Now celebrating its 19th season, the Children’s Chorus of Washington (CCW) is seeking an exceptional Artistic Director to enter into service in June/July 2016 to lead our nationally recognized music program. The Artistic Director job is a full-time position. Widely acclaimed as one of the finest children’s choruses in the country, CCW requires a uniquely qualified leader, artist, and music ambassador to cultivate and strengthen the organization’s reputation for excellence. Experienced candidates with vision and a strong background in choral youth music and proven leadership skills are encouraged to apply.
Background on Children’s Chorus of Washington
Founded in 1996 by Joan Gregoryk, long-time director and internationally-recognized leader in the field of children’s choral music, CCW is now among the finest children’s choruses in the country. CCW was described at a recent Kennedy Center concert as a “world class cultural asset.” CCW features a Prep Class (described below) and five performing ensembles: Concert Choir, Chamber Ensemble, Young Men’s Ensemble, Bel Canto and Treble Chorus. With more than 165 singers in all programs between the ages of 6 and 18, CCW members are selected from more than 100 public and private schools in the greater Washington, DC area. CCW’s past international tours include Italy, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, and China. In summer 2015, CCW will travel to France for a 10-day concert tour.
CCW also features three community outreach programs critical to its overall mission: Prep Class, SING DC!, and Partners in Music, a teacher’s workshop.
PREP Class is an introduction to the choral experience for first-time singers (ages 6-9). This 10-week program plants a seed for a lifelong love of music while teaching choral fundamentals such as proper breathing, posture, and basic music reading skills.
SING DC! is designed to provide introductory choral training to under-resourced students in the Washington, DC public school community at no cost to participating students or hosting schools. SING DC! children benefit from a nurturing environment that is close to home, where they learn proper vocal technique, basic music theory, how to develop musicality and musical expression.
Partners in Music provides area music teachers with insight and training into the award-winning choral techniques that have brought CCW national acclaim. The day-long workshops offer professional development, best practices, and peer mentoring to music teachers interested in starting or enhancing musical ensembles in their own schools.
It is the mission of CCW, and the responsibility of the Artistic Director, to empower young people to achieve the highest level of choral music excellence in the nation’s capital. The Artistic Director will also be responsible for increasing collaborative efforts with other cultural institutions in the greater metropolitan area and enhancing participation by youth in currently underserved communities in the District.
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Program Leadership Responsibilities
Serve as a high-profile, enthusiastic advocate and promoter of the Children’s Chorus of Washington;
Achieve the highest level of musical artistry and sound – and reflect that sound in public performances of ineffable quality and significant quantity;
Oversee and nurture a supportive and high-quality musical learning environment for youth ages 6 to 18;
Produce an action plan, with established metrics for achieving goals in the following six areas, among others:
public performances
fundraising
member enrollment and retention
staff recruitment / retention / job performance evaluation
visibility / marketing
community outreach;
Collaborate with other existing arts organizations and choruses, where appropriate, to achieve the benefits of team-building and cross-cultural experiences; retain and enhance CCW’s reputation as the “go-to” children’s chorus in DC;
Develop a performance schedule, plans for tours, choral exchanges and other events in coordination with CCW staff; establish and strengthen relationships with the professional musicians and the performance venue communities at the local, national and international levels;
Attract, recruit, retain, and inspire:
an excellent musical leadership team, including directors, accompanists, and staff;
top young singers from throughout metropolitan Washington, D.C. to grow CCW enrollment;
relationships with local music teachers and programs; and
Engage in active communications with the CCW Board, CCW committees, funders, parents, other members of the D.C. cultural community, and other groups, as appropriate.
Conductor Responsibilities
Conduct in a skilled, expressive, self-assured manner;
Model for singers a way of singing, thinking, and loving music;
Research repertoire, plan concerts, study scores and prepare for rehearsals;
Work with staff to complete logistical performance requirements;
Supervise artistic staff;
Promote CCW at Artistic Director’s own public appearances; and
Engage in activities to ensure the ongoing improvement of his/her own musical and artistic growth as an artist / teacher / conductor.
Educator Responsibilities
Demonstrate a high professional standard and dynamic understanding of the child’s voice, vocal pedagogy, language and diction, and diverse musical styles and genres;
Coordinate delivery of a diverse, high-quality repertoire and curriculum for the entire program;
Oversee the audition process and the appropriate placement and evaluation of students;
Engage in communications and develop rapport with new and older choristers and their parents to ensure strong retention rates and vocal leadership;
Promote an optimal working environment at rehearsals and performances, and instill respect among students, directors, and staff;
Conduct, educate, inspire, and motivate children of all ages in rehearsals;
Serve as a personal and professional role model to students and music staff; and
Engage guest artists, concert musicians, and others to enhance the quality of the musical programs and broaden the chorus learning experience.
Requirements:
Proven track record of organization building;
Direct and relevant staff management and leadership experience;
Degree from a four-year college, Masters or Doctorate degrees encouraged; and
Must be willing to relocate to the DC metropolitan area.
Materials to be submitted with application:
Cover letter expressing personal and professional goals;
Two videos: one performance, one rehearsal;
Resume; and
Salary requirements.
References may be requested at a later date.
Deadline for submission: MAY 1, 2015
For more information, please visit CCW's job posting page.
