Associate Music Director, Strathmore Children's Chorus: Apprentice Chorus

The Associate Director, Apprentice Chorus, trains and conducts the Apprentice Chorus ensemble for Strathmore Children’s Chorus (SCC). Apprentice Chorus comprises about 40 choristers ages 8 to 11 (grades 3 to 6 inclusive). Apprentice Chorus rehearses from after Labor Day through early June on Tuesdays from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Limited changes to this schedule are possible with discussion among chosen director and Strathmore Hall and rental space availability. Performance dates and Tech rehearsals are mandatory. A collaborative pianist and parent volunteers are provided for rehearsals and performances.

KEY DATES

• 2023
  • Monday, June 12, 5:00 p.m. – TBD Auditions (AMP)
  • Tuesday, June 13, 5:00 p.m. – TBD Auditions (Music Center 402)
  • Monday, August 21, 5:00 p.m. – TBD Auditions (AMP)
  • Tuesday, August 22, 5:00 p.m. – TBD Auditions (Music Center 402)
  • Tuesday, November 21, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Tech
  • Wednesday, November 29, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tech (if needed)
  • Tuesday, December 12, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Tech
  • Thursday, December 14, Concert (5:30 p.m. call, 7:00 p.m. concert)
  • Monday, December 18, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Mid-Year Auditions (AMP)
  • Tuesday, December 19, 5:00-8:00 p.m. Mid-Year Auditions (AMP)
• 2024
  • Saturday, April 27, All Day Maryland Young Voices Festival
  • Thursday, May 16, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Tech
  • Tuesday, May 28, 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Tech
  • Friday, June 7, Concert (5:30 p.m. call, 7:00 p.m. concert)

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

These may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Collaborate under the Artistic Director and with artistic staff to plan two to three concerts annually, selecting repertoire for Apprentice Chorus to contribute to larger concert themes as applicable
• Assist in teaching music literacy skills in the rehearsal context and as on-line asynchronous learning modules for Apprentice Chorus
• Teach and conduct weekly 60-minute rehearsals
• Supervise and conduct Apprentice Chorus, including hired instrumentalists as applicable for this ensemble, for two SCC-produced concerts annually at the Music Center at Strathmore
• Assist SCC staff with supervision and logistics as needed for SCC-produced concerts
• Complete written evaluations for choristers twice annually, deadline determined by Artistic Director with SCC staff
• Prepare Apprentice Chorus for occasional special community events upon request, on mutually agreed to schedule determined at least eight weeks in advance
• Work in collaboration with the Artistic Director to continue to grow the larger SCC and its offerings
• Meet with Artistic Director and staff monthly during the season to consider policies, review procedures, coordinate concerts and various performances, and other work of the program
• Communicate weekly with Artistic Director on rehearsals, concerts, and procedures
• Correspond with parents as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

Qualified candidates will possess the following skills and be able to make a multi-year commitment to build the choral program at SCC.

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Choral Music Education; Master’s or equivalent preferred
• Minimum five years’ experience conducting age-specific treble chorus vocal ensembles
• Highly knowledgeable with quality repertoire representing bel canto vocal instruction and international representation of treble-voiced choral music
• Highly knowledgeable with training in vocal pedagogy and music literacy for this age group
• Leadership and artistic creativity to develop repertoire programming that maximizes choir potential
• Vocal skills and ability to direct and teach by example
• Educational and mentoring skills that foster personal growth and learning in children and youth
• Superior leadership skills
• Work well with a team
• Work independently with little or no supervision

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Satisfactory completion of this job includes successfully:

• Delivering top-quality choral performances and highly effective music education curriculum
• Contributing to a collaborative, organized, creative and committed organizational culture
• Organizing a substantial set of part-time responsibilities
• Maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, students, parents, staff, partners, and volunteers

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

• Demonstrates exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills
• Employs excellent communication skills
• Works consistently to resolve issues in a responsible and timely fashion
• Displays a high degree of dependability and reliability
• Contributes ideas to improve effectiveness of education department operations and programs

STATUS AND SALARY

This is a non-exempt, part-time, salaried position without benefits. The salary range is $6,500-$8,000.

TO APPLY

To apply for this position via our job portal, please submit:

• Cover letter
• Résumé
• Links to video recordings of three varied selections of repertoire conducted by the applicant, with the total time of the combined selections not to exceed 20 minutes
• Link to one teaching segment of choral rehearsal, up to 15 minutes maximum

Only qualified applicants will be contacted.

For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3qs2FpQ