Allen Philharmonic Symphony Chorus (Director/Conductor)

The Board of Directors of the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra is announcing the search for our next director and conductor of the Allen Symphony Chorus. The Symphony Chorus is a volunteer ensemble that provides a high-quality musical experience for singers in Allen and surrounding areas. The chorus presents its own independent series of concerts throughout the year, but will also perform with the Allen Philharmonic Orchestra on occasion at the invitation of the APO Music Director.

The Allen Philharmonic Orchestra is a professional, per-service orchestra. In recent seasons, collaborations with the chorus have included Carmina Burana, the Durufle Requiem, Tin’s Calling All Dawns, numerous Cultural Connections programs, and other programming. The chorus’ stand-alone programming spans classical through pops and holiday.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

Musicianship

• Strong background in choral conducting and vocal pedagogy.
• Commitment to vocal and musical development in singers of all levels.
• Appropriate, innovative, and diverse programming and repertoire selection.
• Lead weekly rehearsals and choral performances, ensuring high levels of musicianship and vocal technique are maintained. The chorus currently rehearses on Monday evenings in Allen, TX. However, in weeks when the chorus is performing with the orchestra, the chorus and choral director are expected to rehearse with the orchestra as required by the Music Director.
• Prepare the chorus adequately and in a timely manner for all performances.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive artistic vision for the chorus, in partnership with the APO Music Director.
• Evaluate and assess chorus performance and growth, making data-informed decisions to enhance the overall experience.
• Select and maintain an accompanist for the chorus, with approval of the Music Director and Board of Directors. The accompanist position is paid.

Leadership

• Recruit and retain quality choral members.
• Execute advanced planning, with clear and effective communication of plans to choral leadership, choral membership, APO Board of Directors, and APO Music Director, as appropriate.
• Clearly define choral leadership roles and responsibilities.
• Maintain a supportive and inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities with kindness, respect, and genuine acceptance.
• Foster a collaborative and community-minded front for the chorus.

Logistics 

• Organize rehearsal and performance spaces, with approval of the APO Board of Directors.
• Coordinate and communicate effectively with chorus members, board members, hired instrumentalists, building managers, or other personnel as needed.
• Maintain procedural integrity in all aspects of the organization.
• Manage administrative aspects of the chorus including budgeting, scheduling, and effective communication with all.
• The Symphony Chorus Director reports to the APO Board of Directors, although artistic concerns also report to the APO Music Director.

Compensation

Compensation is $700 per month, paid October through April. The Chorus Director’s contract is for the term of one year, renewed annually at the discretion of the APO Board of Directors.

Application

Interested candidates should complete the application process listed at allenphilharmonic.org/join  In the online form, applicants will be requested to provide the following:

1. Resume or CV (PDF or Word file)
2. 1-2 page philosophy speaking to developing and growing a volunteer community chorus (PDF or Word file)
3. Two sample programs for chorus-only programming: 1 classical, and 1 “pops.” For each program, please speak to why the music is chosen or any overarching themes, particular challenges in the repertoire, program length, etc.... (PDF or Word file)
4. (optional) Performance and/or rehearsal video, no longer than 20 minutes in length. Ideally, video should be filmed from the perspective of the chorus, but all video angles are accepted. The video should be posted online, such as an unlisted Youtube page, Vimeo, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc... Be sure that file permissions are set so that anyone with the link will be able to access the video. Preferably, multiple selections should be included, to help demonstrate a diversity of musical styles. 

The application deadline is Tuesday, August 5, although applications will be accepted until the position is filled. A limited number of applicants selected by the hiring committee will be invited for the next stage of the application process. All questions should be sent to [email protected], which will then be forwarded to the hiring committee.