Vox Musica, Music Director Search 2018





MUSIC DIRECTOR SEARCH 2018



Vox Musica Choral Society’s mission is to bring choral music to audiences in Lethbridge and southwestern Alberta, and to give people an opportunity to participate in the public performance of choral works. Vox Musica Choral Society is at an exciting stage as a choral ensemble. After nearly three decades performing as part of the University of Lethbridge, we are enjoying our third season as a successful independent choir and not-for-profit society governed by an elected Board of Directors. Vox Musica is a non-auditioned choir, made up of singers of all ages, from 19 to 91, and all musical skill levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans in their 3rd decade with the choir. Vox attracts from 60 to 80 singers each year, welcoming new singers every September and January. The choir rehearses weekly. Through Vox, we share a love of singing choral music as part of large ensemble. Our repertoire includes folk and movie music, opera choruses and classical choral gems. We have been privileged to perform with the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra and share performances with the Chinook Singers, Ventus Women’s Choir, Bridge Brass and other local ensembles. Our major works include: § Mozart Requiem – April 2018 § Vivaldi Magnificat RV610 – November 2017 § Mendelssohn Hymn of Praise – May 2017 § Orff Carmina Burana – April 2016 § Vivaldi Gloria – November 2015 § Handel Messiah and Jenkins Stella Natalis – December 2014 § Fauré Requiem – December 2013 § Schubert Mass No. 3 in B-Flat Major – April 2013 In the past decade, Vox has hosted two Sing-along Messiah programs and has also performed for the community at intimate concerts in local health care facilities and seniors' residences. In all of these experiences, Vox singers have discovered how making music is both exhilarating and moving. We learn listen, breathe, express ourselves in multiple languages and master new melodies and harmonies. Most importantly, through singing together we have created a community based on the core value: less of me, more of us. The whole is truly greater than the sum of its parts. The Music Director plays a key role as a leader, guiding our learning of choral repertoire and challenging the choir with new and interesting music, continually working with us to improve our vocal abilities and musicality through skilled direction and musical knowledge. The Music Director also has the critical role of planning and implementing the artistic vision for the choir. (Current budget is available to serious applicants upon request.)

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Vox Musica, Music Director Search 2018

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

MUSIC DIRECTION § Provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for choir members and coworkers § Work collaboratively with the assistant conductor, accompanist and sectional rehearsal accompanist to provide a positive music education for singers § Create and implement the musical vision for each season by planning the repertoire, accompaniment and all other season details in consultation with the Board § Schedule a minimum of one performance per term (fall and spring), in consultation with the Board § Plan and implement collaborative performance opportunities for the choir with guest performers, and for the choir as guests of other ensembles § Plan auditions and assign solo parts as needed for performances § Determine any individual’s readiness to perform (attendance, ability, etc.) and discuss same with the individual member § Determine any individual’s ability to join late in any given term § Determine the seating plan for the choir § Create the rehearsal schedule, including extra practices and performance dates § Lead all rehearsals, September to early May, on Tuesdays from 7 pm to 9:30 pm § Arrange to secure and compensate a replacement conductor when unable to attend scheduled rehearsals § Arrange for the assistant conductor, accompanist and sectional rehearsal accompanist, as required § Adhere to rehearsal start and stop times § Conduct the choir in performance § Plan the written programs for all performances § Plan and communicate technical support requirements (i.e., lighting, audio-visual equipment, microphones, etc.) for each performance to the Board ADMINISTRATION § In consultation with the Board: o Select music suitable for the choir, introducing new music as is appropriate and within budget; ensure a wide variety of music o Select and engage an accompanist o Select and book rehearsal and performance venues § Prepare and present the artistic budget to the Board § Provide music selections within an established timeframe. § Arrange for the purchase, borrowing or rental of music to ensure timely delivery to choir, at the beginning of each term § Assist with the preparation of the “season planning” portions of grant application(s) § Liaise with Board and attend Board meetings as a non-voting member § Present the Music Director’s Report at the Annual General Meeting § Assist the Board as a choir spokesperson for musical issues and public relations 2



Vox Musica, Music Director Search 2018

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The successful candidate must be an experienced Music Director and Conductor with energy and passion, who can teach and inspire Vox Musica to perform at the highest artistic level possible, acknowledging and respecting the choir's unique identity § Demonstrated success as a Music Director, Choral Conductor and/or music educator with adults § Degree in music preferred (Choral Conducting, Vocal Performance, Music Education) § Understanding of and proficiency in vocal technique, with ability to model healthy, resonant singing § Excellent social, networking and collaborative skills § Strong organizational and time management skills

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS § The Music Director reports directly to the Board § The Music Director will serve as a non-voting member of the Board

HONORARIUM § Commensurate with qualifications and experience § This is a part-time role, from September to late April/early May, each year

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates are asked to submit: § A cover letter describing interest and qualifications, § A resume outlining education and vocal training as well as experience as a music director, conductor and/or music educator with adults § Two professional references and one reference from a volunteer singer § Two different concert programs (copies acceptable) representative of typical concerts under your direction § A program of music (35-45 minutes) demonstrating repertoire you would like to perform with Vox Musica § Recommended, an unedited video recording demonstrating your choral conducting in performance or rehearsal within the past 5 years (maximum length 15 minutes) § Recommended, an audio recording of a concert performance, preferably in a digital format § Electronic/digital applications are preferred § Materials will be returned upon request ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE

APPLICATION DEADLINE: January 31, 2018

For further information and application submission, contact Carolyn Ethier, President, Vox Musica Choral Society [email protected] 403-315-2588 3



Vox Musica, Music Director Search 2018

VOX MUSICA MUSIC DIRECTOR, SEARCH TIMELINES

Dec. 2017 Jan. 31, 2018 Feb. 1 - Mar. 27, 2018 Mar. 28, 2018 Apr. 28, 2018 Jan. 8 – Mar. 2, 2019 and Mar. 12 - May 4, 2019

Mar. 2-4, 2019 and May 4-6, 2019 May 9, 2019

Position description is posted and published Application deadline closes Search committee reviews candidates' applications and conducts interviews Two shortlisted candidates are contacted Shortlisted candidates present a spring 2019 program to the Board for approval Each shortlisted candidate leads one of the spring term music programs as Guest Music Director - Prepare a music program, 35-45 minutes - Lead 9 Tuesday rehearsals to prepare the choir for a performance - Lead a performance Choir members are invited to complete a survey about their experiences with each candidate Search committee makes a recommendation to the Board

May 15, 2019

One candidate is invited to enter into an agreement to be Music Director of Vox Musica for the 2019-2020 season

June 1, 2019

Music Director begins first season with Vox Musica



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