Name: Tom F. HernandezEmployer: Golden West CollegeThumbs...

Name: Tom F. Hernandez

Employer: Golden West College

Thumbs up: “Years ago I came across a quotation that sums up my fondness for music quite well. It read something like this: ‘Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.’ I am grateful to have the opportunity to provide the healing effect that music has on its listeners.”

Thumbs down: “Music programs face a chronic shortage of funds. As the group’s leader, the conductor must often get involved in fund raising in addition to spending countless hours preparing for a performance. Sometimes it’s a struggle to balance work and family life.”

Next step: “I would like to expand our international concert tour into an exchange system that would allow groups from other countries to perform here as well.”

Advice: “In addition to musical talent, a conductor must be able to build a good working relationship with administrators. He or she must be a leader, but should also allow a free exchange of ideas between himself and the musicians.”

Salary range: Orchestra and band conductors in Orange County receive $40,000 to $150,000 a year, depending on their experience and the prestige of the musical group they lead.

Hours: Forty to 50 hours a week, including evening and weekend hours during performances and tours.

Educational and training requirements: Conductors must have extensive musical training in a variety of instruments. Having a master’s degree and a doctorate is not unusual. Upper division courses often include specialty training in scoring and conducting. Before becoming a conductor, most move up the ranks from concertmaster and assistant conductor.

Size of work force: Small. In Orange County, fewer than 10 people work as professional band or orchestra conductors.

Expected demand: Light, due to budget cutbacks affecting the arts.

Job description: Conductors stand before musical groups and lead them in performance. They signal to the various instrumental sections to join in, play louder, increase tempo or grow silent. Conductors orchestrate the feel and tone of the musical performance according to a score that they have specially adapted for the particular group they are leading. They participate in all aspects of concert and tour planning and represent the group in promotional and fund-raising efforts. Those employed by educational institutions often teach music classes, for which they are paid extra.

Major employers: Colleges, universities, churches and independent musical organizations funded by grants and private contributions.

For more information: Contact the Conductor’s Guild Inc., P.O. Box 3361, West Chester, Pa. 19381, (215) 430-6010.

Los Angeles Times