What are the responsibilities and job description for the Choral Director position at STAUNTON CHORAL SOCIETY?
The Staunton Choral Society (SCS), a community choir based in Staunton Virginia, invites applications for the position of Choral Director with applications due February 17, 2025 and interviews beginning in late-February. The first directing season will begin in August 2025. The Director is responsible for leading an adult community choir that performs songs from a wide variety of musical styles.
Overview of Staunton Choral Society
Mission: The Staunton Choral Society is a non-auditioned, community-focused choir sharing the love of music with the Staunton area! The chorus welcomes all voices - soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Its repertoire includes a variety of styles including classical, folk, contemporary, and sacred. All of our concerts are free to the community.
Origin: The Staunton Choral Society was established in 1962 by Dr. and Mrs. Jim Higgs. It was the dream of the founders to preserve beautiful choral music in our city, and to this end many have given much time, talent, and financial support. Staunton Choral Society is a 501(c)3 organization, and presents at least 2 free concerts each year.
Job Brief
The Staunton Choral Society is seeking a passionate, dedicated and accomplished Choral Director. The ideal candidate has a graduate-level musical education combined with a deep knowledge of choral repertoire, performance practices, and excellent conducting skills. The successful Choral Director will recruit, inspire and enable singers to perform at their best, fostering a sense of community and commitment within the group.
Essential Job Functions
Artistic and Organizational Leader: Present a clear artistic vision. Communicate long- and short-term goals. Plan the full concert season; two concerts annually, plus rehearsals and dress rehearsals. Recruit new members. Contract and prepare guest instrumentalists. Assign and coach soloists/ensembles. Engage guest artists within budget constraints.
Support and Collaboration: Promote the choir and its activities. Work collaboratively, professionally and collegially with the Board.
Performing Artist: Encourage the joy of performing and ensure choir members have a commitment to responsibilities and schedule. Build performing skills and a commitment to artistic excellence. Conduct in a skilled, expressive, and confident manner. Communicate effectively with singers, with a consistently positive approach. Engage in professional growth and stay current with the latest trends and developments in choral music.
Innovative Programmer: Create the annual season program to present relevant, creative and appealing performances. Take initiative in the development of musical events, such as the Hymn Festivals, benefit concerts, and collaboration with other community music groups. Ensure polished appearance of the choir by setting (with the Board) appropriate dress and personal appearance standards for performances.
Reports to Board of Directors: Communicate effectively with Board of Directors; provide monthly status reports on artistic activities. Attend and contribute to board meetings as requested and other occasional ad hoc meetings.
Qualifications
- Graduate degree in Choral Studies or related field plus 1 year of choral conducting experience, or bachelor’s degree plus at least 2-3 years of choral directing experience.
- Proven experience as a Choral Director or similar role with a track record of positivity and motivational success.
- Excellent organizational and leadership abilities; outstanding conducting and rehearsal technique.
- History of creative concert and season planning, resulting in successful multi-generational audience development.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Thorough understanding of music theory and healthy vocal technique.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about choral music and inspiring others to sing, creating a culture of joy through performance.
- Patient, positive and highly focused.
- Able to work with different voices to produce the highest level of musical quality, performance, and singing.
- Build the choir’s membership and concert attendance.
- Able to manage and motivate a diverse group of people, and singers of all ages.
Additional Information
- Job Title: Choral Director
- Location: Staunton, Virginia
- Time Commitment: Rehearsals take place on Monday evenings from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. Concerts are on weekends, with a history of an additional concert on a Friday or Sunday if schedules allow, in May and December.
- This position does not include benefits
- Work Environment: This position primarily takes place in a rehearsal and performance environment.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the President of the Board of Directors.
- Compensation: This position is a volunteer position with a letter of agreement reviewed twice a year. The position includes a $1,500 honorarium per season ($3,000 annually).
If you don't meet every qualification listed but are passionate about choral music and believe you could contribute to our choir, we encourage you to apply. We value diverse perspectives and experiences.
Must Provide 3 References
Email Resume and Cover Letter to hiring@stauntonchoralsociety.com
Salary : $3,000