Choral Director - Novato, United States - Novato Music Association

Description

The Novato Music Association is a community-based chorus of approximately 35-40 members The chorus consists of four general sections, with a director and an accompanist.

Each section has a leader who serves as a liaison between the director and their particular section.

Members are generally drawn to the chorus through word of mouth, association with a chorus member, or attending a performance.

At this time, auditions are not required to join the chorus, although the Director may request them at his/her discretion.

Overview

The position of Choral Director for the Novato Music Association Chorus (NMA) involves responsibility for the preparation, rehearsal and production of all chorus performance events.

Additionally, the Director is responsible for ongoing quality, growth and appropriate levels of challenge for all performers.

The chorus performs one major show in the winter (early December) and one in the spring (late April or early May).

Each show includes three to five performances in the afternoon and/or evening, which may span over two sequential weekends. Shows also include two additional rehearsals at the venue the week of the first performance. Less formal performances may be held during the season as well.

The Board will collaborate with the Director to create a rehearsal schedule that includes weekly Monday rehearsals and one or more Saturday rehearsals per month.

The Director derives their authority from the Board of Directors and reports directly to the Board.

This position is available for the winter season of 2024 (September through December), with the possibility of contract renewal for the spring performance season by mutual agreement of the Board and Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead with a positive, supportive, and inclusive style that fits in with our group of nonprofessional singers with varying musical abilities
• Improve the musical knowledge and vocal skills of the members
• Educate the members in the art of musical performance and choral singing
• Develop show theme and music repertoire
• Create practice tracks for each song and vocal section to enable chorus members to practice on their own outside of regular rehearsals

SEASONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Although strategic in nature, the role of Choral Director involves, to the greatest extent, responsibility for all musical activities during a given season.

These activities are roughly grouped into the following categories:

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Preparation

• Prior to the beginning of each season, the Director will develop the overall theme, select music to be performed for that season and present it to the board for review and approval by midAugust for the winter season and midDecember for the spring season. The budget for the purchase of sheet music will be provided by the Board prior to those deadlines.

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Rehearsals

• The Director will prepare a schedule of songs that will be rehearsed each week with the end goal of producing a quality show. Regular rehearsals occur weekly on Monday evenings from 7:009:00pm at All Saints Lutheran Church, 2 San Marin Drive in Novato. Monthly Saturday rehearsals (except September) are held from 9:00am12:00pm. Additional Saturday rehearsals may be added if the board and Director deem it necessary. Sectional or small group rehearsals may be required outside of the regular rehearsal schedule as needed.

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Accompanist

• The Director will communicate with the Accompanist in a timely, supportive and collaborative style that promotes a positive relationship, leading to a quality performance. The Director will work with the Accompanist to rehearse different vocal sections during the early stages of musical mastery.

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Production

• The Director will collaborate with the Board on the production of the show, utilizing Chorus resources appropriately, including committees of chorus members.

Typical tasks include:

• Staging, which may include collaborating with chorus members on development of choreography.
• Selection and/or recommendation of nonmusical show components (e.g., dialogue, narration, lighting, sound amplification, props, costumes, etc.), with approval of the Board.
• Provide photo and personal message for the show program.
• Conduct Chorus, Accompanist, small groups, and other musical enhancement (i.e., outside musical accompaniment, if used) during rehearsals and shows.

Job Type:
Contract


Pay:
$8,000.00 per year


Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Evening shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Commute:

• Novato, CA (required)

Work Location:
In person