Reports To: Artistic Director

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Last Modified: March 13, 2023

Initial Review Date: April 1, 2023

Posted until filled.

Job Summary

The associate conductor leads Vivace’s Presto Ensemble, a mixed-voice ensemble of 20–30 singers in 7th–12th grades, and directs tenor/bass voices alone on repertoire that is written specifically for them. Areas of responsibility include repertoire selection, rehearsal planning and directing, singer assessments, communications, and regular collaboration with the artistic director and other staff on concert and tour planning, recruitment, and singer enrichment activities. This is a part-time, non-exempt position reporting to the artistic director.

Responsibilities

Artistic

• Work with the artistic director to plan repertoire for concerts and run weekly rehearsals, currently Thursdays, 6:30 pm–8:00 pm

• Conduct the Presto and tenor/bass ensembles in two formal concerts per year, as well as other performances in the community

• Work with the artistic director to plan and lead annual weekend retreat in the fall semester and the Spring Sing in April

• Help plan biennial summer tours for the performing choirs

• Audition and place new singers in the ensemble at the start of each semester

• Conduct end-of-year assessments for singers, meeting individually with each singer and submitting a written electronic report to the parent/guardian and singer

Communications

• Communicate with parents and singers as needed via email/phone

• Regularly communicate with office staff to coordinate rosters, newsletters, and other written materials as needed

• Attend staff meetings at least once per semester

Community/Enrichment Activities

• Actively work with community ensembles to collaborate on larger works and/or other venues for the choir to participate in

• Publicize opportunities for honor choir participation and other enrichment activities to singers

• Assist the artistic director with recordings, online applications, and in-person auditions

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music education or vocal performance

• 3+ years experience directing a choir in an educational setting

• Satisfactory background check and clearance to work in the United States

Ideal candidates will also have one or more of the following:

• Master’s degree in choral conducting, music education, vocal performance, or related field

• Experience working with changing tenor/bass voices

• Experience using the Kodály method for music literacy

Work Environment

• Weekly in-person rehearsals in Willow Glen, San José

• In-person staff meetings, concerts, and events, as required by the artistic director

• Some physical labor, such as lifting 25-lb boxes to a height of 3–4 feet and carrying materials to and from events

Scope and Changes

This job description is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Vivace reserves the right to change the job duties at any time.

Compensation and Benefits

• Estimated $5,500–$6,500 per year with room for growth

  • $60 per hour teaching rate (rehearsals, performances, etc.)

  • $20 per hour administrative rate (preparation, chaperone time outside of rehearsing, communication and other administrative work)

• Sick time

• CalSavers Retirement Plan

• Travel costs for organization-sponsored tours

• Support for professional development

Application Procedure

Email resume and cover letter with “Presto Associate Conductor” in the subject line to jobs@vivaceyouthchorus.org. Please send only PDF or Microsoft Word files.

About Vivace Youth Chorus

Vivace’s mission is to empower young singers to discover their spirit of creativity, compassion, and collaboration through the beauty of song.

We are closing a critical educational gap by providing the youth of the greater San José area a much-needed inclusive and engaging musical experience; they become our future ambassadors for the arts. More information is available at www.vivaceyouthchorus.org.

Equal Employment Opportunity Policy

Vivace Youth Chorus provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Equity Statement

Vivace Youth Chorus of San José is committed to practices of equity and inclusion in our work with all individuals we come into contact with, including our current singers and families, our staff, our alumni, and our surrounding community. The San José area, and the expanse of Silicon Valley, is rich with diversity. It is our greatest desire to embody this diversity by providing access to our programs to every student and family we interact with, regardless of their economic status or racial, cultural, religious, or sexual identity. Together, we strive to promote systemic change through the unifying power of music, and spark the light of song in all people.