Artistic Director Search

One Voice Chorus is looking for a dynamic, talented and energetic Artistic Director to continue our 28-year legacy of beautiful and impactful music making. We perform a wide variety of music that speaks about LGBTQIA shared experiences, entertains our audiences, engages our chorus members, and promotes our mission. We currently have a 70-80 member non-auditioned mixed-voice chorus and a small auditioned ensemble. We have three main-stage productions each year and many additional engagements where we connect with and collaborate within our community.

Target Timeline

  • December 31, 2018 – deadline to submit cover letter and resume
  • February 28, 2019 – complete preliminary screening and interviews
  • April 30, 2019 – complete final interviews
  • May 2019 – complete final selection
  • May 2019 – announcement of new Artistic Director

How to Apply

  • Submit Cover Letter and Resume to adsearch@onevoicechorus.com no later than December 31, 2018
  • Additional materials may be requested after initial reviews

About One Voice Chorus

One Voice is the LGBTQIA and allies chorus of Charlotte. Through artistic excellence, One Voice Chorus works to increase understanding and acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual people. Our achievement in choral music enables us to reach diverse groups to overcome misperceptions, and to grow personally, both as performers and as leaders in our community.

Guiding the Chorus is a vision that inspires us to excellence and leadership. We are a vibrant organization which consistently:

  • Displays musical excellence and is recognized for musical achievement.
  • Grows consistently in audience and membership and creates an environment in which each person is valued as an integral part of the Chorus.
  • Demonstrates leadership within the LGBT community and acts as a standard-bearer for our community to the community-at-large.
  • Demonstrates the highest standards of financial stewardship and achieves the financial prosperity needed to expand our reach and enhance the quality of our performances.

About the Position

  • Part-Time (20–30 hours per week; Monday and Tuesday evening rehearsals, flexible hours, evening and weekends as needed).
  • Salaried position; $25K–$40K based on education and experience.
  • Supervised by Chair of Board of Directors.

Position Overview and Major Responsibilities

  • Promote the Chorus’ focus on its mission (5%)
    • Work with the Chorus, the Board, and volunteers to promote a positive atmosphere of community within the organization.
    • Network with other arts organizations, music directors, and community groups to increase the visibility of the Chorus and to encourage collaboration.
    • Network with other LGBTQIA community groups.
  • Design, coordinate, and direct Chorus programming (40%)
    • Organize an annual performance schedule including subscription concerts, outreach concerts and tours – one year in advance – by spring.
    • Organize a rehearsal schedule at the beginning of each concert year.
    • Design each concert performance including theme development and integration of guest artists, ensembles, soloists and visual elements.
    • Identify and hire workshop presenters for vocal clinics and other workshops.
    • Contract with technicians and musicians for each concert project.
    • Serve as staff contact to Production Committee ensuring that technical needs, venue contracts, blocking, costuming, and staging details run smoothly.
    • Audition, select and coach soloists and small group ensemble(s) as needed.
    • Direct large chorus and small ensemble(s), as assigned.
    • Work with graphic designer and board to create season marketing and individual designs for each concert.
  • Manage administrative and artistic detail for outreach projects (15%)
    • Maintain a positive relationship/regular communication with Administrative Assistant.
    • In coordination with Administrative Assistant, manage communication, logistics and planning details for metro-area community performances.
    • In coordination with Administrative Assistant, manage planning, schedule, communication, host contacts and programming for Chorus outreach tours.
    • In coordination with Administrative Assistant, supervise volunteers coordinating travel, food and housing detail for tours and school outreach concerts.
  • Provide supervision for music-related staff and volunteers (15%)
    • Supervise and coach the Accompanist and Assistant Accompanist.
    • Coach and communicate regularly with section leaders regarding vocal issues, repertoire to cover in upcoming sectionals and other musical needs.
  • Facilitate the work of the Music Committee (10%)
    • Identify concert themes and collaborations that support the chorus mission. Research appropriate music for the upcoming season.
    • Ensure that current season music is selected and purchased with the assistance of committee members.
    • Coordinate the brailling and/or larger print of music with the assistance of committee members before the first rehearsal of the season, if needed based on membership.
    • Secure new arrangements and performance rights where appropriate.
    • Work with committee to secure sound files.
  • Development and Finances (5%)
    • Write narrative as needed for concert projects, work with development staff to position grant focus, prepare grant budgets.
    • Work with Board Treasurer in preparation of the annual budget to coordinate appropriate budget amounts.
  • Communicate regularly with the Chorus Board and other chorus leadership (5%)
    • Attend Board meetings and provide a monthly report to the Board.
    • Attend and provide input for the annual Leadership retreat.
    • Ensure consistent communication with committee chairs on related activities.
  • Participate in professional development (5%)
    • Participate in professional organizations: American Choral Director’s Association, GALA, Chorus America, etc.
    • Maintain/update professional competence by attending workshops, classes & conferences.
    • Review new choral works and recordings; read professional journals.
    • Attend concerts of other choral organizations.

Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • BA or Advanced Degree in Music with an emphasis in choral conducting or equivalent conducting experience (minimum 5-6 years).
  • Experience conducting or working with a community-based chorus and with singers of various musical skills and experience.
  • Interest in and commitment to embracing the mission the Chorus.
  • Ability to offer strong leadership skills as well as to balance work within a team setting.
  • Flexibility in working with a diverse group of volunteers and personalities.
  • Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • An ability to work within electronic mediums: word processing, e-mail, internet.

Desired Experience

  • Knowledge or familiarity of stage production.
  • Knowledge of vocal technique and pedagogy.
  • Experience in both standard and LGBTQIA-specific choral repertoire.
  • Knowledge of and sensitivity to the LGBTQIA community, choral movement and musical/artistic community.