Seeking Chamber Musicians for High-Profile Aquarium Events

The creative team overseeing a series of fall live events at Shedd Aquarium is seeking musicians for a chamber ensemble for a short but high-profile performance.

We will be hiring one player for each of the following instruments:

• Trumpet
• Trombone or Tuba
• Violin
• Cello
• Marimba
• Piano/Keys
• Electric Guitar

The Events

Each fall, Shedd Aquarium hosts a high-profile black-tie Gala event supporting the aquarium’s education, conservation research, environmental restoration and advocacy efforts.

This year, Shedd is expanding its fundraising efforts with Splash!, a similarly themed but more casual event hosted by the Auxiliary Board, a group of young professionals and community leaders who support Shedd through volunteerism, public engagement, and fundraising.

The centerpiece of both events is a spectacular aquatic presentation in Shedd’s Abbott Oceanarium featuring live musicians, prerecorded narration, and large-scale video. With Shedd’s animal residents at the center of the story, the piece is designed to connect deeply with the audience and inspire reflection, wonder, and renewed commitment to Shedd’s mission.

Though brief, the production is complex and requires precision, adaptability, and close collaboration with Shedd’s animal care and technical teams. It remains one of the most unique and rewarding gigs you’ll play.

What’s the gig?

This year’s live music will come from a seven-piece chamber ensemble. Music Director Tobi Mattingly will hire and rehearse seven musicians who must be fully available for all rehearsals and performances for both the Gala and Splash! (see below) to be considered.

Musicians will be stationary but may be positioned far apart within the cavernous Oceanarium, with in-ear monitors used to maintain precise coordination with media, animals, and trainers. Prior experience working with tracked media is a plus but not required. Several past performers have used in-ears for the first time in this setting.

Musicians are expected to provide their own instruments; exceptions may be addressed on a case-by-case basis where applicable. All sound gear will be provided, though musicians are welcome to use their own in-ears provided they are compatible with our system.

The music

Composer Scott Lamps describes the musical style as rhythmic, contemporary chamber music, with orchestral instrumentation and modern popular musical language. Think Steve Reich meets Mister Rogers, or Wagner meets Lady Gaga.

Because the animals don’t always follow the script, the performance requires a high degree of flexibility. Musical segments are written with built-in loops and transitions that allow them to be extended or shortened on the fly, with Ableton and live conducting keeping the ensemble aligned in real time. We’re especially interested in performers who can adapt smoothly in changing circumstances, as well as those comfortable with improvisation.

Rehearsal and performance schedule and pay

Please note that while this schedule may look intensive for a short program, it is designed around the safety of the animals and the needs of Shedd’s animal care team. Trainers need time to rehearse with live music instead of rehearsal tracks, and the animals need to acclimate to the presence and sound of the ensemble in the Oceanarium. This leads to some downtime for musicians, especially during rehearsals closer to the performance.

Gala week: September 21-27

• Sunday, September 21, 4:00-8:00pm (4 hr rehearsal, $200)
• Tuesday, September 23, 8:00-10:30pm (2.5 hr rehearsal, $125)
• Thursday, September 25, 7:00-10:00am (3 hr rehearsal, $150) – early morning
• Friday, September 26, 4:30-8:30pm (4 hr rehearsal, $200)
• Saturday, September 27 – tech and performance
  • 2:00-5:30pm (3.5 hr tech, $175)
  • 5:30-7:00 – dinner provided onsite, time to prep/dress for performance
  • PERFORMANCE: 7:00-8:00pm (1 hr, $100)

Splash! week: October 20-25

• Monday, October 20, 5:00-8:00pm (3 hr rehearsal, $150)
• Friday, October 24, 7:00-10:00am (3 hr rehearsal, $150) – early morning
• Saturday, October 25 – tech and performance
  • 2:00-5:30pm (3.5 hr tech, $175)
  • 5:30-7:00 – dinner provided onsite, time to prep/dress for performance
  • PERFORMANCE: 7:00-8:00pm (1 hr, $100)

Total pay: $1,525 ($950 after gala and $575 after Splash!)