Music Director Opening at Arundel Vocal Arts Society 

Position Type:  Part-Time                 

Location:  Arnold, MD

Application Deadline: October 31, 2024

Start Date: July 1, 2025, or negotiable

 Salary:  $10,000 per year; negotiable based on experience.  Estimated time ~ 30 hours per month from September through April.  

Website:  https://arundelvocalarts.org/

Position Summary: 

 We are seeking a talented and experienced Music Director to lead our choral program. The ideal candidate will have a passion for choral music, a strong background in conducting, and the ability to inspire and motivate singers of varying skill levels. This position involves directing our adult mixed choir of 25-30 people, planning and conducting rehearsals, and presenting multiple performances of two programs annually.

 About Us: 

 Arundel Vocal Arts Society has a forty-year presence in Anne Arundel County has provided the community with a wide array of choral experiences for both performers and audience members. Throughout its history, AVAS has presented outstanding choral works from many genres, including classical, Broadway, world music, and compelling contemporary repertoire.  Under the current director, our programming has reflected issues that impact our neighborhoods, including homelessness, post-pandemic conditions, social justice, and human rights. Our performances of Street Requiem, Considering Matthew Shepard, and  Make ’em  Laugh represent the mission of AVAS to present concerts that express beauty, joy, and greater humanitarian understanding.

 Since 2015, AVAS has been the chorus-in-residence for the Naptown Philharmonic Orchestra.

 (formerly Londontowne Symphony Orchestra). Other recent collaborators include the choirs of

 Anne Arundel Community College, the Calvary United Methodist Church Choir, Extensions of Faith Praise Choir, All Children's Chorus of Annapolis, and the Community Chorus of Peabody.  In 2023, AVAS established the AVAS Ambassador program, a smaller group of singers who plan and present live music to meet the needs of underserved audiences.

 Currently, AVAS rehearses at Gloria Dei! Lutheran Church on Wednesday evenings and the occasional Saturday morning from September to April.

 Key Responsibilities: 

 Conduct and rehearse choirs in preparation for concerts and other performances.

 Select appropriate repertoire that aligns with the choir's skill level and performance goals.

 Schedule and conduct rehearsals for two programs annually, one performed in late fall, the other in the spring.

 Demonstrate keyboard skills to complement and assist our regular accompanist.

 Provide vocal coaching and support to choir members selected for solos.

 Attend monthly board meetings in-person or virtually.

 Collaborate with our board in matters of scheduling, communications, and budget management.

 Recruit and audition new choir members.

 Maintain communication with collaborative partners.

 Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all choir members, our audiences, and the community.

 Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in Music, Choral Conducting, or equivalent, with a record of proven excellence as a conductor.  Master's degree preferred.
• Strong knowledge of choral repertoire across various genres and periods.
• Experience working with instrumental ensembles.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Willingness to collaborate with other musical organizations in our area.  ● Experience with vocal coaching and music education is a plus.

 Application Process: 

 Interested candidates should submit the following materials to Arundel Vocal Arts Society at[email protected]:

1. Cover letter detailing your experience and vision for a choral program such as ours.

 Resume/CV highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.

1. Two professional references with contact information.
2. A video link to a recent rehearsal or performance you have directed (optional).
3. Sample programs from concerts you have prepared and conducted.

 Candidates selected by the Search Committee will be interviewed virtually.  Finalists will take part in an in-person conducting demonstration with the choral members of AVAS.

 More Information:  Please visit our website at  https://arundelvocalarts.org/about-us/avas-news/  or email us at [email protected]

 Arundel Vocal Arts Society is a non-profit, equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.