Associate Director - Treble Chorus, Strathmore Youth Chorus
About the Organization
Strathmore is a multidimensional creative anchor in the community, where everyone can connect with the arts and artists can explore their full potential. We present nearly 400 performances, exhibitions, and education programs annually for diverse audiences on our Montgomery County Maryland campus and throughout the community.
Based one-half mile outside the Capital Beltway in North Bethesda, Maryland, we serve the entire Washington, DC region and the state of Maryland with exceptional artistic experiences and opportunities to learn and connect. Our work is based on our mission to amplify distinctive and diverse artistic voices and curate experiences to enrich every life and shape stronger communities.
We are actively assessing how systemic inequities impact our organization's work at all levels and how best to address those inequities in a way that is consistent with our mission. This commitment is made within the broad context of Strathmore's Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) goals to expand access and diversity, promote inclusion, and build equity for all.
Position
Associate Director - Treble Chorus, Strathmore Youth Chorus
Open Date
2/25/2025
Description
ABOUT STRATHMORE YOUTH CHORUS (SYC)
SYC (formerly Strathmore Children’s Chorus or SCC) is a choral music education program for children grades 2 through 12, based at the Music Center at Strathmore, North Bethesda, Maryland. We have over 200 choristers singing in six ensembles – Preparatory, Apprentice, Treble, Concert, Tenor Bass, and Chamber. We teach music literacy and bel canto vocal production in an ensemble context. We foster authentic creative expression, challenge growth, bring joy, and contribute to the well-being of our choristers. We produce two concerts per season at Strathmore, and we contribute to the performances of many of Strathmore’s performing arts partners, including the National Philharmonic Orchestra, Maryland Classic Youth Orchestras, and more. Additionally, Treble Chorus participates in an annual Maryland Young Voices Festival, giving this ensemble an opportunity to perform and represent Strathmore beyond the Music Center.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Associate Choral Director conducts the Treble Chorus, comprising 30 choristers aged 10 to 14. Treble Chorus meets weekly on Tuesdays, 6:30pm – 8:00pm from September to late May/early June at the Music Center at Strathmore. Accompanist and choral manager provided. This is a part-time position with Tuesday evening rehearsals; monthly staff meetings Saturday mornings, mid-August to June; two SYC-self-produced concerts, December and late May/early June; chorister social functions, one during each semester; and opportunities for additional performances and festivals throughout each season, starting with the Maryland Young Voices Festival that rotates hosting and coordination from among its seven participating choirs. The position will begin in August, 2025.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Collaborate under the Artistic Director and with artistic staff to plan two to three concerts annually
- Assist in teaching music literacy skills in the rehearsal context for Treble Chorus
- Teach and conduct weekly 90-minute rehearsals
- Supervise and conduct Treble Chorus, including hired instrumentalists as applicable for this ensemble, for two SYC-produced concerts annually at the Music Center at Strathmore
- Assist SYC staff with supervision and logistics as needed for SCC-produced concerts
- Complete written evaluations for choristers once annually, deadline determined by Artistic Director with SYC staff
- Prepare Treble Chorus for occasional special community events upon request, on mutually agreed to schedule determined at least eight weeks in advance
- Plan and select repertoire for Treble Chorus to contribute to a larger concert theme for 2-3 concerts annually
- Work in collaboration with the Artistic Director to continue to grow the larger SYC and its offerings
- Meet with Artistic Director and staff monthly during the season to consider policies, review procedures, coordinate concerts and various performances, and other work of the program
- Communicate weekly with Artistic Director on rehearsals, concerts and procedures
- Correspond with parents as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
- Qualified candidates will possess the following skills and be able to make a multi-year commitment to build the choral program at SYC.
- Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Choral Music Education; Master’s or equivalent preferred
- Minimum five years’ experience conducting age-specific treble chorus vocal ensembles
- Highly knowledgeable with quality repertoire representing bel canto vocal instruction and international representation of treble-voiced choral music
- Highly knowledgeable with training in vocal pedagogy and music literacy for this age group
- Leadership and artistic creativity to develop repertoire programming that maximizes choir potential
- Vocal skills and ability to direct and teach by example
- Educational and mentoring skills that foster personal growth and learning in children and youth
- Superior leadership skills
- Work well with a team and be able to work independently.
STATUS & SALARY
This is a part-time, Salaried, Exempt position compensated at $9,000.00 annually.
NEXT STEPS
For best consideration, we ask for applications by April 4, 2025. SUBMIT VIA OUR ONLINE PORTAL (Category: Strathmore Children’s Chorus)
Required materials include a cover letter and resume (CV). Additionally, provide links to no more than three video recordings of recent concert choral programs conducted by the applicant. Maximum length for all submitted video links combined shall be no longer than 15 minutes, and average of five minutes per selection.
Your application is safe with us; all contacts and correspondence will remain confidential.
Only qualified applicants will be contacted.
Strathmore is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Accordingly, Strathmore provides employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, national origin or ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, genetic status or information, military or veteran status or status in any status protected by federal, state, or local law.