Careers and auditions
Auditions
Principal Trumpet
Core orchestra + Sarasota Brass Quintet
2025-26 salary: $65,276.20 + Benefits*
Preliminary round: Monday, May 12, 2025
Advanced rounds: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Employment will begin in September 2025.
Principal Trumpet
Core orchestra + Sarasota Brass Quintet
2025-26 salary: $65,276.20 + Benefits*
Preliminary round: Monday, May 12, 2025
Advanced rounds: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Employment will begin in September 2025.
The length of season is 36 weeks (includes 2 paid vacation weeks)
* Benefits include, but aren’t limited to: health insurance (Sarasota Orchestra pays no less than 75% of premium), instrument insurance, short- and long- term disability, 403b retirement plan, and Flexible Spending Account.
To apply
- Complete the online application form and upload a resume (PDF) containing your current contact information.
- A $75 deposit (check made out to Sarasota Orchestra) must be received in our office:
Audition Coordinator (trumpet)
Sarasota Orchestra
709 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
- Both the resume and deposit must be received by April 10, 2025. Applications are considered incomplete without an uploaded resume and mailed deposit check. Do not e-mail your resume.
- All applicants who submit a complete application by the deadline will receive an audition time. Applications arriving or remaining incomplete after April 10th may not receive an audition time.
Please list your instrument, e-mail, cell phone number, and a current mailing address on your resume. All correspondence from Sarasota Orchestra will be by e-mail.
Sarasota Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer and a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS). For more information on NAAS, please visit www.auditionalliance.org
General information
All questions about this audition should be directed to the Orchestra Personnel Office. Please email your questions to [email protected]. No phone calls please.
Auditions will take place at Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center (sometimes referred to as Holley Hall).
- Our official address is 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34236, however, our physical location is on Van Wezel Way, between 10th Street and Blvd of the Arts (6th St.). If you have a GPS, enter 709 Van Wezel Way and that should get you to our front door.
- We are not in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall which is the big purple building across the parking lot. We are a small, white building right on the street with the big Sarasota Orchestra sign outside our main doors.
- Park on either side of the building, on the street, or in the southwest corner of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot.
All rounds will be behind a screen.
Sarasota Orchestra tunes to A=440.
No electronic devices are allowed in the audition room during your audition. This includes, but is not limited to: tuners, metronomes, cell phones, and recording devices.
The audition committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards.
Musicians hired by Sarasota Orchestra are responsible for having and maintaining proper authorization to work in the United States. Employment starts in September 2025.
Travel information
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is approximately 3.5 miles from Symphony Center or an approximate 8-minute drive.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 55 miles from Symphony Center. The drive can take anywhere from 1h 15mins – 2 hours depending on the time of day and traffic. There is a toll bridge on the shorter route from TPA to Sarasota.
Per-Service Section Cello
Per-service position
2025-26 per-service rate: $178.56*
Guaranteed minimum: 65 services
Audition date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
This will be a one-day audition. All rounds will take place on the same day.
Employment will begin in fall 2025.
Per-Service Section Cello
Per-service position
2025-26 per-service rate: $178.56*
Guaranteed minimum: 65 services
Audition date: Wednesday, May 14, 2025
This will be a one-day audition. All rounds will take
place on the same day.
Employment will begin in fall 2025.
The length of season is 36 weeks.
* Benefits include instrument insurance and 403b retirement plan.
To apply
- Complete the online application form and upload a resume (PDF) containing your current contact information.
- A $75 deposit (check made out to Sarasota Orchestra) must be received in our office:
Audition Coordinator (cello)
Sarasota Orchestra
709 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
- Both the resume and deposit must be received by March 31, 2025. Applications are considered incomplete without an uploaded resume and mailed deposit check. Do not e-mail your resume.
- All applicants who submit a complete application by the deadline will receive an audition time. Applications arriving or remaining incomplete after March 31st may not receive an audition time.
Please list your instrument, e-mail, cell phone number, and a current mailing address on your resume. All correspondence from Sarasota Orchestra will be by e-mail.
Sarasota Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer and a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS). For more information on NAAS, please visit www.auditionalliance.org
General information
All questions about this audition should be directed to the Orchestra Personnel Office. Please email your questions to [email protected]. No phone calls please.
Auditions will take place at Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center (sometimes referred to as Holley Hall).
- Our official address is 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34236, however, our physical location is on Van Wezel Way, between 10th Street and Blvd of the Arts (6th St.). If you have a GPS, enter 709 Van Wezel Way and that should get you to our front door.
- We are not in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall which is the big purple building across the parking lot. We are a small, white building right on the street with the big Sarasota Orchestra sign outside our main doors.
- Park on either side of the building, on the street, or in the southwest corner of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot.
All rounds will be behind a screen.
Sarasota Orchestra tunes to A=440.
No electronic devices are allowed in the audition room during your audition. This includes, but is not limited to: tuners, metronomes, cell phones, and recording devices.
The audition committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards.
Musicians hired by Sarasota Orchestra are responsible for having and maintaining proper authorization to work in the United States. Employment starts in September 2025.
Travel information
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is approximately 3.5 miles from Symphony Center or an approximate 8-minute drive.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 55 miles from Symphony Center. The drive can take anywhere from 1h 15mins – 2 hours depending on the time of day and traffic. There is a toll bridge on the shorter route from TPA to Sarasota.
Per-Service Section Horn
Per-service position
2025-26 per-service rate: $187.49*
Guaranteed minimum: 65 services
Audition date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
This will be a one-day audition. All rounds will take place on the same day.
Employment will begin in fall 2025.
Per-Service Section Horn
Per-service position
2025-26 per-service rate: $187.49*
Guaranteed minimum: 65 services
Audition date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
This will be a one-day audition. All rounds will take place on the same day.
Employment will begin in fall 2025.
The length of season is 36 weeks.
* Benefits include instrument insurance and 403b retirement plan.
To apply
- Complete the online application form and upload a resume (PDF) containing your current contact information.
- A $75 deposit (check made out to Sarasota Orchestra) must be received in our office:
Audition Coordinator (horn)
Sarasota Orchestra
709 N. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL 34236
- Both the resume and deposit must be received by March 31, 2025. Applications are considered incomplete without an uploaded resume and mailed deposit check. Do not e-mail your resume.
- All applicants who submit a complete application by the deadline will receive an audition time. Applications arriving or remaining incomplete after March 31st may not receive an audition time.
Please list your instrument, e-mail, cell phone number, and a current mailing address on your resume. All correspondence from Sarasota Orchestra will be by e-mail.
Sarasota Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer and a proud partner of the National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS). For more information on NAAS, please visit www.auditionalliance.org
General information
All questions about this audition should be directed to the Orchestra Personnel Office. Please email your questions to [email protected]. No phone calls please.
Auditions will take place at Beatrice Friedman Symphony Center (sometimes referred to as Holley Hall).
- Our official address is 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, 34236, however, our physical location is on Van Wezel Way, between 10th Street and Blvd of the Arts (6th St.). If you have a GPS, enter 709 Van Wezel Way and that should get you to our front door.
- We are not in the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall which is the big purple building across the parking lot. We are a small, white building right on the street with the big Sarasota Orchestra sign outside our main doors.
- Park on either side of the building, on the street, or in the southwest corner of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall parking lot.
All rounds will be behind a screen.
Sarasota Orchestra tunes to A=440.
No electronic devices are allowed in the audition room during your audition. This includes, but is not limited to: tuners, metronomes, cell phones, and recording devices.
The audition committee reserves the right to dismiss any candidate not meeting the highest professional standards.
Musicians hired by Sarasota Orchestra are responsible for having and maintaining proper authorization to work in the United States. Employment starts in September 2025.
Travel information
Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) is approximately 3.5 miles from Symphony Center or an approximate 8-minute drive.
Tampa International Airport (TPA) is approximately 55 miles from Symphony Center. The drive can take anywhere from 1h 15mins – 2 hours depending on the time of day and traffic. There is a toll bridge on the shorter route from TPA to Sarasota.
Sarasota Orchestra is a proud partner of the Sphinx Organization's National Alliance for Audition Support
Administration
Vice President of Artistic Planning
Reporting to the Senior Vice President (VP) of Artistic Operations, the VP of Artistic Planning will work in partnership with the music director, CEO, and the artistic leadership and management team in planning activities for upcoming seasons and executing artistic plans for the Sarasota Orchestra and Sarasota Music Festival. Working in a collaborative, team environment, the VP of Artistic Planning will play a central role in advancing artistic excellence across the organization’s performance missions: professional orchestra, Sarasota Music Festival, and education programs. The VP of Artistic Planning shall support our organizational values by nurturing an inclusive, respectful, and positive working relationship with all employees.
Job Title: Vice President of Artistic Planning
Department: Artistic Operations
Reports To: Senior Vice President of Artistic Operations
Classification: Full-time, Salary/Exempt
Supervises: Artistic Administration Manager and Librarians
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Overview:
Reporting to the Senior Vice President (VP) of Artistic Operations, the VP of Artistic Planning will work in partnership with the music director, CEO, and the artistic leadership and management team in planning activities for upcoming seasons and executing artistic plans for the Sarasota Orchestra and Sarasota Music Festival. Working in a collaborative, team environment, the VP of Artistic Planning will play a central role in advancing artistic excellence across the organization’s performance missions: professional orchestra, Sarasota Music Festival, and education programs. The VP of Artistic Planning shall support our organizational values by nurturing an inclusive, respectful, and positive working relationship with all employees.
Responsibilities:
- Artistic Programming
- In partnership with the music director, CEO, conducting staff, and management team, manage repertoire and programming for Masterworks, Pops, Great Escapes, Discoveries, chamber music, Sarasota Music Festival, and other programs
- Compile artistic plans and coordinate preparation with librarians
- Actively participate and collaborate in the process for season calendar planning
- Identify guest conductors, artists, Pops programs, and other ideas that will advance the artistic profile of Sarasota Orchestra
- Contract Management
- Work with agencies and artists’ managers to engage guests and negotiate contracts within agreed-upon budgetary guidelines; supervise the Artistic Administration Manager to ensure that contracts are executed
- Facilitate guest artist participation in donor-related activities and, when required, ensure these engagements are part of contractual agreements
- Oversee the Artistic Administration Manager in the gathering and dissemination of information for artist schedules, rehearsal orders, logistical information, and fulfillment of artists' riders
- Manage foreign visa application process in conjunction with HR and Personnel
- Primary artistic contact for Sarasota Opera, Sarasota Ballet, and other contracted orchestra and chamber music engagements
- Prepare Orchestra contracted service agreements with other organizations such as Opera and Ballet
- Supervise communication between conductors, guests artists, and Librarians
- Administration
- Develop proposals, annual budgets, and manage approved budgets for the artistic department including guest conductors, guest artists, Pops programs, artistic travel, library rentals, and purchases
- Ensure compliance with all CBA requirements within the umbrella of artistic planning and administration
- As required, participate in music director searches and searches for staff conductors
- Communicate artistic plans to Marketing and Development departments, review printed and online content, and provide artistic support for Development events
- Lead and oversee the accuracy of internal program information for staff
- Participate in weekly Artistic Operations team meetings
- Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned. Duties and responsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list, and additional job tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Artistic department and business needs
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Music
- Minimum 5 to 7 years relevant staff work experience in orchestral organizations required
- Thorough knowledge of orchestral repertoire
- Proficiency in computer software including Office and OPAS
- Ability to multi-task with attention to detail
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven
- Ability to work nights and weekends during the season
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, bend, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Repetitive motion is required while using a computer. The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures and viewing a computer terminal. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Working Conditions:
The job operates in a professional environment including performance hall and office settings. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level.
If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please apply via e-mail with a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Senior Director of Donor Engagement – Major Gifts
Known for its unique, team-oriented fundraising culture, Sarasota Orchestra seeks to engage a Senior Director of Donor Engagement – Major Gifts to join an established and successful team of fundraising professionals. This position will focus on cultivation of major gifts, while helping to implement and execute successful Giving campaigns. This position will maintain a keen awareness of Sarasota Orchestra’s overall development program which includes annual giving, foundation and corporate giving and revenue generated from special events. This position will also support the fundraising effort for a new Sarasota Music Center facility. Work and collaborate with fellow Donor Engagement Team members to establish objectives and set goals in a culture that cares deeply about stewardship and working as part of a team of development professionals.
Job Title: Senior Director of Donor Engagement – Major Gifts
Department: Donor Engagement
Reports To: Vice President of Advancement and Strategic Initiatives
Classification: Full-time; Salary / Exempt
Supervises: None – N/A
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Overview:
Known for its unique, team-oriented fundraising culture, Sarasota Orchestra seeks to engage a Senior Director of Donor Engagement – Major Gifts to join an established and successful team of fundraising professionals. This position will focus on cultivation of major gifts, while helping to implement and execute successful Giving campaigns. This position will maintain a keen awareness of Sarasota Orchestra’s overall development program which includes annual giving, foundation and corporate giving and revenue generated from special events. This position will also support the fundraising effort for a new Sarasota Music Center facility. Work and collaborate with fellow Donor Engagement Team members to establish objectives and set goals in a culture that cares deeply about stewardship and working as part of a team of development professionals.
Responsibilities:
- Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward a portfolio of major individual donors as well as prospects to secure Major Gifts, Annual Fund support, and funding for Special Projects
- Interact with major donors, board members, and professional advisors, and participate in fundraising activities to develop relationships with constituencies
- Participate in the tracking and qualifying of new prospects, recording of gifts and development of stewardship and acknowledgement strategies
- Participate in donor cultivation and stewardship at concerts, special events, receptions and outside events
- Meet objectives and budget goals as a member of the Donor Engagement team
- As a member of the Music Center Campaign team, assist with prospect research, gift agreements, and documentation, as well as donor stewardship and cultivation strategies
- Collaborate with the Campaign team in all aspects of the major gifts program of the Capital Campaign and Annual Fund.
- Willingness to embrace other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and seven-to-ten years of Development experience
- Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends
- Willingness to be hands on when needed and to assist with Development-related events to foster donor/prospect cultivation
- Ability to work with members of a team
- Excellent team player, with strong interpersonal skills
- Excellent organizational skills
- Excellent personal and written communication skills
- Knowledge in Microsoft office products, including Word and Excel, and development software preferably Tessitura
- Experience interfacing with donors, Board members and community leaders
- Excellent personal and written communication skills
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. Repetitive motion is required while using a computer. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures and viewing a computer terminal. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Working Conditions:
The job operates in a professional office environment and performing arts venues. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level
If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please apply via e-mail with a cover letter
and
resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Digital Marketing Graphic Designer
The Digital Marketing Graphic Designer creates visual content for digital platforms, coordinates digital advertising with an outside agency, and performs cross-platform design projects to advance Sarasota Orchestra’s mission and brand.
Job Title: Digital Marketing Graphic Designer
Department: Marketing
Reports to: Graphic Design Manager
Classification: Full time; Salaried, Exempt
Supervises: None
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Summary
The Digital Marketing Graphic Designer creates visual content for digital platforms, coordinates digital advertising with an outside agency, and performs cross-platform design projects to advance Sarasota Orchestra’s mission and brand.
Responsibilities
- Develop and design digital advertising and social media graphics placed by our outside agency. Project management responsibilities to enable digital campaigns.
- Create captivating motion graphics and short animations for digital advertising, and video editing for our social media and web platforms.
- Maintain metrics on initiatives for the marketing department dashboard and analytics, in collaboration with outside agency.
- Perform graphic design projects for print advertising, printed pieces and digital platforms for concert ticket sales, youth education, Sarasota Music Festival and Development (fundraising) initiatives, under supervision of Graphic Design Manager.
- Create impactful PowerPoint presentations in support of organization’s mission.
- Maintain and archive all projects in the department’s project management software Basecamp.
- Support community marketing events and attend concerts as necessary to support marketing team initiatives.
- Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Marketing department and business needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in graphic design, digital design, multimedia or related disciplines.
- 1-year of professional experience in digital design, or relevant internships with a portfolio of professional samples.
- Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, primarily InDesign, Photoshop and Premiere Pro, as well as the Microsoft Office Suite (especially PowerPoint). Familiarity and proficiency with other industry-standard design tools for video and animation production.
- Detail-oriented with strong communications skills.
- Ability to flourish in a team-oriented culture.
- Knowledge of classical music helpful.
- Ability to work productively in a hybrid work environment.
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The worker is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, and viewing a computer terminal. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.
Working Conditions:
The job operates in a professional environment including office and performance hall settings. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level. Position requires some in-person office work, with remote work authorized as assigned by Supervisor.
If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Social Media and Public Relations Specialist
This Specialist is active in facilitating Sarasota Orchestra’s connection to the community managing social media content and strategy which furthers Sarasota Orchestra and its brand, and attending community outreach activities, events and concerts. Additionally oversees media relations.
Job Title: Social Media and Public Relations Specialist
Department:
Marketing
Reports To: Communications Manager
Classification: Full time;
Salaried, Exempt
Supervises: None
Location: Sarasota, FL
General Summary
This Specialist is active in facilitating Sarasota Orchestra’s connection to the community managing social media content and strategy which furthers Sarasota Orchestra and its brand, and attending community outreach activities, events and concerts. Additionally oversees media relations.
Responsibilities
Social Media:
- Responsible for developing the organization’s social media strategy. Creates, and implements content and photography for social media, including managing the social media calendar. Liaison with Development, Education, and Sarasota Music Festival teams for cross-departmental social media requirements.
- Create and edit video clips for social media and website postings.
- Manage social media engagement, including feedback from all platforms.
- Utilize analytics to finetune and evaluate social media content and initiatives.
- Contribute to marketing team analytics for department dashboard of performance metrics.
- Press and Media Engagement:
- In collaboration with our outside communications agency, write and distribute press releases about concerts, programs, institutional initiatives, and events.
- Coordinate interviews and on-air engagements with all media for official Orchestra spokespeople and outside guest artists and conductors.
- Post orchestra concerts on online community event calendars
- Maintain database of media contacts, and historical tracking of media coverage
Community Relations:
- Lead the Orchestra's presence at public engagement events; attend and represent Orchestra, including Farmers Market and other “SO On the Road” opportunities.
Other duties:
- Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Marketing department and business needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in music with marketing coursework, arts administration, communications, marketing or related field.
- Experience with classical music at a college level strongly preferred.
- 1+ years professional experience or relevant internships managing social media initiatives, including independently creating content for an institution. A portfolio of professional posts required.
- Flexibility to work outside of conventional office hours at concerts and special events. Ability to work in office 3-4 days per week.
- Strong planning, photography, and writing skills.
- Ability to work well in a team-oriented culture and detail oriented required.
- Ability to work productively in a hybrid work environment.
- Valid Driver’s License
Physical Requirements:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, sit, stand, walk, bend, kneel, use hands. The employee is required to have visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing marketing work and data, visual inspection of material and files, and viewing a computer terminal. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 – 20 pounds.
Working Conditions:
The job operates in a professional environment including office and performance hall settings. The environment is generally moderate in temperature and noise level. At times, the employee may be outside and be subject to environmental conditions including heat and humidity.
If you are interested in this opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have. Thank you!
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Production Assistant (Part-Time)
General Overview:
Assist in the setup and teardown of Sarasota Orchestra and Youth Orchestra events, Sarasota Music Festival, Summer Music Camp, Friedman Symphony Center rentals, and other functions as needed.
Responsibilities:
- Execute set ups for Sarasota Orchestra and Youth Orchestra services in all performance venues, and for rentals at the Friedman Symphony Center
- Load/Unload orchestra equipment truck for transport to other venues
- Assist Facilities Manager in all aspects of building operations/maintenance
- Act as a stagehand for Sarasota Orchestra and Youth Orchestra services when needed
- Properly operate lighting systems in the Friedman Symphony Center
- Maintain positive relationships with orchestra musicians, conductors, staff, Youth Orchestra parents, students, volunteers, and co-workers
- Perform other relevant duties and additional projects as assigned. Duties and responsibilities described herein are not a comprehensive list, and additional job tasks may be assigned from time to time as necessitated by the Artistic operations department and business needs.
- Weekly hours offered for this position: ranging from 14 – 20 hours.
Qualifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to work under supervision and independently
- Ability to work long hours during season
- Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
- Ability to lift up to 65 lbs.
- Experience with orchestra production/operations a plus
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please e-mail a cover letter and resume to [email protected].
If you are interested in an opportunity with Sarasota Orchestra, please apply via e-mail with a cover letter and resume to [email protected] or call 941-487-2704 with any questions you may have.