Orchestra Librarian

Spoleto Festival USA • Charleston, SC

9h • Hybrid

About The Position

Spoleto Festival USA is internationally recognized as America’s premier performing arts festival, presenting performances across opera, theater, dance, and a range of musical genres during 17 days and nights each spring. The Orchestra Librarian purchases, prepares, and distributes orchestral parts for all Orchestra services, working closely with the Producing Office, Orchestra Manager, and Orchestra Music Director. The role’s preparation—including bowing parts, marking cuts, and preparing page turns—supports smooth rehearsals and performances.

This is a year-round, variable-hour position. Work is light and remote for most of the year, then increases substantially to full-time, on-site coverage in Charleston, South Carolina, during the weeks surrounding the Festival. The role is in the Producing Department and reports to the Producer. It is exempt and not benefit-eligible.

Requirements

• At least 2 years of demonstrated experience working in a professional orchestra library; internships and seasonal work are acceptable, with a strong preference for candidates who have led on concerts.
• Knowledge of music notation and industry best practices for library procedures, including preparing parts and orchestral sets from scratch, such as fresh parts and/or world premieres.
• Comfort using a range of technology, especially copy machines of various models and file-sharing tools such as Dropbox.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-moving environment.
• Discretion, integrity, a calm demeanor under pressure, and strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines during long stretches of remote work.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States; the employer participates in E-Verify.
• Ability to pass a background check, hold a valid driver’s license, and be at least 21 years old, as the role requires driving a Festival-provided vehicle.
• Ability to stand for long periods, work in low-light environments, and occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. during the Festival period.
• Availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays, including on-call hours during the Festival period from mid-May to mid-June.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in music or a related field.
• Nonprofit arts or festival experience.

Responsibilities

• Purchase, rent, and prepare orchestral parts for Orchestra programs, including operas, ballets, orchestra concerts, choral-orchestral performances, and theater productions featuring orchestra fellows.
• Bow parts, mark cuts, prepare page turns, and add other notations in collaboration with conductors.
• Scan and organize parts for advance distribution and maintain a clear, user-friendly electronic file structure.
• Create and distribute score copies for conductors, assistant conductors, and composers as needed.
• Support orchestra rehearsals during the Festival period, staff the Orchestra Library, and distribute parts on-site with help from the Orchestra Library Apprentice.
• Assist with hiring, training, and supervising the Orchestra Library Apprentice.
• Communicate regularly with the Producing Office and Orchestra leadership throughout the year.

Benefits

• Housing and a travel stipend for the on-site residency period in Charleston, South Carolina, for employees who reside outside Charleston.
• Complimentary access for seasonal staff and one guest to select performances and events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed