Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus Job Description: ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Supervised by: Kennett Symphony Board of Directors
Purpose of Position: To develop and carry out artistic programming, collaborations and concerts that enhances the mission of the organization.
Time Commitment: Salaried position. Flexible hours: 1 evening a week during rehearsal/concert season and performance weekends
Chorus Mission:
Responsibilities:
1. Promote the Chorus’ focus on its mission
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Work with the Chorus, the Board, and volunteers to promote a positive atmosphere of community within the organization.
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Network with other arts organizations, music directors, and community groups to increase the visibility of the Chorus and to encourage collaboration.
2. Design, coordinate, and direct Chorus programming (40%)
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Organize an annual winter and spring performance, schedule outreach concerts, workshops, and tours 1-2 times in the season
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Organize a rehearsal schedule at the beginning of each concert year with the School of Music
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Communicate costume order, fall mailing, and rehearsal schedule with the Assistant to the Artistic Director for each fall and spring semester
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Conduct auditions twice annually (May and January)
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Design each concert performance including theme development and integration of guest artists, ensembles, soloists and visual elements.
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Identify and hire workshop presenters for vocal clinics and other workshops.
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Work with the School of Music for each concert program and venue management
3. Manage administrative and artistic detail for outreach projects (25%)
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Manage communication, logistics and planning details for rehearsals and performances
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Network with Chester County area school administrators and music teachers to promote Chorus at West Chester University.
4. Provide supervision for music-related staff and volunteers (15%)
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Supervise the Accompanist.
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Identify, coach, and supervise the activities of the School of Music interns
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Communicate regularly with the Assistant to the Artistic Director
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Communicate monthly with the website coordinator
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Communicate regularly with directors/staff
6. Facilitate the work of the Music Committee (10%)
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Identify concert themes and collaborations that support the chorus mission. Research appropriate music for the upcoming season.
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Ensure that current season music is selected and purchased prior to the start of the season and within the limits of the music budget identified by the bookkeeper.
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Communicate with the Accompanist regarding the rehearsal list, tempos and other performance details
7. Development and Finances (5%)
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Approve staff salaries, internship scholarships, and accompanist salary annually.
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Prepare annual budget in collaboration with the bookkeeper.
8. Communicate regularly with the Chorus Board and other chorus leadership (5%)
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Provide a monthly report to the KSO Board.
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Communicate programming and collaborate with the music director of the Symphony
9. Participate in professional development
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Participate in professional organizations: American Choral Director’s Association, OAKE, PMEA, etc.
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Maintain and update professional competence by attending workshops, classes and conferences.
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Review new choral works and recordings; read professional journals.
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Attend concerts of other choral organizations.
Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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BA or Advanced Degree in Music with an emphasis in choral conducting or equivalent conducting experience (minimum 4-6 years).
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Experience conducting or working with a community-based chorus and with singers of various musical skills and experience.
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Interest in and commitment to embracing the mission the Chorus.
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Ability to offer strong leadership skills as well as to balance work within a team setting.
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Flexibility in working with a diverse group of volunteers and personalities.
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Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
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An ability to work within electronic mediums: word, e-mail, internet and google forms/google docs.