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Looking forward to her 10th and final season with the WSSO (2026-27), Jennifer Sacher Wiley is retiring as Conductor, supporting continued growth of the orchestra.

to begin an appointment in May, 2027, the WSSO seeks a new

Music Director & Conductor

Complete job description HERE

Application Instructions 

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The West Shore Symphony Orchestra invites applications for the position of Music Director and Conductor beginning in the spring of 2027. We seek an inspiring artistic leader who is passionate about community engagement, is committed to musical excellence, and is supportive to a group of community volunteer musicians. Application must include: 

  • Personal letter of interest from the candidate

  • Resume to include conducting experience, education, and relevant artistic achievements

  • Sample programs conducted by the candidate within the past 5 years

  • Names, phone numbers and email addresses of at least three professional references

  • Video recordings of rehearsals or performances may be submitted with application materials as video clips (mp4) or direct links to online content such as a YouTube Channel or personal website. â€‹

 

No phone inquiries, please. Application deadline: Friday April 3, or until a suitable pool of candidates is recruited. 

Please submit applications to: manager@westshoresymphony.org

or mail to:

West Shore Symphony Orchestra, c/o Jamie Fry, manager, 275 Cumberland Pkwy #167, Mechanicsburg PA 17055

WSSO Schedule at a Glance, May 2026-May 2027

Pending venue confirmation & Board approval, below is the expected schedule of concerts & events

May 3, 2026 Masterworks Concert, Trinity High School Camp Hill "Continental Folk"

works by Vaughan Williams, Huang Ruo, Sibelius (concerto winner), Fela Sowande (with Sankofa African American Theatre Company)

June 19, 20, 22, 2026  Summer Pops Series "From Song to Shining Song: 250 years of American Music"

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Sunday, November 8, 2026 Masterworks Concert #1 3:00 (rep & location TBA)

8 Monday rehearsals 7:15-9:30 beginning 9/14, Dress rehearsal Saturday, 11/7, 10:00-12:30

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Friday, December 11, 2026 Educational Concerts 9:30, 10:45, 12:30 (scripted show & location TBA)

3 Monday rehearsals 11/16, 11/23, 12/7

1 Thursday rehearsal 12/10

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Sunday, January 24, 2027 Annual Concerto Competition (for wind, brass, percussionists)

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Sunday, February 28, 2027  Masterworks Concert #2 3:00 (rep & location TBA)

8 Monday rehearsals 7:15-9:30 beginning 1/4, Dress rehearsal Saturday, 2/27, 10:00-12:30

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Sunday, May 2, 2027  Masterworks Concert #3 3:00 (rep & location TBA)

8 Monday rehearsals 7:15-9:30 beginning 3/8, Dress rehearsal Saturday, 5/1, 10:00-12:30

Click HERE for current schedule and Player info

Recruiting, Selection & Integration Procedures

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Following the review of resumes, letters and videos, the Search Committee will select a number of candidates for phone interviews.

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Three finalists will be invited to perform one 6-12 minute work (one movement, any orchestra-only genre) with the WSSO on one of the 3 Masterworks Concerts of the 2026-27 Season.  Finalists will not be constricted by a concert "theme", but will be encouraged to find a work that complements other pieces selected for the program.  Finalists will be expected to attend the dress rehearsal, the Monday rehearsal before the dress, and 1-2 other Monday rehearsals as schedules permit (see above for schedule details).  The current conductor, Jennifer Sacher Wiley, looks forward to a collaborative rapport with Guest Conductor candidates.  The theme of the 2026-27 season is "Shared Visions".

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The newly appointed WSSO maestro will begin with a series of free summer Pops Concerts, June 2027, continuing with the 2027-28 season.  The new maestro will be expected to select all repertoire, but will receive consulting support from the orchestra and outgoing maestro.​

The Search Committee reserves the right to amend the above procedures as needed, making every effort to communicate clearly with candidates throughout the process.

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