We’re hiring!

Written By Band President

Lead Artistic Director, The Columbus Pride Bands

Columbus, Ohio USA 

Contract Position

Posting Date: Friday May 1st, 2026

Who we are:

Established in 2003, The Columbus Pride Bands is the premier lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) instrumental music group in Ohio. Our mission is to create quality musical and social experiences for our members and community through a variety of performances. We provide an open, inclusive, and fun atmosphere while promoting the joy of music, friendship, and personal growth.

CPB has three major concert cycles: Concert Bands (Fall and Spring), and Pride (Summer).  CPB also supports additional ensembles like Pep Band, Holiday Winds, Big Band (jazz) and other ad hoc requests when time and musician commitment allow.  

Our Concert Bands are made up of two ensembles:  Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band.  The Columbus Pride Symphonic Band is one of our largest performing ensembles made up of around 100 musicians.  The Columbus Pride Wind Ensemble is usually smaller (at around 50 musicians) and requires those interested to complete a musical assessment to judge preparedness for more difficult or practice intensive pieces. 

What we are looking for:

We are seeking a Lead Artistic Director who is an inspiring musical leader, collaborative communicator, and strong advocate for inclusion, respect, and diversity. This person should be comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders and building positive relationships with individuals of varied backgrounds and experiences. Strong public speaking skills and a willingness to occasionally represent and promote our ensembles and organization are important.

The ideal candidate brings a passion for community band and a demonstrated ability to develop musicianship among performers with diverse skill levels. While we celebrate adult amateur musicians of all abilities, we maintain a high artistic standard, and this role is responsible for sustaining and elevating that level of excellence.

The Lead Artistic Director reports to the Board of Directors and is evaluated annually by the Executive Team (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer). This role partners with the Board and key stakeholders to plan performance seasons within an approved operating budget, with major decisions subject to Board approval.

While not required, candidates with a direct connection to the LGBTQ community or a demonstrated history of meaningful support and advocacy are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities:

  • Conduct the Wind Ensemble with the expectation of involvement in at least one piece from the Symphonic Band per concert.

  • Lead the organization of rehearsals for this ensemble, including location, frequency, length, and timing.

  • Develop and improve Wind Ensemble membership talent and the musical quality of performances

  • Serving as the Chair of the Artistic Advisory Committee: Select themes and music for Concert Bands performances (Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble) and advise Assistant Artistic Directors if a theme across ensembles is desired and appropriate.

  • Own all artistic elements of Concert Bands concerts including: visuals, guest talent, percussion equipment, host/emcee involvement, etc.

  • Distribute incoming performance requests to the appropriate Assistant  Artistic Director.

  • Attend monthly Staff Meetings and provide updates to be presented to the board. Additionally participation is expected in our annual strategic planning meeting held in January.

  • Act as a resource and support for Assistant Artistic Directors. This role will not serve as a direct supervisor for these positions, but does provide leadership and guidance in order to ensure a consistent artistic vision across all ensembles.

  • Actively recruit new members and engage/retain current members.

  • While required hours per week for this role will vary with the time of year there will be an expectation of regular communication and collaboration via email and Google Chat throughout the year.

  • Additional responsibilities may be assigned at the discretion of the Board President upon majority approval of the Board of Directors.

Qualifications:

  • Music degree or equivalent

  • Experience teaching and/or conducting a musical ensemble at the High School or College level

Compensation:

We are still finalizing our budget for the upcoming year, but total compensation will be around $3,000. More details will be discussed during the interview process.

Process: 

All applicants should submit the following materials:

  1. Curriculum vitae, resume and/or biography

  2. Video recording of, or link to, a musical ensemble you recently directed (Optional).

  3. 2-3 professional references

Accepted applicants will be invited to interview with selected members of the CPB, followed by an audition leading our membership through a provided musical piece.

Please submit application materials via email to president@columbuspridebands.org 

Questions concerning this job announcement may be submitted to the same email address.

Closing Date: Friday May 15, 2026

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