Wheeling Symphony Orchestra

The Wheeling Symphony Orchestra inspires audiences with engaging and innovative performances, compelling guest artists and works by a diverse range of composers with an emphasis on American music. Located in the northern panhandle of West Virginia, WSO, a regional orchestra, has called Wheeling its home for 95 years.

Wheeling Symphony Orchestra Intern should possess the following skills:

• Interest in learning about all aspects of orchestral administration
• Ability to work independently, take direction, and work well with others
• Be self-motivated, responsible, flexible, and reliable
• Have strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Value inclusivity and demonstrate commitment to increase learning issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Flexibility in work hours
• Ability to move heavy items as needed

Areas of Focus and Learning Outcomes

The intern will gain professional experience with: Concert production, fundraising, marketing and promotion, guest artist hospitality, creating educational programs and engaging with the community during an anniversary year. The student awarded the Wheeling Symphony Internship will:

• Gain experience working with the professional orchestral community of staff and musicians
• Strengthen management skills through practical application
• Develop basic skills in operations, production, and community engagement

Hours and Wage

This internship will offer a maximum of 20 hours a week for up to 8 weeks. Hourly rate is $10-12. The intern will be required to work at the WSO office (located in Wheeling, WV) for most of the internship. Some occasional remote work may be permitted depending on duties and responsibilities. Start date: May 12, 2025 with duties through mid-July.

Duties and Responsibilities

Marketing

• Assist with social media campaigns
• Assist with capturing content (photography)
• Assisting with grassroots marketing efforts such as distributing materials to local businesses

Box Office

• Assist box office staff with ticket orders for the 2025-26 season
• Support the annual subscription and single ticket campaigns
• Assist with data entry and patron communications

Fundraising

• Assist with donor and sponsor engagement
• Research perspective concert sponsors
• Assist with data entry

Production and Guest Artist Care

• Assist in operations and production and attend meetings via Zoom
• Work closely with Operations Education Coordinator on guest artist care and tour planning
• Possibility of supporting staff on the July 4th Tour, pending availability and funding

These internship opportunities are considered practical learning experiences for students who express serious interest and wish to have active engagement in the duties and responsibilities listed.