Position opening: Chorus of Westerly seeks an Assistant Conductor
      
ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR 
Date posted: August 29, 2019
Search: Open until filled, the Chorus

may close search at any time without notice
Position reports to Andrew Howell,

The Marion and Bill Palm Music Director

of the Chorus of Westerly

Position/salary                         
Half-time (approximately 20 hours per week)

Salary range: Low $20Ks, not benefits eligible

Start date: As soon as possible after hiring

About the position
The Chorus of Westerly seeks an ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR, a new position with the organization. The assistant conductor will contribute in a variety of ways to the musical life of the organization’s existing programs, while also serving as a lead staff member for several new community and educational choral initiatives to begin in during the 2019-2020 season. The ideal assistant conductor should be a highly organized, musically qualified, and energetic individual who is able and willing to work with musicians of varying ages (from young children to seniors) and musical ability, especially those new to choral singing. The individual must be also fully committed to ensuring the mission of the Chorus of Westerly to harness the power of music to transform lives and nourish the soul of the community.

 

Duties of the position will include, but are not necessarily limited to, co-conducting a newly formed non-auditioned chorus of adults weekly on Wednesday evenings, leading an after school choral program for fourth graders in all three Westerly elementary schools on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons, and working with children and teens of the Chorus of Westerly on musicianship skills during designated late afternoon/evening periods, Monday through Thursdays. Other duties will include covering and assisting in rehearsals with the children and adults of the Chorus of Westerly as assigned or needed, as well as assisting with preparation of choral and orchestral materials for concerts. Conducting on concerts will be available as the desire and strengths of the candidate allows it.

Qualifications

The Chorus of Westerly encourages candidates from all levels of experience to apply. The ideal candidate must be, first and foremost, a strong musician and educator. Communication and organizational skills, and a willingness to patiently and thoughtfully work with elementary school children, teenagers, and adults of all ages is a must in order to fully embrace the mission of the Chorus.

Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in music or related field (or demonstrable equivalent training and experience), proficiency in piano (specifically an ability to play piano competently in a choral rehearsal setting while reading from a score). Choral experience as a singer is required. Choral conducting experience at some level or in some capacity is required. As this position involves a strong focus on music education and training of young singers and new adult singers, a background in music education, vocal technique, and current musical education pedagogies is required. Most activities for this position will take place weekday afternoons and some evenings, Monday through Thursday, so a professional schedule that can accommodate this is also highly desired. The ideal candidate will also be willing to participate and attend other Chorus activities, programs, and fundraisers, as well as have a lead artistic role at our week-long summer camp held in New Hampshire held each August.

 

To apply

Applicants must send to Andrew Howell, The Marion and Bill Palm Music Director of the Chorus of Westerly, the following items via email to (no regular mail please): A cover letter, a resume or CV, and the name and contact for three professional or academic references who can speak to your musical and/or teaching ability. Please put in the subject Assistant Conductor Search when you send your email. Questions about the position should be directed via email only to Mr. Howell (no phone calls or office visits).

 

Applications are being reviewed immediately and the position will be opened until filled. The search may close at any time without notice. Candidates are encouraged to send their materials in as soon as possible. The Chorus of Westerly is an equal opportunity employer M/F/D/V.

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