Gorge Winds Concert Band Seeks New Conductor

GWCB Seeks New Conductor - 2026

The Gorge Winds Concert Band (GWCB) is seeking applicants who are interested in working with the Gorge Winds Concert Band as our Conductor for community performances.

About the Gorge Winds Concert Band

The Gorge Winds Concert Band is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that is located in the Columbia River Gorge, serving communities from both sides of the Columbia River. Band governance is shared by elected officers and board of directors handling the administrative details of running the nonprofit organization.

Requirements

The successful candidate will have a strong commitment to fostering and encouraging the Band. The conductor must be willing to dedicate the time and effort to select appropriate music and efficiently run rehearsal time to adequately prepare the band for its performances. The GWCB seeks candidates that have prior conducting experience and educational preparation to handle the responsibilities of this position.

Applicants should have the following:

At least a bachelor’s degree in music, Music Education, or equivalent experience
Minimum two year experience as the conductor of a large wind ensemble
Knowledge of band literature
Professionalism
Leadership qualities in conducting, teaching, communication and organizational skills
Can work with adult musicians of all skill and commitment levels

A background check is required.

Position Overview

The Conductor has full responsibility over the Band’s musical direction, including:

Programming and musical selections for the concert season
Managing rehearsals
Conducting performances
Seating arrangements

The Conductor is also expected to attend monthly Board meetings, consult with the Board on performance schedules and venues, and communicate with the Band via email on a weekly basis.

Regular performance season, including rehearsals, is September through July.

There are typically 3-5 concerts in a regular season
The concert season starts in September
- Rehearsals are Thursdays from 7:00pm-9:00pm
- Rehearsals are held at The Dalles Middle School in the band room
- Dress rehearsals are typically the Thursday prior to the concert
- Concerts are typically Friday evenings at 7:00pm and Saturday afternoon at 3:00pm
The Conductor will receive a negotiated stipend and will be considered a subcontractor to the Gorge Winds Concert Band. The Conductor will be responsible for his/her reporting and withholding of said stipend to the various taxing agencies, federal, state, and local.

How To Apply

Submit your name, address, email address, phone number, and attach a cover letter and a resume to contact@gorgewindsband.org. All documents are due by 11:59pm on 11-30-25.

If you have any questions, please email at contact@gorgewindsband.org.

After the closing date, the Board of Directors will review applications and select candidates to interview. Candidates chosen to audition will be asked to conduct a preselected piece in January 2026.