Orquesta Sinfonica UANL Monterrey (Mexico)

[Todd S. Malicoate]

Requirements:
- Under 35

Any thoughts as to the reasoning behind a requirement like this? Seems a bit young to me for such a position.

[james]

I was offered this job about 3 years ago and decided to stay in the U.S. There was mainly one reason for this choice.....my soon-to-be-wife. She was still living and teaching public school in Atlanta and there would be no opportunity for her to teach in Monterrey, Mexico. A bored wife equals trouble. I also knew there would be basically little to no contact with her during the "planning year" for our wedding. Again, this equals trouble. Family comes first here. However, if you want, here are some details I found out about the job:
The job is actually an ok situation for someone who is single, has little debt, and is looking for some experience. The conductor at the time loved to program big works and never gave the hand. I believe they have a new conductor now and I know nothing about his likes and dislikes. The bass trombone player (Jackie Harris-Stone) is a good player and very helpful so she would be someone to contact with questions. Also, Steve Oberheus played in this orchestra for a short time and may be able to offer some more insight.
The salary is pretty good for the area and you could probably save some of that while living comfortably. The only problem is...that's still only maybe $100-200 a month after expenses. Not enough to for flights home or pay your student loans (if you have any-I didn't have any at the time). Unlike most European orchestras, this orchestra actually seems to prefer American brass players. The brass and winds are generally ok in this group. The strings players, however, are often the opposite.
Monterrey is also a very beautiful and historic city. It's not too far from the Texas border or the beach (maybe 3-4 hour drive to each...I might be wrong). That's all I can think of for now.

[sc_curtis]

I played down there for 8 months recently. PM if you want to know more.

[Steve Oberheu]

I'll second what James said...if you have nothing binding you to where you are right now and you're looking for a chance to play full-time, go for it!

The orchestra is fearless in its choice of repertoire, so you WILL get to play big pieces. The pay is not a lot, but it is enough to live on in Mexico. 80 degrees in February is not a bad thing. The food is amazing!! For anyone who goes down there, write to me and I'll tell you where the best taco stand in the world is (you can get 5 tacos and a Coke for 25 pesos!!).

The biggest thing to take from this gig is experience. Experience as a professional musician in a fulltime orchestra, experience living in a different culture, experience of....well, you can name it.

Typically, you will get hired as a sub before completing an audition. If you got some time and interest, go for it.

Feel free to write me for any other info.

Steve

[Zade]

Anyone get the position?

[tubajon]

Anyone?