Music Director

Chorus America; Reading (Berks County); On-site; USD 16,000 - 20,000; Part time

Job summary

Chorus America invites an experienced conductor to lead its vocal education and performance program. The role focuses on advancing choir technique and preparing for three major and three minor performances annually, including special events.

The position is a one-year, part-time salaried role without benefits, with compensation between $16,000 and $20,000. Collaboration with the Executive Director and conductors is essential to ensure high-quality performances.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in choral conducting, vocal performance, music education, 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/or solo singers.
• Demonstrated proficiency in choral conducting and rehearsal technique.
• Expansive knowledge of choral literature across a variety or 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

• Support and encourage a program of musical education and continuous improvement in the vocal technique of the Society.
• Prepare the Society for 3 major and 3 minor performances annually, including the Messiah Community Sing each December.
• Oversee the RCS Chamber Singers, led by the Assistant Director.
• Select and engage soloists, guest ensembles, and musical accompaniment for performances, including orchestra musicians.
• Prepare program notes, translations and concert narratives to be included in each program.
• Write and present an annual report to the Society addressing the musical condition of the Society.
• Prepare the society for outreach programs and assist in public relation efforts, such as interviews and promotional content to increase the visibility and reach of RCS.
• Work closely with the Executive Director, and supervise the Assistant Director, Accompanist, and Vocal Coach to achieve optimal effectiveness and efficiency.
• Conduct auditions for new membership in the Society by determining vocal and professional abilities of auditioning individuals while also upholding the RCS membership and attendance policies by conducting first year, periodic, and concert vocal reviews to ensure concert preparedness.

Skills

Choral conducting

Rehearsal technique

Vocal production

Piano proficiency

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Community chorus commitment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in choral conducting, vocal performance, music education, or a closely related field

Advanced degree in choral conducting or vocal performance

Job description

Salary: $16,000.00 - $20,000.00 Annually

Artistic

RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic

• Support and encourage a program of musical education and continuous improvement in the vocal technique of the Society.
• Prepare the Society for 3 major and 3 minor performances annually, including the Messiah Community Sing each December.
• Oversee the RCS Chamber Singers, led by the Assistant Director.
• Select and engage soloists, guest ensembles, and musical accompaniment for performances, including orchestra musicians.
• Prepare program notes, translations and concert narratives to be included in each program.

General

• Write and present an annual report to the Society addressing the musical condition of the Society.
• Prepare the society for outreach programs and assist in public relation efforts, such as interviews and promotional content to increase the visibility and reach of RCS.
• Work closely with the Executive Director, and supervise the Assistant Director, Accompanist, and Vocal Coach to achieve optimal effectiveness and efficiency.
• Conduct auditions for new membership in the Society by determining vocal and professional abilities of auditioning individuals while also upholding the RCS membership and attendance policies by conducting first year, periodic, and concert vocal reviews to ensure concert preparedness.

Professional

• Suggest and interview candidates for Conducting Scholars each year by working with local college choral directors to determine possible music students for recommendation.
• Help plan Summer Sing workshops by suggesting directors and music and attend these workshops as the spokesperson for RCS.
• Lead District and Region Chorus workshops each winter to help high school students prepare for their performances.
• Communicate amongst the Executive Director, Committee Chairs, and RCS Board in a clear and timely manner.
• Be a non-voting ex officio member of RCS board. Attendance is required at board meetings and written reports are expected for the meeting sharing what you have worked on during the month.
• Act in a fiscally responsible manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in choral conducting, vocal performance, music education, 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/or solo singers
• Demonstrated proficiency in choral conducting and rehearsal technique
• Expansive knowledge of choral literature across a variety or 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 and 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 with an annual contract compensation between $16,000 to $20,000 commensurate with level of experience. The RCS Board is interested in a long-term relationship and will renew for additional years upon satisfactory performance. This is a part-time salaried position (without benefits).