Assistant Director

JOB DESCRIPTION

Assistant Director

The Long Beach Youth Chorus was founded in 2017 with the mission to develop the appreciation of choral music and musical talent among young people from diverse backgrounds in a mutually supportive environment. The organization’s vision is to be a diverse multi-chorus organization that provides every child in the region the opportunity to perform in a choir and gives them the life-changing skills that choral singing can develop.

We are seeking an Assistant Director for our growing organization who can support the Artistic Director and administrative staff in bringing energy, excitement and a passion for choral music to our singers, their families and the community.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

Vision - Support the artistic vision for all ensembles and programs within the Long Beach Youth Chorus as directed by the Artistic Director and serve as the director for the Young Musicians’ Program (grades 2-4).

Excellence - Support excellent standards of choral musicianship for all ensembles and programs within the Long Beach Youth Chorus.

Rehearsals - Assist the Artistic Director as needed in the musicianship skills portion of rehearsal with the 5-12th graders. Then, during the final portion of rehearsal, plan and lead a 1-hr weekly lesson and rehearsal for the Young Musicians’ program, which consists of grades 2-4.

Growth - Strategize innovative ways to increase the enrollment and impact of the Long Beach Youth Chorus across the region. Nurture the close-knit and familial community of Long Beach Youth Chorus singers.

Performances - In conjunction with the Artistic Director, coordinate performance and rehearsal schedules for Young Musicians’ program.

Parent Engagement/Liaison/Communications - Maintain regular communication with parents and coordinate parent volunteers as needed, and respond to inter-organization communications quickly and efficiently through Remind and/or email as per the communications expectations of the organization.

Advocacy - Be a part of public events, fundraising activities and be a good advocate for the organization.

Meetings - Attend staff meetings as called by the Executive Director, or board meetings if requested by the Board of Directors.

Qualifications and Compensation

The Long Beach Youth Chorus is committed to equity in our organization and our community. Candidates for this position must demonstrate an understanding of the need for that commitment, and be willing to be a voice for that commitment in the community.

● Start Date: as soon as possible
● Compensation: commensurate with experience and based on the estimated time commitment of an average of 3 hours per week with an increase in hours when approaching a performance. As the organization grows, time commitment and/or compensation may be revisited.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Music, with emphasis on vocal education, choral conducting, or similar field

• Measurable choral directing experience

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A successful candidate for this position can demonstrate the following:
 

• Knowledge of a wide array of choral repertoire from all choral genres, and the ability to create programs that are engaging, thought-provoking and powerful for singers and audiences.

• Knowledge of up to date, science-informed vocal pedagogy and the development of young singers’ voices.

• Ability to teach young musicians foundational music theory and aural skills, including methodologies such as Dalcroze and Orff.

• Knowledge and understanding of varied teaching methodologies and the ability to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of students of all ages, backgrounds, and ability levels.

• Ability to provide creative approaches to engagement and education when traditional choral rehearsal options are not available.

  To be considered for this position, send your résumé (including at least 2 references) and a cover letter to Stan DeWitt (he/him), Executive Director (stan@longbeachyouthchorus.org), and Stevie Hirner (she/her), Artistic Director (stevie@longbeachyouthchorus.org).