Role Type: Artistic Director/Assistant Professor of the Practice of Children's Music
Artist Level: Professional
Compensation: Paid
Application Deadline: Received 11/1/2013
Audition Details: The Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir of Harrisonburg, VA, affiliated with Eastern Mennonite University, seeks an experienced, creative, and enthusiastic children's choir Artistic Director/Assistant Professor of the Practice of Children's Music to lead a multi-aged choral organization (elementary and secondary levels).
Qualifications: Minimum of a Masters Degree in Music, Music Education, or Choral Conducting, with choral emphasis on children's music at both the elementary and secondary levels; minimum of five years successful elementary/secondary level school/church/community choral teaching/directing experience; a wide range of knowledge pertaining to children's choral music with a specific emphasis on Kodály methodology and appropriate vocal development; familiarity and experience with skill- and age-appropriate repertoire for children's choirs; experience in pedagogical approaches to teaching children's choral music that emphasize sequential learning; knowledge of emerging music literacy and current best practices in music education; capacity to work cooperatively with SVCC administrative staff and Board of Directors to implement the vision
of the SVCC within the greater Harrisonburg community; strong communication skills with children, families, staff, and various levels of administration; excellent written communication skills; prior experience in working for a non-profit organization preferred; ability to maintain a strong and positive connection between the organization and the surrounding community.
Appointment: Full time, eleven-month Artistic Director position, beginning August 1, 2014. This position reports to the Executive Director and Board of Directors of the SVCC, the head of the Music Department and the Dean of Undergraduate Studies at Eastern Mennonite University.
General Responsibilities: Conduct two of the three performing choral ensembles of the SVCC; coordinate, plan and implement seasonal concert activities; coordinate community outreach and touring; assist in and integrate with the Kodály-based Musicianship classes currently embedded in the SVCC program; assist the SVCC Board of Directors in the long-range strategic and financial planning and development of the organization; liaise and connect with area elementary and secondary school music educators; serve as a bridge builder and community relations representative for the organization.%uFFFD
Application: Submit a cover letter, biography, curriculum vitae, three letters of recommendation specific to this position (including one from a person who, in a supervisory role, has observed the candidate teach choral ensembles at the secondary level), a list of three - five additional references who may be contacted, a philosophy of choral music education specifically related to children's choirs, selected programs from the past two years and any other supporting materials. Please do not submit audio or video recordings at this time.
Rehearsal and performance footage will be requested at a later date. Please direct application materials to:
Mr. Ethan Zook, Chair of Search Committee
Eastern Mennonite University/Shenandoah Valley Children's Choir
1200 Park Road
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
Deadline: November 1, 2013. Applications will be reviewed immediately and on an ongoing basis. On-site interviews are scheduled to be held in January 2014.
For more info, go to www.emu.edu/svcc/
