Position: Ensemble Director for elementary and middle school students
Reports to: Artistic Director
Status: Part-time, one evening per week, and concert weekends
Position Summary
Conduct, teach, and direct a choir ensemble of motivated young singers from mid-August through May. Uphold the Choir’s artistic integrity and character education program. Lead by example. Demonstrate mastery of diverse musical styles and repertoire for young voices. Instill a love for music and demonstrate commitment to the Children’s Choirs mission statement: “Shaping young lives through musical excellence.”
Essential Functions
- Provide musical leadership and a supportive loving atmosphere for the young singers when conducting weekly rehearsals.
- Choose yearly repertoire with appropriate levels of challenge for the students. All repertoire is to be approved by the Artistic Director.
- Conduct concerts and special events as scheduled for the Children’s Choirs according to the assigned ensemble requirements.
- Conduct and care for the education of young artists in the Choirs by nurturing qualities of excellence, respect, commitment, discipline, promptness, teamwork, and the joy of making music together.
- Provide an environment that is inclusive, respectful of diversity, and enables each child to understand their importance as a vital part of this musical community.
- Communicate with and guide accompanists in fulfilling expectations for rehearsals and concerts.
- Communicate, guide, and mentor ensemble assistants in fulfilling expectations for weekly rehearsals, including accurate attendance records, music distribution, and parent communications.
- Communicate artistic and administrative needs clearly with the Artistic Director and administrative staff.
- Work collaboratively as an integral member of the artistic team.
- Handle student and parent concerns with respect and professionalism and work in conjunction with the COO and Artistic Director to resolve any issues.
Expectations
- All SLCC staff members are expected to model a high standard of character that is consistent with The St. Louis Children’s Choirs Code of Conduct.
- Attend all artistic staff meetings, clinician workshops, and other meetings as scheduled by the Artistic Director.
- Arrive well before the beginning of rehearsal and post the order of the lesson.
- Record rehearsal voice practice tracks for the students as needed.
- Plan and propose program order for concerts and submit program in writing.
- Submit requests for instrumentalists to Artistic Director and Choir Manager in a timely manner.
- Conduct yearly small group evaluations of students in assigned choir sections and submit finished evaluations to the Choir Office in time for re-enrollment mailing.
- Teach music reading classes (depending on ensemble level).
- Assist with two or three yearly audition days as scheduled.
- Conduct community school tours, and other tours according depending on ensemble requirements.
- Assist with concert and tour related logistics as applicable.
Qualifications
- Minimum of 3 years prior conducting experience, specifically with young people.
- A sincere interest, enthusiasm, and love for working with children and young people.
- Demonstrated understanding of the benefits of a performance-based choral education program.
- Strong knowledge of vocal production and choral techniques; proficient in solfege.
- Strong knowledge of treble repertoire, concert preparation and performance.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; proven tine management skills.
- Fully proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, etc.); Finale music notation a plus
- Conscientious work ethic, accuracy, thoroughness, order, and efficiency.
- Able to respond positively and professionally to any situation.
- Able to work evening and weekend responsibilities for concerts, auditions, and special events.
To Apply
Statement
The above description indicates the general nature and level of work performed in this position. It does not contain a comprehensive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required.
The St. Louis Children’s Choirs is an Equal Opportunity Employer
