Benjamin Loeb believes in what an orchestra is -- and what it can be.

Mr. Loeb, the second of four candidates auditioning for the soon-to-be-vacated job of musical director of the Augusta Symphony, said his early musical training was as a pianist. He became interested in symphonic music, and conducting, in college.

"I like being part of a group," he said in a recent telephone interview. "I never wanted to go solo. I enjoy that exchange, the communicative element of music. The orchestra, for me, is the greatest example of that."

That includes becoming an ensemble that does more than merely play music.

"My concept for an orchestra is that it is a metaphor for the community itself," he said. "People, on an implicit level, should understand that. It's a group of people working together, making a piece of art.

''It's something we all, the musicians, the audience, the community, are all participating in."

The secret to achieving that synergy, Mr. Loeb said, is being willing explore beyond the confines of scores and concerts.

"I love going into communities and discovering these great things that a place has to offer," he said. "So I really want to get to know the community. We have to be honest -- all four of us want this job. Augusta, and the Augusta Symphony, has a great reputation."

Mr. Loeb, a Texas native, is the founder and music director of the El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra. He is also the founder and artistic director of the International Conducting Workshop and Festival.

The brother of pop rocker Lisa Loeb, he holds a doctorate in musical arts from the Jullilard School.

Mr. Loeb's audition program will feature works by Beethoven, Debussy and Stravinsky, but the piece he's most excited about is Savannah River Holiday, by Ron Nelson. It's a mid-century orchestral prelude that Mr. Loeb believes is interesting musically and geographically.

"I thought it would be a really fun opener," he said with a laugh. "I mean, it does have a great connection."