, take initiative, and exercise good judgement, while maintaining the ability to successfully work in a team environment.

• Knowledge of OPAS highly preferred, and working knowledge of Microsoft Office products required.

• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with students, staff, faculty, conductors, and guest artists in a professional, confidential, timely, and tactful manner.

Working Conditions/Physical Demands

• Ability to work flexible hours, including late nights and long weekend hours during rehearsals and performances.

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally.

• Ability to lift 25 pounds regularly.