Conductors are required to submit credentials in Florida

The Southwest Florida Symphony is being commendably transparent in choosing its next music director.

It called in an industry veteran, Bob Moir, to draw up a shortlist and has now asked each of the candidates to pitch for the job in a regional newspaper.

For example:

How she describes her conducting style: “I aim for concerts that are above all, vibrant and engaged,” she says. “With music-making, I fervently seek vital, passionate, thrilling performances always, in every genre, whether it is a Mahler symphony or a Frank Sinatra song or a narrated fantasy piece for a third-grade audience.

“In addition to vitality and passion, I bring accessibility and warmth in my approach to music.”

Why she’d make a good music director for the symphony: Jackson says she values listening and constantly seeks to connect with others. She says she’ll approach the audiences, musicians and symphony staff “with respect and as my cherished partners with valuable impressions — feedback that will inevitably make me better at what I do and bring to Fort Myers.”

More here.