Chorus Director (Hadley, MA)

Date Posted: 
February 24, 2022
Organization Name: 
Pioneer Valley Symphony
Contact Email: 
search@pvso.org
Salary Range: 
8500
Job Description: 
 

The Pioneer Valley Symphony (PVS) seeks an experienced, innovative, and collaborative Chorus Director to inspire, lead, and grow the PVS Chorus and Chamber Choir.

The PVS Chorus, established in 1961, is a community chorus of about 80 singers. A usual season includes two performances with the PVS Orchestra and one or two standalone chorus concerts. The PVS Chamber Choir, established in 2014, is auditioned from within the Chorus. The Chamber Choir performs a cappella choral repertoire in widely varied performance contexts throughout the region. https://www.pvsoc.org/chorus

Chorus rehearsals are currently held Tuesdays 7-9PM in Hadley, MA from early September through early May; Chamber Choir rehearses 9-10PM after chorus rehearsal.

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the PVS Chorus and Chamber Choir in collaboration with the Chorus Committee

  • Participate in singer recruitment and screen new singers

  • Conduct choral rehearsals in a timely, efficient, and effective manner 

  • Determine the programming for each season in collaboration with the Music Director and Programming Committee, seeking the input of the Chorus as appropriate

  • Organize the PVS Chamber Choir performance schedule in collaboration with the singers and PVS staff

  • Contribute to the programming and organization of the annual Summer Sing series and other community singing events

  • Provide brief written reports monthly to the Board of Directors and regularly attend board meetings 

  • Enhance the promotion and performances of the Pioneer Valley Symphony through additional activities requested by the Board of Directors or Executive Director 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Extensive conducting experience, preferably with both symphonic and chamber choral ensembles

  • Ability to guide, shape, and direct singers to utilize proper vocal techniques

  • Advanced degree in choral conducting, or equivalent knowledge/experience

  • Extensive knowledge of choral and choral/orchestral repertoire and a desire to offer diverse and innovative programming

  • Strong interpersonal, leadership, administrative, and communication skills

  • Experience building diverse audiences and forming strong community relationships

COMPENSATION

Compensation is $8,500 for the 2022-2023 season. The Chorus Director is an independent contractor, not an employee of the Pioneer Valley Symphony, Inc. 

APPLICATION

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through March 13, 2022. Please submit all materials electronically using the Chorus Director Application Form which can also be found at pvsoc.org/employment. 

  • Letter of interest addressing responsibilities and qualifications

  • CV/resume of relevant education and experience

  • Two sample choral programs, and two sample choral/orchestral programs (conducted or prepared by the applicant)

  • Links to front-facing conducting footage within the last five years; must include one rehearsal clip and one performance clip of at least 10 uninterrupted minutes each 

 

Names and contact information for three references; must include one member of a current ensemble.
The PVS is exploring avenues to broaden its youth music performance programming, including youth choirs. Applicants with experience conducting youth choirs or in other areas of youth music performance and education should highlight this in their application. 

All applications will be treated confidentially until candidates reach the finalist stage.

Questions can be directed to search committee chair Andrea McDermott at <search@pvso.org> or 413.773.3664.

SELECTION

Preliminary interviews will take place via Zoom. Finalists will be invited to audition with the PVS Chorus in person during a Tuesday evening rehearsal in April. The new Chorus Director will be named in May 2022 for the 2022-2023 season. 

ABOUT THE PIONEER VALLEY SYMPHONY

The Pioneer Valley Symphony was established in 1939 and is one of the oldest community orchestras in the US. Based in Greenfield, Massachusetts, the PVS connects, engages, inspires, and enhances our community by providing opportunities to make, appreciate, and learn about music. The PVS is above all a strong community of musicians and music lovers who gather for innovative and accessible programming and educational opportunities. The PVS is proud to introduce our community to new works, unfamiliar composers, and unique perspectives, building on a legacy of excellence in performance through professional-quality performances and access to world-class soloists, composers, and scholars. For the more than 130 PVS Orchestra and Chorus musicians, our audience members, and the 1,000 annual participants in our in-school and youth ensemble education programs, we seek to inspire and nourish a life-long love of music, making the joy of classical ensemble music welcoming and accessible to all.

 Visit our website at www.pvsoc.org to learn more about us.

 

Link to organization website