Conducting Fellowship at SONOVA

About the Fellowship 

The SONOVA Conducting Fellowship supports emerging conductors by giving them the opportunity to develop musicianship, artistic vision, and leadership skills within the context of community orchestra music-making. This January to June fellowship provides hands-on conducting and concert production experience with a community orchestra known for immersive, story-driven performances that modernize the concert experience. Fellows will work closely with Artistic Director Ethan Lolley and Associate Music Director Michael Thompson to develop their craft while contributing to SONOVA's mission of sharing the joy of live symphonic music through creative collaboration and storytelling. 

Fellowship Structure 

Duration: January–June 30, 2026 (Preferred start date: on or before January 26, 2026) Concerts: 3 concert cycles in Spring 2026 Compensation: Stipend of $600 Number of Fellows: One 

Ideal Candidate 

We seek conductors who: 

• Are undergraduate or graduate students, or recent graduates (within 2 years) 
• Demonstrate outstanding musicianship and artistic curiosity
• Have undertaken prior conducting study and experience leading student, university, and/or community ensembles 
• See themselves as leaders-in-training developing a vision for the future of symphonic music
• Are excited about SONOVA's values of joy, creativity, storytelling, and community connection 
• Embrace collaborative, accessible approaches to orchestral performance that involves coordination with community partners and other theatrical production elements 

Note: Conducting technique may still be developing; what's essential is exceptional musicianship, leadership potential, and alignment with SONOVA's creative, community-centered approach.

Fellowship Responsibilities 

Conducting & Musical Leadership 

• Lead 2-3 string sectional rehearsals over the course of the fellowship
• Conduct one complete work per concert
• Assist with score preparation and study
• Assist with rehearsal planning, feedback, and review 

Artistic & Community Engagement

• Assist in coordinating all performances, including:
  • Managing guest artists or community groups
  • Work with the Artistic Director on production elements, such as staging
  • Assist in the creation of concert visuals with guidance from the Artistic Director 

Observational Learning & Mentorship

• Attend all rehearsals for assigned concert cycles
• Participate in pre-rehearsal planning sessions with Artistic Director and/or Associate Music Director
• Assist in planning and confirming artistic production elements for performances
• Engage in post-rehearsal debrief conversations (15-30 minutes post rehearsal)
• Observe rehearsals from the auditorium to assess balance, acoustics, and audience perspective
• Attend all three performances over the course of the fellowship 

Time Commitment 

Approximately 8-12 hours per week during active concert cycles, flexible around the fellow's academic or professional schedule. Fellows are welcome to pursue other conducting and musical opportunities during the fellowship term. 

Application Materials

Please submit the following materials:

1. Resume (2 pages maximum): Include education, conducting and musical experience, ensembles you've worked with, and relevant professional or volunteer activities.
2. Video Audition: Submit a YouTube or Vimeo link featuring 2 contrasting selections demonstrating different technical and interpretive demands. Can include both rehearsal or performance footage.
3. Repertoire Documentation: A document listing the works contained in your video audition, including:
   1. Complete repertoire titles and composers
   2. Date and location of each performance or rehearsal
   3. Name of ensemble
   4. Context (concert, rehearsal, reading session, etc.)
4. Video Personal Statement (2 minutes maximum): Describe why you would like to be considered for the SONOVA Conducting Fellowship. Address:
   1. What draws you to conducting and orchestral leadership
   2. Your vision for symphonic music and community engagement
   3. What you hope to learn and contribute during this fellowship
5. Two Professional References: Provide name, title, phone number, and email address for two references who can speak to your musicianship and potential as a conductor. At least one should address your conducting work specifically.
   1. No formal letters required
   2. References may be contacted directly by SONOVA

Selection Criteria 

Fellows will be selected based on: 

• Musical excellence and artistry
• Conducting potential and leadership qualities
• Alignment with SONOVA's values of joy, creativity, storytelling, and community
• Collaborative spirit and enthusiasm for working with community musicians
• Thoughtfulness and clarity of artistic vision
• Commitment to accessibility and audience engagement in symphonic music 

Application Deadline & Contact 

Preferred Start Date: On or before January 26, 2026 Submit all materials including questions to: Serena Sela.

About SONOVA

Our mission is to “share the joy of live symphonic music through immersive, story-driven performances that modernize the concert experience and welcome audiences of all ages.” We go beyond the traditional concert experience by incorporating multimedia elements, theatrical storytelling, and sensory elements to make the concert hall more engaging and inclusive for the modern audience. We recognize that for the art of classical music to survive, we must critically examine and challenge the norms that alienate people from the orchestral experience, from preconceived notions of dress and behavior to the cost of attendance. At SONOVA, we welcome jeans, laughter, and clapping between the movements of a piece.