Question regarding symphonies and orchestras?

Question

Besides the musicians, what are the other duties associated with these large ensembles? In other words, are there people who have regular jobs working with/for all the symphonies and orchestras? Do they go on tour like a small band?

Answer 1

Normally there is a sound tech. They hook up all the microphones, do sound checks before the show, and run the sound board. They are also responsible for recording the concerts if that is done. There is a librarian who is in charge of getting the music from the music companies, and then distributing it to the musicians, and collecting it after the concerts. It is actually a big job, believe it or not. There are Stage crew that set up the chairs and music stands. There is a Manager who is responsible for setting the schedule and notifying all the musicians of the rehearsal and concert schedules, they also normally are responsible for making sure the musicians get paid. Sometimes there are Artistic Directors that plan the programs, write program notes, do pre-show talks, etc. If I think of any more I'll let you know.

Not all symphonies go on tour. Only big symphonies with good reputations. Actually, most symphonies (at least in the US) are in a big money crunch right now, and a few have even shut down.

Answer 2

There are many people behind the scenes. There's always an advisory board, often of non-musicians, but affluent community members. There are personnel people, managers, librarians (in charge of music), guest conductors, guest soloists. Depending on the size and prestige of the orchestra (which usually directly links to the budget), different people may go on tour. The personnel jobs can mainly be managed from a home base, but a manager and a librarian will usually tour. An orchestra going on tour is usually a pretty big production, involving one to two buses full of musicians and staff. Very prestigious orchestras are likely also to bring stagehands and lighting/sound people with them on tour.

Answer 3

Symhonies go on tour; they usually go to other countries and the like. And there are alot of jobs behind the scenes; producers, directors, promotions, repitoire selection, funding, all sorts of things. and of course there's a resident conductor for each; then guest conductors for some shows. Being in the symphony also can be your job if you join on the professional core.

Answer 4

Administration is the real biggie. There are typical corporate types that balance the books, librarians to work with music, and sometimes music historians. Really, anything that a business would have, an orchestra will have.

Answer 5

When orchestras tour it is a MAJOR undertaking as there are so many people, and large instruments (harps, basses, timpani, etc.) to be transported.

Orchestras often have large staffs of support personnel: librarians, box-office, fund-raising, secretarial, janitorial, etc. It's really a big operation, especially if they have their own concert hall.