Music Director for the Chatham Chorale

The Chatham Chorale is currently accepting applications for a Music Director, beginning in July 2010.  The Chorale is the only auditioned choir on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and is a regional organization.  Further information is available at www.ChathamChorale.org.  For application, please contact Charles Ferris at CHFerris@Comcast.net.  Applications close January 8, 2010. 

Present Organization of the Chorale (2009-2010): The Chatham Chorale presently consists of a full Chorale of approximately 100 singers and a select chorus of approximately 30 singers chosen from the full Chorale, the Chamber Singers.  From time to time other groups are constituted to perform specific works.  The Chorale Season currently includes four concerts plus a joint concert with the Cape Cod Symphony.  Small concerts (gigs) are regularly performed as fund-raisers or for special events.   Additional concerts may be performed from time to time.  The Chorale is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors.  

JOB DESCRIPTION: MUSIC DIRECTOR 

Overall responsibilities: The Music Director shall be responsible for all musical activities of the Chatham Chorale, Inc. and such other duties as may be assigned by the Board of Directors from time to time. 

Reports to: Board of Directors 

Compensation: Annual stipend for part-time contracted services  

Qualifications:

· Formal music education

· Broad and thorough background in choral music and conducting

· Minimum 5 years as a choral director

· Experience conducting instrumental groups as accompaniment in choral performances

· Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly

· Ability to teach and create a positive learning experience

· Flexibility and accommodation to working as a collaborative member of a non-profit   organization with a volunteer Board of Directors 

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Lead the annual musical programming process of the Chorale. This is an interactive process  with the Board that may require some adjustments and re-working depending on financial constraints and projections.

· Prepare concert programs and present to Board for approval

· Select works to be performed

· Determine instrumentation needs for orchestra or accompaniment

· Determine soloist needs

· Research  and recommend performance venues

· Within the Annual Budget approved by the Board,

· Order and purchase or rent music for concert programs as necessary

· Hire musicians and soloists

· Rehearse the full Chorale a minimum of once a week (generally) during the concert season.  • Additional rehearsals are generally required during concert production weeks.

· Rehearse the Chamber Singers a minimum of once a week (generally) during the concert   season.  Additional rehearsals are generally required during concert production weeks. 

· Conduct all concert  performances

· Auditions:

· Coordinate and audition new members for the Chorale in September and January

· Re-audition all singers every three years

· Select singers (generally Chambers Singers or Chambers Singers as the core) and plan,   rehearse, and conduct all “gigs” – special programs, generally for small groups, (e.g.,   programs at nursing homes and summer concert programs at local churches)

· Coordinate and plan programs with the Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra and other orchestras   (e.g., New Bedford Symphony) or other groups as contracted by the Board

· Work with Brochure and Program Committees in the preparation of those documents

· Serve as a member of the Executive Board and Board of Directors.  Both groups generally   meet monthly.

· Prepare and present a Music Director’s Report at the meetings of such groups

· With approval of the Board accept speaking engagements and attend functions from time to   time on behalf of the Chorale