Join the Kalamazoo Symphony Team
Learn about employment opportunities with the KSO, from orchestra auditions to administrative positions.
The KSO is an equal opportunity employer. You can read additional details at the end of the page.
Join the Staff
Join the Kalamazoo Symphony administrative team! If you would like to be considered for an open staff position below, please follow the instructions at the end of the posting.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please send questions to HR@KalamazooSymphony.com. No calls, please.
Open Staff Positions
PART TIME | Stagehand
Operations Department | Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Stagehands work with the Stage Manager and other members of the Operations department to ensure successful conditions for the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra musicians. This is an hourly, part-time position. In-person attendance is required for all shifts, including significant evening and weekend work. Must be 18 years or older.
Auditions
Every season, the Kalamazoo Symphony reaches 50,000 individuals through transformative musical experiences.
Our musicians are the heart and soul of our organization, and we would be thrilled to have you join us – as a new contract musician or a substitute!
SECTION VIOLA (CHAIR 5)
$137.32 per service | 58 guaranteed services
Audition Date: November 13, 2026
Application Deadline: October 16, 2026 | JOB DESCRIPTION | APPLICATION | REPERTOIRE LIST
If a position is won by a current member of the Kalamazoo Symphony, the resulting vacancy may be offered to a runner-up as a probationary temporary appointment with the possibility of becoming permanent.
FLUTE 3/PICCOLO
$137.32 per service | 45 guaranteed services
Audition Date: February 11, 2027
Application Deadline: January 15, 2027 | JOB DESCRIPTION | APPLICATION | REPERTOIRE LIST
If a position is won by a current member of the KSO, the resulting vacancy may be offered to a runner up as a temporary appointment with the possibility of becoming permanent.
SECTION CELLO (CHAIR 3)
$137.32 per service | 67 guaranteed services
Audition Date: February 19, 2027
Application Deadline: January 22, 2027 | JOB DESCRIPTION | APPLICATION | REPERTOIRE LIST
If a position is won by a current member of the KSO, the resulting vacancy may be offered to a runner up as a temporary appointment with the possibility of becoming permanent.
Audition Application Information
All applicants are added to the audition roster once a completed application is submitted AND their $50 audition deposit is received. Candidates may either mail a check (or money order) or pay online via credit/debit card.
Checks should be made payable to the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra and mailed to:
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra
Attn: Personnel Manager – Auditions
359 S. Kalamazoo Mall Ste. 100
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Credit card deposits may be submitted here.
If paying via card, there is a small transaction fee. Applicants will be charged the full amount upfront and will be refunded the money after attending the audition (or after notifying the KSO of a cancellation by the cancellation deadline). Card refunds typically take 1 to 2 weeks to process.
Deposits MUST be postmarked/submitted by the application deadline to be added to the audition roster. If you do not receive confirmation within seven (7) days of submitting your deposit, please contact the Personnel Manager.
All candidates will receive a link to their instrument’s audition website via email after their deposit is received. This website includes all of the applicable details specific to that audition, including but not limited to: a full audition repertoire list, layout of the audition process, location and maps, and much more.
Audition Questions
With audition questions, please email Auditions@KalamazooSymphony.com and include KSO <your instrument> Auditions in the subject line and your name, instrument, and preferred contact information in the body of the email.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Sphinx Organization
The National Alliance for Audition Support (NAAS) is a collaborative program between Sphinx, the League of American Orchestras, and the New World Symphony Orchestra that directly supports the resources and logistical needs of Black and Latinx musicians and conductors pursuing careers in orchestral performance. The program offers grants to help offset audition-related travel expenses, among other resources.
For more information, please visit: https://www.sphinxmusic.org/naas-grants.
For audition support, please visit: https://www.sphinxmusic.org/national-alliance-for-audition-support
At the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra, we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin, disability status, marital status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Candidates from all backgrounds and walks of life are encouraged to apply.
