Assistant Conductor, The Choral Arts Society of Washington

The Choral Arts Society of Washington (CASW) is actively searching for a talented, positive, and musical individual to fill the part-time contractual role of Assistant Conductor for our 2024/2025 season. The ideal candidate will possess effective communication skills on and off the podium. This position offers an exciting opportunity for a conductor to contribute their skills, working with the CASW Artistic Director and guest conductors in rehearsals, and in concerts to ensure that the CASW performs at the highest possible artistic levels. In this role, the Assistant Conductor will function as additional eyes and ears of the conductor each week, playing a pivotal role in the chorus’s artistic expression. The Assistant Conductor will collaborate closely with the conductor to ensure the musical vision for each performance is realized to its fullest potential. The Assistant Conductor serves as the primary artistic support staff to the Artistic Director and assists her with the musical preparation of the chorus at all rehearsals and concerts, while also preparing for the potential substitute for indisposed conductors. The Assistant Conductor should hold being part of the CASW community as paramount, fostering an environment of welcoming, encouraging, and high-level music making.

Assistant Conductor Responsibilities:

· Sings, assists, and supports the Artistic Director or the Guest Conductor (“Conductor”) for the CASW 2024/2025 Subscription Series rehearsals and concerts (and Assistants recording sessions, run-out concerts) conducted by the Music Director.

· Assists Artistic Director or Guest Conductor with advice on balance, intonation, acoustics, and any other topic for which the Conductor requests the Assistant Conductor’s input.

· Reports for work and checks-in with the Conductor at least 30 mins (earlier if requested) before each rehearsal or concert service. Checks-in with Conductor during breaks and after each rehearsal or concert service. Remains on site and available at least 30 mins (more if requested) after each rehearsal, recording or concert service, unless dismissed earlier by the Artistic Director.

· Facilitates communication, and acts as a conduit for communication between the Conductor and the CASW musicians, with the help of the CASW Chorus Manager.

· Assists with communication with CASW musicians including the delivery of notes to the musicians between rehearsals, between performances, in a timely manner and as instructed by the Artistic Director.

· Acts as a Cover Conductor for the CASW’s 2024/2025 Subscription Series, including performance-ready preparation of all scores for the potential substitution of an indisposed or canceled conductor at minimal notice.

As assigned by the Artistic Director:

· Conducts rehearsals, concerts, and Assistants recording sessions when originally scheduled conductors of services are not able to.

· Conducts CASW for the occasional non-subscription performance, including but not limited to education or community outreach concerts, runout concerts, etc.

· Is prepared to run sectionals during rehearsals.

· Listens to CASW members for music check-ins or auditions,

· Assists in concert logistics such as media cues, supertitles, artist calls and other elements for designated programs, under the supervision of Artistic Operations and Productions Manager.

· Acts as a spokesperson for CASW as requested. Raises the exposure of CASW by attending community activities and fundraising events to demonstrate the Choral Arts Society of Washington’s active participation in the community.

Key Relationships:

· Reports to Artistic Director and Executive Director

·  Works with Artistic Operations and Productions Manager, Chorus Manager, Guest Conductors, Guest Artists, CASW Staff and Members

Qualifications:

· Minimum of 2 years professional experience conducting a symphonic, community, and or professional chorus (or commensurate experience)

· Master of Music in Choral Conducting in progress or completed, preferred (or commensurate experience)

· Knowledge of symphonic chorus repertoire and professional musician practices

· Exceptional oral and written communication skills

· Demonstrates the ability to motivate others and successfully build and manage a positive and familial choral culture with high standards as paramount.

· Demonstrate the ability to warm up the chorus in an effective and intentional manner.

· Demonstrate the ability to successfully manage relationships with guest artists, staff conductor, CASW staff members, musicians, and other constituents.

· Able to work weekdays, evenings, and weekends as required.

· Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and to manage calmly and efficiently situations ranging from routine to emergency.

Choral Arts Society of Washington is committed to serving its mission by promoting an equitable and inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, appreciated, and free to bring their whole selves to work; and to find intentional ways to grow in our understanding and support of others.

Choral Arts Society of Washington is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, class, religion, country of origin, political belief, (dis)ability, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, or any factor protected by law. Members of underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Contract dates: September 1, 2024-August 31, 2025

Rate: $25,000 annual stipend

To apply: Please upload the following to the link below by July 1, 2024.

CV, cover letter, video of yourself conducting 5-10 minutes of rehearsal, and 5-10 minutes of performance.

https://www.dropbox.com/request/PSXKytbVmxl3JfmnDcxu

Email Rhonda Buckley-Bishop with any question at Rhonda@choralarts.org