Fans of the symphony, get ready to look at some fresh tuxedo tails next season.

After announcing the resignation of longtime conductor Thomas Wellin, the Bismarck-Mandan Orchestral Association said Thursday it will temporarily fill the position by committee.

"The board did make a decision to conduct a search process (for a new conductor-director), which can take 12 to 18 months," said Dick Weber, co-chairman of the board's personnel and nominating committee. "In addition, the board determined that it would be best to use guest conductors for the upcoming season."

The Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra's 30th season begins in September and will run through April 2006.

Wellin did not conduct the symphony's last performance, a fund-raiser at the Belle Mehus Auditorium on May 7 with guest Pink Martini. At that time, board President Al Wolf said Wellin was in the process of making a decision, and said it wouldn't be fair to the conductor to go into more detail.

Wellin announced his resignation in a press release Wednesday night, and said it was effective May 3.

Wellin became Bismarck's first full-time symphony conductor and music director in 1990. He took over from Loran Eckroth, the only other conductor in the symphony's history.

"Tom's leadership and artistic ability will be missed," Wolf said in Wednesday's release. "He sought out and brought excellent musical leadership, guest artists and talent to enhance our own orchestra. We wish Tom success with all other orchestras and hope he will agree to return to the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra and serve as a guest conductor in the near future."

Wellin said he plans to continue guest-conducting for orchestras in the United States and abroad, and will expand his private violin classes in Bismarck. He could not be reached for additional comment.

Weber was on the search committee that hired Wellin, who was chosen from among 103 applicants. Wellin came to Bismarck from Wausau Chamber Orchestra in Wisconsin. He graduated from Indiana University and earned his master's in music from the University of Maine.

Weber said no guest conductors have been penciled in yet for next season's performances. And even before the season can begin, the board has to decide who will direct and conduct the symphony's annual Fourth of July Spectacular on the Capitol mall.

(Reach Tony Spilde at 250-8260 or tspilde@ndonline.com.)