Bernie Etzinger, President & Chair

Ada Kwok, Treasurer

Tayler Farrell, Corporate Secretary

Venassa Baptiste, Assistant Treasurer

Alexis Nickson, Director

Fiona Charlton, Director

Lara Deutsch, Musicans’ Representative (ex-officio) *

Jean-François Marquis, Musicans’ Representative (ex-officio) *

Cresta deGraaff, Orchestral Manager (ex-officio)

* Playing member of the orchestra

Ottawa Symphony Orchestra (OSO) Board of Directors

Director Role & Description

Position: Director

Reports to: Chair/President of the board

Inclusivity is a key pillar of the OSO’s vision and values. It is an important consideration in both the composition of the board and the content of our musician-led programming. The OSO wants to hear from all individuals who wish to advance interest in the arts, classical and orchestral music throughout the Ottawa community.

Position Summary

The volunteer Director is expected to responsibly represent the OSO to their respective networks and communities, and to advocate for the OSO’s mission, vision, values and initiatives to support its continued operations and programming for the local community.

Key Responsibilities

● Attend, prepare for, and actively participate in board meetings and events;

● Participate in the board’s annual evaluation and planning efforts;

● Support development of the OSO’s fundraising planning and initiatives;

● Suggest and/or support development of local partnership and sponsorship

opportunities for the OSO in support of its mission, vision, and values;

● Serve on committees and support needs for special assignments, as required.

General Expectations

● Inform your network and others in the community about the OSO;

● Champion OSO events and fundraising initiatives. Personal financial

contributions are not expected or required, although participation is welcome;

● Stay informed about the OSO’s mission, vision, values, and its upcoming

events and priorities;

● Stay informed of key developments in the local arts and culture sector and in

the community and government that may affect the OSO.

Time Commitment

● Monthly board meetings: Approximately 9 regular meetings per year from September to June at 1.5 hours each and 1 retreat per year in May at 3-8 hours.

● Preparation & support of board meetings and events: Approximately 2 hours per month, depending on timing of annual activities above.

● Potential for ad-hoc sub-committee work (i.e., governance and fundraising): Approximately 2-5 hours per month, dependent on role and activities.

● Concert attendance (not mandatory, but encouraged): Approximately 4-5 concerts per year at 2 hours each.

Total estimated = roughly 70-100 hours per year

About the OSO

The Ottawa Symphony Orchestra is a nonprofit, community-based professional orchestra. Founded in 1965, the Ottawa Symphony specializes in performing large-scale symphonic works with up to 100 musicians on stage. Over the course of the pandemic, the OSO reorganized to develop an Artistic Planning Committee – musician led, as opposed to the traditional Artistic Director role – and is prioritizing community engagement and innovative programming. The Ottawa Symphony currently performs several concerts per year from October to May. Our mission is to create memorable musical experiences that bring people together.

ottawasymphony.com/mission

OSO’s Board of Directors

● Sets strategic direction in support of the organization’s fulfillment of its

purpose, mission, vision & values;

● Provides financial oversight and accountability;

● Monitors, supports, and enhances the organization’s public standing through

development of fundraising initiatives and donor relationships;

● Provides oversight and ensures effective organizational planning,

management and resource recruitment and support with the general manager,

● Ensures legal and ethical integrity and accountability of the organization,

● Maintains effective governance of the organization.

Board Positions

● President and Chair of the Board

● Vice president

● Treasurer

● Assistant Treasurer

● Corporate secretary

● Directors at large

● Musicians’ representatives, ex-officio

● General manager, ex-officio