Emerging Professional Award

Overview

ACSO recognizes the need for the classical music  industry to invest in future leaders who will ensure the vitality of the art form. Therefore, the Emerging Professional Award was launched in 2020 and recognizes the current contributions and the future potential of an individual who has been in the orchestra/classical music field for less than five years but who has already made significant contributions to their organization, irrespective of available resources or budget, and has demonstrated the potential for leadership and continuing professional growth. This individual has experienced early career success in the field, has helped elevate the mission of their organization, and thus is actively making an impact in the community. 

This person demonstrates a thirst and curiosity for learning and self-development. This person is an asset to their organization by bringing new ideas, providing support to colleagues, challenging the status quo, championing equity and diversity, and demonstrating leadership. This individual brings positive energy to and invigorates organizational culture, while working to shore up its weaknesses and advance its strengths. 

This person is the embodiment of ACSO’s vision that the classical music landscape of California and the region is vibrant, healthy, diverse, and connected to the communities it serves.

Eligibility

Nominee:

  • Must be in their first five years in the classical music field (there is no age requirement) and may work in any area of orchestra management/administration
  • Must work full-time or part-time at an ACSO member organization
  • Must have made a significant contribution to his/her organization and/or the sector (specific examples must be provided)

ACSO promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion values and principles. As such, we strongly encourage nominators to consider submitting diverse candidates who meet the award criteria.

Nominator:

  • May be a member of the board of directors, the executive director, or the direct supervisor of the nominee
  • Cannot be the nominee, a family member, or direct-report of the nominee
  • Should be well-acquainted with the nominee and can attest to his/her qualifications and accomplishments
  • Must be prepared to provide specific information about nominee's accomplishments, visibility and recognition of work, current major undertakings, and potential for future leadership.

2022 Emerging Professional Nomination


Deadline and How to Apply

Click HERE to complete the nomination form by Tuesday, July 19, 2022. (Once you begin the nomination, you will need to complete it in its entirety, as the portal will not allow you to save partially completed information or edit your response once it is complete. You can preview the questions here but you must complete the final nomination online.)

The ACSO Awards Committee will complete its review and selection process and the nominator and winner will be notified by late June and the public announcement to the field will be made in August 2022. ACSO will provide the awardee’s organization with a press release that can be customized to send to local media. The recipient will receive a cash award of $500.\

The awardee will be recognized at ACSO's virtual Annual Meeting in August 2022 (date TBD).

Questions? Contact ACSO at [email protected] or 800-495-2276 x3.