Artistic Director-Conductor (New Haven, CT)

Date Posted: 
July 18, 2022
Organization Name: 
Greater New Haven Community Chorus (GNHCC)
Contact Email: 
kmcmanus1764@comcast.net
Salary Range: 
$10,000-14,000
Job Description: 

Greater New Haven Community Chorus (GNHCC) seeks Artistic Director

Supervised by: Board of Directors

Purpose of Position: To develop and carry out artistic programming, collaborations, and concerts that enhance the mission of the organization.

Time commitment: Part time, Contract position beginning in September 2022

Chorus Mission: Greater New Haven Community Chorus contributes to the personal and cultural enrichment of the community through the rehearsal and performance of outstanding choral music.  It achieves the highest standard of choral music by a non-auditioned chorus.  GNHCC educates chorus members and audiences alike and embraces the diversity of the community through its motto —Building Community One Note at a Time

Responsibilities:

Promote the Chorus’ focus on its mission

  • Work with the Board and chorus members to promote a positive atmosphere of community within the organization, with commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Network with other arts organizations, music directors, and community groups to increase the visibility of the Chorus and to encourage collaboration.

Create, coordinate, and direct Chorus programming

  • Identify concert themes and collaborations that support the chorus mission.
  • Prepare semester performance schedule which might include outreach concerts, and tours.
  • Establish a rehearsal schedule prior to the beginning of each semester.
  • Conceive each concert, including theme development and integration of guest artists, ensembles, soloists. Contract with musicians as necessary.
  • Prepare and conduct all weekly rehearsals (Thursdays from 7:00 to 9:00 PM from September through May/June), dress rehearsals, and performances
  • Lead a day-long, all-chorus retreat once each semester
  • Audition, select, and coach member soloists and small group ensembles.
  • Be comfortable with a varied repertoire.

Provide supervision for music-related staff

  • Hire and maintain a good working relationship with the Accompanist.
  • Support GNHCC’s Choral Conducting Scholarship Program by selecting, mentoring, and sharing podium time with an aspiring conducting student each season.

Collaborate with Music Librarian

  • Research and recommend appropriate music for each semester within the approved budget.
  • Work with the Music Librarian to ensure that the current semester’s music is selected and purchased.
  • Secure new arrangements and performance rights where appropriate. Facilitate the recording and timely posting of rehearsal tracks.

Communicate regularly with the Board and other Chorus leadership

  • Attend monthly Board meetings.
  • Initiate and guide the commissioning of new works and arrangements for the Chorus as endorsed by the Board.

Development and Finances

  • Assist in planning annual concert budgets in collaboration with the Board.
  • Assist development staff in preparing grant applications.

Participate in professional development

  • Participate in professional organizations -- American Choral Director’s Association, Chorus America, etc.
  • Review new choral works and recordings.

​Our ideal candidate will have the following Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • BA or Advanced Degree in Music with an emphasis in Choral Conducting, or equivalent conducting experience.
  • Experience conducting a community-based (non-auditioned) chorus and working with singers of various musical skills and experience.
  • Interest in, and commitment to, embracing the Mission of the Chorus.
  • Ability to offer strong leadership skills and to work within a team setting.
  • Flexibility in working with a diverse group of volunteers and personalities.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to work with electronic mediums; social media, including FB, Instagram, Twitter, etc.
  • Ability to instruct and develop singers with limited musical knowledge while simultaneously challenging and inspiring singers with more advanced skills.
  • Ability to teach and/or improve vocal techniques.
  • Precise conducting technique -- ability to communicate musical instructions clearly.
  • Energy, enthusiasm, and passion both on and off the podium.
  • Excellent social skills, sense of humor.
  • Ability to work closely with the Board President, and to collaborate with Board members.

Resumé and cover letter are requested by July 29, 2022, and should be emailed to: adsearch@gnhcc.org

For more about GNHCC please visit  www.GNHCC.org

 

Link to organization website