Artistic Director

ChoralNet, Inc.; Chester (Delaware County); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Chester County Choral Society in West Chester, PA seeks an experienced choral conductor to lead artistic direction and collaborate with the Board on programs and outreach. The role covers repertoire selection, concert design, and staff coordination with annual performances around Chester County.

Rehearsals are held on Tuesday evenings in West Chester, with concerts in the region. A strong background in choral literature and community chorus leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in choral conducting, vocal performance, or a closely related field.
• Professional experience as a performer, choral or orchestral conductor.
• Prior experience working with an adult chorus.
• Strong pedagogical and instructional skills in vocal production for choral and solo singers.
• Demonstrated proficiency in choral conducting and rehearsal technique.
• Expansive knowledge of choral literature from a variety of genres, styles, and historical periods.
• Piano proficiency appropriate for choral instruction.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• A clear understanding of and commitment to the philosophy and goals of a high-quality community chorus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the artistic vision of the Chester County Choral Society and the CCCS Chamber Ensemble.
• Collaborate with Board to promote performances and events.
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate other Artistic Staff members.
• Attend Board meetings as a non-voting member and provide monthly reports.
• Oversee Librarian for acquisition, distribution, and storage of sheet music.
• Identify and oversee the activities of Section Leaders.
• Collaborate with Artistic Staff on the selection and approval of all repertoire.
• Design engaging concert programs with thematic intention.
• Preside over rehearsals and provide creative leadership.
• Organize an annual performance schedule including regular seasonal and additional outreach concerts.
• Conduct auditions for new members twice annually for the core ensemble and once annually for the Chamber Ensemble.
• Procure guest artists, soloists and instrumentalists as needed.
• Audition, select and coach soloists and small group ensembles from within CCCS as needed.
• Write narratives for concert materials as needed.
• Supervise the identification and contracting of instrumental technicians.
• Coordinate with CCCS audiovisual recording and PA engineers.
• Act in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Collaborate with other arts organizations, music directors, and community groups.
• Work to increase the visibility of CCCS.
• Attend workshops, classes and conferences.
• Seek out innovative repertoire and practices to incorporate into CCCS.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in choral conducting

Advanced degree in choral conducting

Tools

Piano proficiency

Job description

As we approach the retirement of our Artistic Director who has served us for 27 years, the Chester County Choral Society seeks an enthusiastic musical leader who will work closely with the Board of Directors to set the course for the organization’s next chapter.

Founded in 1973 as the Exton Chorale, the Chester County Choral Society (CCCS) promotes cultural arts in the community, strives for excellence in performance, and derives personal enrichment through musical development. CCCS performs new and old major works, commissions, collaborations with schools, colleges, and other choral groups and supports young singers through its Vocal Competition awards program. Seasons typically consist of two concerts and additional outreach performances at special community events and retirement communities. Membership in CCCS is typically 80-90 active members.

In addition, the CCCS Chamber Ensemble offers a small-group, primarily a cappella singing experience for those who are interested in performing more challenging repertoire. Performances occur throughout the full year and may include summer engagements. The Ensemble is fully auditioned each year from members of the main Choral Society choir.

The Chester County Choral Society believes that Artistic Directors are the eminent creatives within their fields, possessing a wealth of knowledge, experience, and professional connections to draw upon in leading their organizations. They play a crucial role in the development and execution of artistic programs and projects. As such, the Board of Directors is seeking an experienced, proven choral conductor who is a strong communicator and can successfully execute the duties and responsibilities of the position.

CCCS rehearses in West Chester, Pennsylvania on Tuesdays, September through mid-May, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Concerts are in locations in and around Chester County, Pennsylvania.

Applicants are encouraged to read our Society Constitution and Strategic Plan, and also view recent performances on our YouTube Channel.

RESPONSIBILITIES

General

• Develop and implement the artistic vision of the Chester County Choral Society and the CCCS Chamber Ensemble.
• Collaborate with Board to promote performances and events.
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate other Artistic Staff members.
• Attend Board meetings as a non-voting member and provide monthly reports.
• Oversee Librarian for acquisition, distribution, and storage of sheet music.
• Identify and oversee the activities of Section Leaders.

Artistic

• Collaborate with Artistic Staff on the selection and approval of all repertoire.
• Design engaging concert programs with thematic intention.
• Preside over rehearsals and provide creative leadership.
• Organize an annual performance schedule including regular seasonal and additional outreach concerts.
• Conduct auditions for new members twice annually for the core ensemble and once annually for the Chamber Ensemble.
• Procure guest artists, soloists and instrumentalists as needed.
• Audition, select and coach soloists and small group ensembles from within CCCS as needed.
• Write narratives for concert materials as needed.
• Supervise the identification and contracting of instrumental technicians.
• Coordinate with CCCS audiovisual recording and PA engineers.

Professional

• Act in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Collaborate with other arts organizations, music directors, and community groups.
• Work to increase the visibility of CCCS.
• Attend workshops, classes and conferences.
• Seek out innovative repertoire and practices to incorporate into CCCS.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• An equivalent combination of the following education, training, and experience will be considered:Bachelor’s degree in choral conducting, vocal performance, or a closely related field.
• Professional experience as a performer, choral or orchestral conductor.
• Prior experience working with an adult chorus.
• Strong pedagogical and instructional skills in vocal production for choral and solo singers.
• Demonstrated proficiency in choral conducting and rehearsal technique.
• Expansive knowledge of choral literature from a variety of genres, styles, and historical periods.
• Piano proficiency appropriate for choral instruction.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• A clear understanding of and commitment to the philosophy and goals of a high-quality community chorus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree(s) in choral conducting, vocal performance, or a closely related field.
• Experience working within a budget for planned musical projects and concerts.
• Successful experience promoting a music program, actively recruiting performers, sponsors and donors.
• Commitment to community outreach, offering a variety of performance opportunities.

The chosen applicant will receive a one-year contract position. The CCCS Board is interested in a long-term relationship and will renew for additional years upon satisfactory performance.