Orchestra Conductor Onboarding Checklist

Orchestra Conductor Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Orchestra Conductor starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Performing Arts onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Orchestra Conductor, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Orchestra Conductor onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Orchestra Conductor Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the organization: The new orchestra conductor should be introduced to the organization’s structure, mission, and values. This task is typically performed by the executive director or a senior member of the orchestra’s management team.

2. Familiarization with the orchestra: The conductor should be given the opportunity to meet and interact with the musicians in the orchestra. This task can be facilitated by the orchestra’s personnel manager or a designated mentor within the orchestra.

3. Review of repertoire: The conductor should receive a comprehensive list of upcoming performances and repertoire. This task is typically performed by the orchestra’s music director or artistic administrator.

4. Rehearsal schedule coordination: The conductor should work closely with the orchestra’s operations manager or production coordinator to establish and coordinate rehearsal schedules. This includes determining the dates, times, and locations of rehearsals.

5. Score study: The conductor should spend time studying the scores of the pieces they will be conducting. This task is typically performed individually by the conductor, but they may seek guidance or input from the orchestra’s music librarian or principal musicians.

6. Planning and programming: The conductor should collaborate with the orchestra’s artistic administrator or music director to plan and program future concerts and performances. This includes selecting repertoire, guest artists, and special events.

7. Rehearsal preparation: The conductor should prepare rehearsal materials, including marking scores, creating rehearsal plans, and communicating with musicians about specific musical interpretations. This task is performed individually by the conductor.

8. Leading rehearsals: The conductor is responsible for leading rehearsals, guiding musicians through the interpretation of the music, and ensuring a cohesive performance. This task is performed by the conductor in collaboration with the musicians.

9. Performance coordination: The conductor should work closely with the orchestra’s operations manager or stage manager to coordinate all aspects of performances, including stage setup, sound checks, and cueing of musicians. This task is performed by the conductor in collaboration with the operations team.

10. Collaboration with guest artists: If there are guest artists involved in performances, the conductor should collaborate with them to ensure a successful collaboration. This task is performed by the conductor in collaboration with the guest artists and the orchestra’s artistic administrator.

11. Attendance at administrative meetings: The conductor should attend administrative meetings to stay informed about organizational matters, budgeting, and future planning. This task is performed by the conductor in collaboration with the orchestra’s management team.

12. Community engagement: The conductor should actively engage with the community, attending events, giving interviews, and participating in outreach programs. This task is performed by the conductor in collaboration with the orchestra’s marketing or community engagement team.

13. Evaluation and feedback: The conductor should participate in regular evaluations and feedback sessions with the orchestra’s management team and musicians to ensure continuous improvement. This task is performed by the conductor in collaboration with the orchestra’s management team and musicians.

14. Professional development: The conductor should engage in ongoing professional development activities, such as attending workshops, conferences, and masterclasses, to enhance their skills and knowledge. This task is performed individually by the conductor, but they may seek guidance or support from the orchestra’s management team.

15. Succession planning: The conductor should work with the orchestra’s management team to develop a succession plan, ensuring a smooth transition when their tenure with the orchestra comes to an end. This task is performed by the conductor in collaboration with the orchestra’s management team

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Orchestra Conductor checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Orchestra Conductor up to speed and working well in your Performing Arts team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.