Artistic Director

VOX PACIFICA; Bellingham (WA); On-site; USD 15,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

Vox Pacifica in Bellingham, WA is seeking a new artistic director for its treble-voice choir. This part-time independent contractor role will lead artistic vision, curate concert programming, and guide weekly rehearsals from Sept-May.

The ideal candidate will have proven choral conducting experience with adult women's choirs, strong communication, and a passion for community-building through diverse repertoire. Position begins May 2027 in Bellingham.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching and conducting treble choirs.
• Ability to design engaging concert programs.
• Strong leadership and communication with a diverse group.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the artistic vision with the board.
• Curate concert programming reflecting diverse styles and composers.
• Oversee sheet music procurement for performances.
• Recruit and audition singers to maintain a vibrant choir.
• Collaborate with pianists, instrumentalists and soloists.

Skills

Choral conducting

Treble voice technique

Audience engagement

Programming repertoire

Education

B.A. in music with choral conducting

Job description

VISIT VOX PACIFICA Founded in the summer of 2018, Vox Pacifica is a choir of alto and soprano singers based in Bellingham, WA under the artistic direction of Wendy Bloom. Since our debut in the fall of 2018, Vox Pacifica has continued to perform a diverse catalog of musical styles and repertoire that is a reflection of our mission to share joy, embrace diversity, and build community. Our season schedule includes three performances per concert year.

Vox Pacifica is honored to have been one of several choirs from our six-state region invited to perform at the ACDA-NW Conference in Spokane, WA in January 2024.

VOX PACIFICA, is now entering its 9th season with approximately 50 outstanding soprano/alto singers and a very healthy and robust infrastructure.

With our founding director Wendy Bloom’s approaching and well-earned retirement in May 2027, Vox Pacifica is seeking a new artistic director. This is a part-time independent contractor position.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate a deep understanding of choral music for treble voices and a passion for inspiring singers and building community both within the choir and within the broader Bellingham community. We believe a unique and exciting opportunity to shape the future and artistic vision of Vox Pacifica awaits the next individual to step into the Artistic Director role. Vox Pacifica has cultivated a strong following and our singers are a warm, close-knit, and welcoming musical community. We are confident this is a job that will inspire and tap into all your creative juices and artistic energy! We hope to hear from you!

Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership

• Develop and implement the artistic vision for Vox Pacifica in collaboration with the board.
• Curate challenging and engaging concert programming that reflects a diversity of musical styles, cultures, and composers.
• Oversee the purchase/acquisition of sheet music for each performance.
• Recruit and audition new singers to maintain a vibrant, diverse and well-balanced choir.
• Work with collaborative pianist, instrumentalists and soloists to enhance performances.
• Network and cultivate collaborations with other arts organizations in our community to increase the visibility of Vox Pacifica.

Rehearsal and Performance

• Lead weekly rehearsals September-May, providing clear and inspiring guidance and direction that prepares the choir for performances.
• Participate in occasional singer sectionals.
• Communicate expectations and weekly rehearsal agenda with singers.

Administrative

• Attend monthly Board meetings and provide regular updates to the Board of Directors on goals, concerns, plans, and decisions needed.
• Participate in fund-raising efforts and other public relations activities as appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to teach, inspire and motivate singers with a joyful spirit and a commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive choir environment.
• Ability and dedication to concert programming aligned with Vox Pacifica’s mission statement.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills including time management and respectful communication.
• Proven experience/training as a choral conductor, preferably with an adult women's choir including expertise teaching voice technique for treble singers.
• Substantial musical knowledge and ability to interpret a wide range of repertoire for treble choirs.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.A. in music (or related field) with specialization in choral conducting including piano proficiency.

Compensation

$15,000+ negotiable, depending on experience

Candidates should be available beginning May 2027. Position is based in Bellingham, WA.