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Position Title: Librarian
Institution: Grand Rapids Symphony
General Information: The Grand Rapids Symphony serves Grand Rapids, Michigan through its 42-week season. Programs include Classics, Casual Classics, Pops, SymphonicBoom, Picnic Pops, Family, Lollipops and other educational concerts. Additionally, the GRS is contracted by Opera Grand Rapids to perform a set of 3 operas annually and it performs regularly for the Grand Rapids Ballet Company.
Qualifications / Requirements: The Librarian will be a resourceful team player with problem solving ability who will work with members of the production department, staff conductors, guest conductors, orchestra musicians and others to coordinate all aspects of music provisioning for the Symphony. Undergraduate degree in Music required, major or minor. Deep appreciation and knowledge of orchestral repertoire. Prior orchestral library experience with knowledge of current standards in library science. Highly organized with strong attention to detail and accurate work performance. Willingness to work within an organizational philosophy that stresses the importance of open communication, teamwork and desire to meet the rising expectations of others while elevating coworkers to same. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills desirable.

Should possess a working knowledge of the music publishing, music rental business and of U.S. copyright laws. Ability to read and write music in multiple clefs for both transposing and non-transposing instruments. Clear understanding of string markings, Must, at times, transport music via own car or by music cart to and from services and be able to lift packages up to 50 pounds. Working knowledge of music publishing software a plus. Computer literate including working knowledge of database software.
Duties:
  • Work collaboratively with others to coordinate all aspects of music provision, preparation and distribution for the Orchestra and for other instrumental ensembles with which the Symphony presents or collaborates
  • Obtain printed music for the GR Symphony, assemble it in Orchestra folders. Distribute and collect folders, or oversee same, at concerts and rehearsals. Return music and scores to library or publisher.
  • Catalog library; maintain accurate inventory; assure adequate library security. Recommend and implement computer catalog solutions for the GRS library. Provide instrumentation information to staff and conductors
  • Obtain printed music for the GR Symphony Chorus and for other choruses with which the Symphony presents or collaborates
  • Work with General Manager to develop library budget: research music availability; recommend cost effective solutions for purchase or rental of materials; continually seek least cost, high value approaches to problem solving.
  • Maintain publisher contacts and catalogs
  • Receive and track incoming material; pack and ship outgoing material; maintain records of these activities
  • Ensure that only finished, marked, professionally prepared parts are distributed, replace worn out music if necessary. Mark string parts with bowings provided by the Music Director and/or string principals; copy and reproduce parts, inserts, and bowing masters. Maintain library of string principal parts of previously bowed rental parts to preserve bowings.
  • Oversee library assistant(s) who will also mark string parts with bowings and assist in music collection
  • Distributes orchestra information prepared by operations personnel.
  • Track loaned music to conductors and for study; report lost or damaged music.
  • Contribute to a professional working environment in the orchestra.
  • Undergird effective working relationships between staff and musicians; respond to the needs of conductors while maintaining particular sensitivity to the needs of musicians.
Salary, Rank & Benefits: Full time employment. In any given week, hours may rise and fall somewhat based on the Symphony’s rehearsal and concert schedule. This job will include concert and rehearsal duty with evening and weekend hours. Salary is equivalent to full-time section salary for musicians of the Orchestra. Benefits commensurate with experience. Includes health insurance, dental and participation in a 401k retirement plan.
Deadline: July 15, 2006
Application: Send cover letter, resume and 3 references by mail, fax or email to

Daniel Jonkman
Vice President for Finance and Human Resources
Grand Rapids Symphony
300 Ottawa Ave. NW, Suite 100
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

phone: 616-454-9451
fax: 616-454-7477