Renaissance City Choir Seeks Its Next Artistic Director
Renaissance City Choir is currently accepting applications for its next Artistic Director. RCC affirms and celebrates LGBTQIA+ identity through the unifying power of music.
RCC is western Pennsylvania’s only LGBTQIA+ choral group. We strive to promote a positive image of the LGBTQIA+ community and to be a leading contributor to the cultural life of the tri-state area. We seek to build bridges within the LGBTQIA+ community, the musical community, and with the community at large. Our programming blends challenging contemporary music, commissions of new works, an ambitious traditional repertoire, and music from various world cultures.
We seek to educate, challenge, and enlighten both our audiences and our singing membership. We continue to affirm, by example and through song, the worth and dignity of those in our community. Music that is queer-positive and openly supports issues related to human equality and justice is represented at all concerts.
Our office and rehearsal space are located at East Liberty Presbyterian Church in PIttsburgh, PA.. Currently there are 3 major productions each year with additional supporting performances (fundraisers, outreach, etc.) as determined by the Artistic Director in cooperation with the Board of Directors. This is a salaried part time position of approximately 25 hours per week. The position contract will begin on August 1, 2021 and continue through June 30, 2022 with opportunity for renewal. The salary is $2200 per month, assuming that pandemic conditions allow for a standard season including live rehearsals and performances.
Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and any applicable supporting materials (i.e. videos, programs, etc.) to president@rccpittsburgh.com. Open until filled.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
- Promote Renaissance City Choir’s mission to affirm and celebrate LGBTQIA+ identity through the unifying power of music
- 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.
- Seek and coordinate opportunities for the chorus to increase its visibility through outreach performances and appearances.
- Design, coordinate, and direct chorus programming
- Organize and conduct an annual schedule of auditions, performances, and rehearsals.
- Identify concert themes and potential collaborations that support the chorus mission and appeal to a diverse audience and membership; research appropriate music for upcoming seasons; seek input and feedback from the Music Advisory Committee regarding music and theme selection.
- Manage the logistics of each concert, including integration of guest artists, ensembles, soloists and visual elements.
- Select and purchase music; secure new arrangements and performance rights where appropriate; manage the music library.
- Supervise and communicate with the accompanist regarding the rehearsal list, tempos and other performance details.
- Coordinate creation of piano or vocal recordings of vocal parts and provide them to chorus members.
- Supervise technicians and guest musicians/performers for each concert project; manage technical needs, venue contracts, blocking, costuming, and staging details.
- Audition, select, and rehearse soloists, small group ensembles, and instrumentalists as needed.
- Hold and/or facilitate vocal clinics and other development workshops for chorus members.
Coordinate accessibility accommodations for chorus members as needed.
- Administration and Development
- Write narratives as needed for concert projects; work with development staff to position grant focus and provide financial information as needed.
- Provide relevant financial information to Board Treasurer and Board of Directors and participate in the annual budget development process.
- Support Board fundraising activities by attending fundraising events and cultivating relationships with volunteers, funders, donors, etc.
- Seek income-generating opportunities such as outreach performances, private performances, etc.
- Adhere to budget and seek opportunities to reduce costs when possible.
- Attend monthly Board meetings and provide a monthly report to the Board.
- Communicate with chorus and Board via weekly emails regarding rehearsal and performance details and other relevant information, including digital access to printed music.
Desired Experience, Knowledge, and Skills
- 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.
- Experience integrating virtual rehearsals and performances into programming is preferred.
- Interest in and commitment to furthering the mission of the chorus.
- Commitment to diversity, intersectionality, and active inclusion.
- Experience working with the LGBTQIA+ community and/or other marginalized communities. Nonprofit management experience is desirable.
- Flexibility in working with a diverse group of volunteers.
- Proficiency with relevant technology (online music downloads, creating rehearsal audio recordings, Google Drive, etc.).
- Demonstrated leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills, both written and verbal.