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

• Work with the Chorus, the Board, and volunteers to promote a positive atmosphere of community within the organization.

• 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%)

• Organize an annual winter and spring performance, schedule outreach concerts, workshops, and tours 1-2 times in the season

• Organize a rehearsal schedule at the beginning of each concert year with the School of Music

• Communicate costume order, fall mailing, and rehearsal schedule with the Assistant to the Artistic Director for each fall and spring semester

• Conduct auditions twice annually (May and January)

• Design each concert performance including theme development and integration of guest artists, ensembles, soloists and visual elements.

• Identify and hire workshop presenters for vocal clinics and other workshops.

• Work with the School of Music for each concert program and venue management

 

3.  Manage administrative and artistic detail for outreach projects (25%)

• Manage communication, logistics and planning details for rehearsals and performances

• 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%)

• Supervise the Accompanist.

• Identify, coach, and supervise the activities of the School of Music interns

• Communicate regularly with the Assistant to the Artistic Director 

• Communicate monthly with the website coordinator

• Communicate regularly with directors/staff

 

6.  Facilitate the work of the Music Committee (10%)

• Identify concert themes and collaborations that support the chorus mission.  Research appropriate music for the upcoming season.

• 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.

• Communicate with the Accompanist regarding the rehearsal list, tempos and other performance details

 

7.   Development and Finances (5%)

• Approve staff salaries, internship scholarships, and accompanist salary annually.

• Prepare annual budget in collaboration with the bookkeeper.

 

8.  Communicate regularly with the Chorus Board and other chorus leadership (5%)

• Provide a monthly report to the KSO Board.

• Communicate programming and collaborate with the music director of the Symphony

 

9. Participate in professional development

• Participate in professional organizations:  American Choral Director’s Association, OAKE, PMEA, etc.

• Maintain and update professional competence by attending workshops, classes and conferences. 

• Review new choral works and recordings; read professional journals.

• Attend concerts of other choral organizations.

 

 

Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

 

• BA or Advanced Degree in Music with an emphasis in choral conducting or equivalent conducting experience (minimum 4-6 years).

• Experience conducting or working with a community-based chorus and with singers of various musical skills and experience.

• Interest in and commitment to embracing the mission the Chorus.

• Ability to offer strong leadership skills as well as to balance work within a team setting.

• Flexibility in working with a diverse group of volunteers and personalities.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

• An ability to work within electronic mediums: word, e-mail, internet and google forms/google docs.