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Submit your proposal by Wednesday, May 13

In conjunction with the launch of League of American Orchestras’ new Orchestra Intensives this year, the League is accepting proposals for a host orchestra to serve as a “living laboratory” for our Orchestra Operations Management Intensive in early 2027. Made possible by a generous grant from The Dr. M. Lee Pearce Foundation, Orchestra Intensives are professional development programs designed to build skills and knowledge around specific roles in orchestra administration–personnel management, artistic administration, and operations management. 

2024 Essentials at Juilliard. Credit: Juan Patino Photography.

These new programs take a deep dive into specialized career paths, narrowing the focus and allowing an in-depth approach. The Intensives are geared to people new to and interested in advancing in their careers in orchestra management, especially managers in smaller-budget orchestras, staff in larger-budget orchestras, and those interested in pursuing an orchestra administrative career. 

Up to 20 participants will be selected based on demonstrated experience, career potential, commitment to orchestra management, and motivation and goals for participating in this professional development program. Some scholarship funds are available to cover tuition and housing costs.

2025 Orchestra Personnel Management Intensive. Credit: Sarah Slover.

The Orchestra Operations Management Intensive, a four-day experiential learning program, is currently being planned for late winter/early spring of 2027. The host orchestra will receive an honorarium of $5,000 and will be integrally involved in developing and delivering the curriculum. The host orchestra will also be promoted as a partner in all League communications about the program and on our website, including logo and faculty listing.

Please submit your proposal by Wednesday, May 13 and contact David Styers at dstyers@americanorchestras.org with any questions.

Submit your proposal

Expectations

The host orchestra will:

  • Provide meeting space without charge, including one large classroom, space for catering breakfast and lunch, and up to four breakout rooms for 5 people 
  • Arrange for staff to serve as subject matter experts for the faculty, including two lead staff faculty and additional guest faculty (lead faculty will also serve as adjudicators to select the class of 20 participants)
  • Host the Intensive during a concert week, so that participants can observe how your orchestra operates in real time
  • Provide 25 complimentary tickets to the concert
  • Provide connections to discount hotel rooms near the hall, as well as possible catering and local restaurant options
  • Provide other opportunities, including social, for participants to interact with the organization

The League will:

  • Create all marketing materials and handle all promotion and application intake
  • Manage the application process through Acceptd
  • Communicate with all applicants with their status and handle all logistics with the selected class
  • Prepare final schedule and materials with lead and guest faculty, including printed hardcopies in folders as well as an online digital library
  • Cover the program participants’ costs for lodging and most meals
  • Provide 3-4 onsite League staff to run the program  

Sample Schedule

A sample schedule is listed below. Details and timing are subject to change.

PRE-MEETING: A week before on Zoom for Introductions with faculty and class

DAY ONE

5:00-5:45pm: Opening Reception
5:45-6:15pm: Welcome, Ground Rules, Culture Building
6:15-7:15pm: The Journey Ahead in Shaping Your Own Learning: Who’s on Team

  • Personnel
  • Production
  • Library
  • Operations
  • Touring/External

7:15-7:30pm: Break 
7:30pm: Dinner (on your own)

DAY TWO

8:00-8:30am: Coffee and Tea with Breakfast Snacks
8:30-9:00am: American Orchestras Overview
9:30-10:45am: Topic 1—Fundamentals Part I: The “What”

  • Tour of facilities

10:45-11:00am: Break
11:00am-12:30pm: Topic 2—Fundamentals Part II: Duties, Systems, & Processes

  • Production sheets
  • Stage plots
  • Run of show
  • Post concert report

12:30-1:15pm: Lunch (provided)—Sit in Peer Groups
1:15-3:00pm: Topic 3—Organizational Culture and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion 
3:00-3:15pm: Break
3:15-4:30pm: Topic 4—Conflict Resolution and Difficult Conversations
4:30-4:45pm: Break 
4:45-6:00pm: Topic 5—Supporting Self: Career Pathways & Professional Growth
6:00-6:30pm: Closing the Day / Guided Individual Reflection

DAY THREE 
8:00-8:30am: Coffee and Tea with Breakfast Snacks
8:30-9:00am: Opening the Day with Peer Group 
9:00-9:15am: Break
9:15-10:30am: Topic 6—Operations Issues

  • General aspects
  • Electronic and Other Media
  • Touring/external

10:30-10:45am: Break
10:45am-12:30pm: Topic 7—Collective Bargaining Agreements and Labor Relationships
12:30-1:30pm: Group Picture and Lunch (provided)
1:30-5:30pm: Topic 8—Pulling It All Together: Scenarios and Problem-Solving (with Breaks)
5:30-6:00pm: Closing the Day / Guided Individual Reflection
6:00-7:30pm: Dinner (on your own) 
7:30pm-onwards: Concert

DAY FOUR
8:00-8:30am: Coffee and Tea with Breakfast Snacks
8:30-9:00am: Opening the Day with Peer Group 
9:00-9:15am: Break
9:15-10:30am: Open Space: Peer Exchange and Case Sharing
10:30-10:45am: Break
10:45-11:30am: Wrapping It All Up: Closing Gesture and Graduation 

Questions?

Contact David Styers, Director, Learning and Leadership Programs, at dstyers@americanorchestras.org.

The League’s Orchestra Personnel Management Intensive is made possible by a generous grant from The Dr. M. Lee Pearce Foundation, Inc.

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