FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Contact: Bud Gartland
Phone: (239) 270-1221
Email: Bud@evg3consulting.net
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Naples, Florida - After leading the Naples Concert Band (“Band”) (www.naplesconcertband.org) through a successful 50th Anniversary Season, Harris Lanzel has announced that the 2022-2023 season will be his last as Music Director. “Harris has earned the respect of our musicians and the admiration of our audience over the course of his successful 15 year tenure with the Band” said Dave Drewek, President of the Naples Concert Band. “We are looking for a candidate with a similar passion and commitment to the Band to lead us forward.” Accordingly, a search has been initiated for Mr. Lanzel’s successor, starting full-time with the 2023-2024 season.
The mission of the Naples Concert Band is to provide an outlet for musicians to perform for personal satisfaction and growth, to present concerts for the enjoyment and cultural enrichment for the greater Naples community, and to provide scholarships for high school and college level students. The Music Director, who reports to the Board, is responsible for the quality, content and execution of all the musical aspects of the Band’s mission. The more significant responsibilities include the following:
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Concert Planning & Programming: The Band performs 8 concerts from October thru April, as well as a “Fleet Review” at the Naples Yacht Club (early December). The Music Director is expected to oversee, manage and execute these performances, including identification of soloists and coordination with our sound engineers, announcer and our marketing team.
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The Band rehearses weekly from mid-September thru April on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 9 pm. The Music Director is expected to communicate expectations with Band members prior to rehearsals (i.e., rehearsal order and notes) and to coordinate with the Band’s librarian and soloists to ensure an efficient use of rehearsal time.
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Collaborate with the Board: While a non-voting member of the Board, the Music Director participates collaboratively with the Board including monthly meetings, and keeps the Board apprised of matters related to music/soloist budgets and any personnel matters requiring Board attention.
In addition to the Board, the Music Director is supported by several compensated staff, including Assistant Music Director, Librarian, and Property Manager. The Music Director is also encouraged to engage our active Membership in the support of the musical mission of the organization. We have an engaged and enthusiastic Membership that is looking to support the Band.
The Board is looking for a candidate that has a commitment to and passion for the mission of the Naples Concert Band, and who possesses the following skills and personal attributes:
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Proficient score-reading and conducting skills
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Efficient and effective rehearsal planning skills, including effective time management
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Concert programming that engages both our members, guest performers and our loyal audience
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Strong interpersonal skills and a positive rapport with our membership
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A commitment to the mission and traditions of the Naples Concert Band
Interested applicants are asked to provide their qualifications by December 31, 2022 by email to Bud Gartland at Bud@evg3consulting.net. When responding to this opportunity, we ask interested candidates to send an email with the following information:
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A cover letter describing your interest in the Naples Concert Band as well as any experience relevant to the position
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A resume to include your educational background and professional experience
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An example of 3 of your most recent concert programs that you have developed
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Links to recordings of your work (i.e., YouTube or other formats)
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Three references including email addresses and phone numbers
All finalists will have an opportunity to work with the ensemble, and we expect to schedule these visits during the 1st quarter of 2023. A final decision is expected no later than April 2023.
About the Naples Concert Band
Since our rather modest beginnings in January 1972 with 10 musicians, we have grown 10-fold in membership and multiples more in quality and excellence. The Naples Concert Band is an important part of the culture and civic life of the City of Naples, Florida, and collectively, we have made significant impact in the 50 years we have been playing and performing together. In fact, the original bandshell in Cambier Park resulted from the contributions and efforts of the members of the Naples Concert Band.
Over 85% of our revenues come from private donations and audience contributions at concerts, and the generosity of our audience speaks to the high regard of NCB in the community. Each year, we perform 8 concerts to our loyal audience, whose size averages 1,500 to 2,000 at various points throughout our season (October thru April). The generosity and support of our audience affords us the ability to make investments in the Band, including several compensated mission-critical positions, one of which includes the Music Director.
In addition to a reputation for musical excellence, NCB provides both financial support and the time/talent of our members to support the musical endeavors of worthy students in the community. To date, NCB has contributed approximately $130,000 to nearly 100 students, as well as countless hours to support Master Classes sponsored by the Music Foundation of Greater Naples.
Finally, and most importantly, the Naples Concert Band is a proudly all-volunteer community band. With a strength of 90-100 members during a typical season, approximately 50% of our members have been with the Band for over 10 years. Our members have forged long-lasting relationships and bonds of friendship, and the Music Director plays a key role in the cohesion of the ensemble. A link to our 50th Anniversary Concert held on March 5th, 2022, can be found on our website.
This position offers a unique opportunity for the right person to help chart the course and set the tone for the beginning of our next 50 years of the Naples Concert Band. All inquiries are welcome.