What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Director - Treble Chorus, Strathmore Youth Chorus position at Strathmore?
ABOUT STRATHMORE YOUTH CHORUS (SYC)
SYC (formerly Strathmore Children’s Chorus or SCC) is a choral music education program for children grades 2 through 12, based at the Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, Maryland. We have over 200 choristers singing in six ensembles – Preparatory, Apprentice, Treble, Concert, Tenor Bass, and Chamber. We teach music literacy and bel canto vocal production in an ensemble context. We foster authentic creative expression, challenge growth, bring joy, and contribute to the well-being of our choristers. We produce two concerts per season at Strathmore, and we contribute to the performances of many of Strathmore’s performing arts partners, including the National Philharmonic Orchestra, Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras, and more. Additionally, Treble Chorus participates in an annual Maryland Young Voices Festival, giving this ensemble an opportunity to perform and represent Strathmore beyond the Music Center.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Associate Choral Director conducts the Treble Chorus, comprising 30 choristers aged 10 to 14. Treble Chorus meets weekly on Tuesdays, 6:30pm – 8:00pm from September to late May/early June at the Music Center at Strathmore. Accompanist and choral manager provided. This is a part-time position with Tuesday evening rehearsals; monthly staff meetings Saturday mornings, mid-August to June; two SYC-self-produced concerts, December and late May/early June; chorister social functions, one during each semester; and opportunities for additional performances and festivals throughout each season, starting with the Maryland Young Voices Festival that rotates hosting and coordination from among its seven participating choirs. The position will begin in August, 2025.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate under the Artistic Director and with artistic staff to plan two to three concerts annually
- Assist in teaching music literacy skills in the rehearsal context for Treble Chorus
- Teach and conduct weekly 90-minute rehearsals
- Supervise and conduct Treble Chorus, including hired instrumentalists as applicable for this ensemble, for two SYC-produced concerts annually at the Music Center at Strathmore
- Assist SYC staff with supervision and logistics as needed for SCC-produced concerts
- Complete written evaluations for choristers once annually, deadline determined by Artistic Director with SYC staff
- Prepare Treble Chorus for occasional special community events upon request, on mutually agreed to schedule determined at least eight weeks in advance
- Plan and select repertoire for Treble Chorus to contribute to a larger concert theme for 2-3 concerts annually
- Work in collaboration with the Artistic Director to continue to grow the larger SYC and its offerings
- Meet with Artistic Director and staff monthly during the season to consider policies, review procedures, coordinate concerts and various performances, and other work of the program
- Communicate weekly with Artistic Director on rehearsals, concerts and procedures
- Correspond with parents as needed
