Artistic Director

Vanguard Voices Dearborn Rec and Ed; Dearborn (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanguard Voices Dearborn Rec and Ed invites an Artistic Director to lead the chorus, select repertoire, and run weekly rehearsals. The role includes auditioning new members and planning two concerts per session with the Board, ensuring high artistic standards.

You will conduct performances, manage concert logistics, and collaborate with the Vanguard Voices Board, City of Dearborn, and guest artists. The position is contracted with the City and offers access to the Music Library and a budget for

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Choral Conducting, Vocal Performance, Music Education, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting advanced SATB choral ensembles.
• Strong knowledge of choral pedagogy, vocal technique, diction, blend, and ensemble musicianship.
• Proven ability to rehearse efficiently and achieve high artistic standards.
• Experience programming diverse repertoire spanning classical, contemporary, multicultural, and commissioned works.
• Excellent score study and conducting skills.
• Experience auditioning and evaluating singers.
• Ability to inspire singers while maintaining musical excellence.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience collaborating with accompanists, section leaders, instrumentalists, and guest artists.

Responsibilities

• Select repertoire for each session and run weekly rehearsals (up to 3 hours on Thursdays).
• Audition new members for the chorus.
• Conduct Vanguard Voices at performances and plan all concerts with the Board.
• Coordinate with the City of Dearborn Parks and Recreation Department.
• Access the City music library and manage budget for new music.
• Create or source practice recordings to aid learning.
• Oversee travel arrangements for tours; travel covered by the Choir.

Skills

SATB conducting

choral pedagogy

vocal technique

conducting high artistic standards

auditioning singers

leadership

communication

organization

collaboration with artists

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Choral Conducting or related field

Experience with diverse repertoire

Job description

Beginning in the fall of 2027, the Artistic Director, in conjunction with the Board, will be responsible for choosing the repertoire as well as running the weekly rehearsals, which run for up to 3 hours on Thursdays. In addition, they will be responsible for auditioning new members for the chorus. There are two concerts per session, four per season. The total time commitment is around 140 hours a year, not including the time to prepare and choose the music.

The selected Artistic Director will conduct Vanguard Voices. The Artistic Director would be an independent contracted employee by the City of Dearborn Parks and Recreation Department. The Artistic Director would work closely with the Vanguard Voices Board of Directors in selecting appropriate music of a challenging nature. The Artistic Director serves on the Board and attends board meetings ex officio. The Artistic Director would plan and execute all of the concerts in conjunction with the Board.

The Artistic Director will have access to the City of Dearborn Music Library and an annual budget to order new music. The Artistic Director will create or find practice recordings to assist in the learning of the music.

Members of Vanguard Voices have also toured domestically and internationally as the opportunity has arisen. Any discussion of travel would include the Artistic Director. Travel is coordinated by Vanguard Voices. The Artistic Director’s travel/lodging would be covered by the Choir.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Choral Conducting, Vocal Performance, Music Education, or related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting advanced SATB choral ensembles.
• Strong knowledge of choral pedagogy, vocal technique, diction, blend, and ensemble musicianship.
• Proven ability to rehearse efficiently and achieve high artistic standards.
• Experience programming diverse repertoire spanning classical, contemporary, multicultural, and commissioned works.
• Excellent score study and conducting skills.
• Experience auditioning and evaluating singers.
• Ability to inspire singers while maintaining musical excellence.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Experience collaborating with accompanists, section leaders, instrumentalists, and guest artists.

Preferred Qualifications

• Graduate degree in choral conducting or related discipline.
• Experience leading community or semi-professional auditioned choirs.
• Familiarity with festival preparation, touring, recordings, or competition performance.
• Strong piano proficiency sufficient for rehearsal leadership.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and diverse programming.
• Experience with fundraising collaboration, audience development, or community outreach.
• Knowledge of healthy vocal production across adult voice types.
• Experience commissioning or premiering new choral works.
• Ability to recruit and retain high-level singers.