Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Color Guard is seeking an Associate Artistic Director to begin Fall 2026. Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Color Guard (CFSOF) is a 501c3 non-profit community band, and Associate Artistic Director is a paid position.
The successful candidate will provide vision and leadership for all aspects of the band program. Responsibilities may include directing CFSOF’s marching band, concert band, smaller ensembles, and sectional rehearsals at the discretion and direction of the Artistic Director. Other associate duties that match the candidate’s qualifications, background, and interests as well as the needs of CFSOF will be assigned.
The Associate Artistic Director is expected to provide leadership in recruiting outstanding members to the band and to maintain active and collaborative relationships with public school and community band programs throughout the state of Florida and affiliate bands of the Pride Bands Alliance. (Formally LGBA) The Associate Artistic Director will promote collaborative relationships among the brass, woodwind, and percussion leadership.
Sustained involvement in professional growth beyond the band is expected, as is non-voting participation on the board and its committees. The band functions with a fully active board of nine voting members, section liaisons, multiple committees, and serves approximately 75 members of CFSOF and all levels of musicianship, musical background, and experiences.
Associate director does not need to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community but an ally or supporter of our cause would be ideal. We encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds or interests align with vision of CFSOF:
… to promote LGBTQ+ awareness, acceptance, and equality in a positive way through quality entertainment and fellowship. Our diverse membership unites with common goals: to serve and educate through the performing arts.
Required Qualifications:
• Experience and training in wind band conducting, music education, and/or music performance studies
• Be (or plan to be by time of appointment) a resident of Orlando or central Florida
• People management skills (This skill may weigh out conducting experience)
• Professional demeanor with a lively and fun approach to music education
• Ability to bring out music performance from a wide range of talent and backgrounds
• Constant focus on key concepts of music to uphold the band philosophy of ‘Look Good and Sound Good’
• Constant focus on ‘All are welcome here’ – socially and musically
Preferred Qualifications:
• Degree in music is preferred, but not required
• Strong music literature knowledge, including living and active composers from diverse backgrounds
(especially from POC, Latinx, and LGBTQ+ Communities)
• Strong previous community band leadership experience
• An established record of commitment to the band, public school, or community collaborations is desired.
• Recruitment and retention skills
• Time Management
CFSOF is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization. We encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds or interests align with our mission statement.
Applicant will consent to a level 1 background check.
Non-Discrimination Policy Statement
The Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Color Guard does not
and shall not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender,
gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status,
sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities
or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to,
hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors,
and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive
and welcoming environment for all members
of our staff, membership, volunteers, vendors, and clients.
This policy defines Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band and Color Guard’s position on discrimination. This policy applies to all CFSOF employees, volunteers, and contractors.
CFSOF follows and equal opportunity employment policy and employs personnel without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, heritage, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental handicap, veteran status, or marital status.
This policy also applies to internal promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, relationships with outside vendors and customers, use of contractors and consultants, and in dealing with the general public.
CFSOF complies with Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title II of the Age Discrimination and Employment Act of 1967, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, and the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992.
Deadline to submit applications: July 15th, 2026
During August/September 2026:
Selected finalists will participate in an interview and be asked to lead rehearsal on a piece or pieces selected by the Artistic Director. The amount of rehearsal time will be determined based on the number of finalists, but the goal is to provide all finalists ample time to provide all finalists meaningful time to work with the band.
Further details will be discussed with finalists prior to appointment.
Please complete the form at this link (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHAIMbTPqNeOUI2xdTbYUwYwgghiRSpVflU-XQbrH6JhwuAA/viewform) and send Requested documents and links to secretary@cfsof.com & director@cfsof.com.
Deadline to Submit: July 15th, 2026