Position Description: Music Director of the Vermont Choral Union

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Music Director of the Vermont Choral Union will prepare and conduct the chorus for a minimum of two concert programs per year, with at least two concerts per program, and additional smaller performances as determined in consultation with the Board of Directors.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Program, rehearse, and conduct musical performances of choral works of the highest quality, consistent with the Vermont Choral Union’s mission
• Conduct, at a minimum, weekly 2½ hour rehearsals of the chorus, at a time and location determined by or in consultation with the Board of Directors
• Conduct additional rehearsals of the chorus, ensembles, and sectionals as needed to help ensure a high artistic quality of performance.
• Recruit and retain choral personnel that achieve high quality musical results
• Audition potential and existing choral personnel as needed to achieve high quality results
• Maintain a high standard of excellence in singing and performance by the chorus
• In consultation with the Board of Directors, contract soloists or instrumentalists as needed to achieve the planned choral program
• Coordinate all aspects of chorus performance and promotions with the Board of Directors and/or committees in execution of the musical program.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors (or Board officers) to develop an effective working budget
• Work within budget and perform due diligence toward fiscal responsibility
• Create and maintain positive relationships with the Board of Directors, chorus members, existing and potential donors, other performing arts organizations, and the community at large

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Choral Conducting or equivalent experience, e.g. high-level training in choral conducting and extensive knowledge of a cappella choral repertoire
• Demonstrate expertise in vocal technique, knowledge of vocal ranges, choral diction, and foreign language pronunciation
• Demonstrate expertise in conducting productive rehearsals
• Demonstrate leadership and motivation skills
• Ability to use piano as needed to facilitate productive rehearsals

Administrative Responsibilities

• Ex officio member of the Board of Directors
• As needed, attend board meetings at least once per month
• Determine the musical contents of the two yearly concert programs
• Procure and distribute the music needed for rehearsal and performance of a program, with support from appropriate committees
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and appropriate committees in selection and scheduling of performance venue
• Assist in organizing, contribute material to, and review the printed performance program
• Assist with marketing, promotion, and publicity for performances

Professional and Personal Characteristics

• Ability to maintain musical integrity and a high level of musical standards
• Ability to train and instruct members with diverse musical backgrounds, within the rehearsal context
• Ability to challenge and support the musical efforts of the choral members
• Ability to work effectively with and within a volunteer Board of Directors
• Ability to direct, inspire and motivate, critique, and collaborate with a large group, in an environment of mutual respect and fun