Artistic Director

About the role

The Chester County Choral Society (CCCS) seeks an enthusiastic musical leader to serve as Artistic Director. Founded in 1973, CCCS promotes cultural arts in the community, strives for excellence in performance, and enriches members through musical development. The organization performs major works, commissions new pieces, collaborates with schools and other choral groups, and supports young singers via its Vocal Competition awards program. Seasons typically include two concerts plus outreach performances at community events and retirement communities. Membership is 80–90 active singers, and the CCCS Chamber Ensemble offers additional a cappella opportunities for auditioned members. Performances occur year-round, including summer engagements.

CCCS rehearses in West Chester, Pennsylvania on Tuesdays from September through mid-May, 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Concerts take place in venues throughout Chester County.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the artistic vision for CCCS and the Chamber Ensemble.
• Collaborate with the Board to promote performances and events.
• Recruit, mentor, and evaluate artistic staff.
• Attend Board meetings as a non-voting member and provide monthly reports.
• Oversee the Librarian for sheet music acquisition, distribution, and storage.
• Identify and oversee Section Leaders.
• Collaborate with artistic staff on repertoire selection and approval.
• Design engaging concert programs with thematic intention.
• Preside over rehearsals and provide creative leadership.
• Organize an annual performance schedule including seasonal and outreach concerts.
• Conduct auditions twice annually for the core ensemble and once annually for the Chamber Ensemble.
• Procure guest artists, soloists, and instrumentalists as needed.
• Audition, select, and coach soloists and small ensembles from within CCCS as needed.
• Write narratives for concert materials as needed.
• Supervise identification and contracting of instrumental technicians.
• Coordinate with CCCS audiovisual recording and PA engineers.
• Act in a fiscally responsible manner.
• Collaborate with other arts organizations, music directors, and community groups.
• Work to increase the visibility of CCCS.
• Attend workshops, classes, and conferences.
• Seek out innovative repertoire and practices.

Qualifications

Required

• Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience including a Bachelor’s degree in choral conducting, vocal performance, or a closely related field.
• Professional experience as a performer or choral/orchestral conductor.
• Prior experience working with an adult chorus.
• Strong pedagogical and instructional skills in vocal production for choral and solo singers.
• Demonstrated proficiency in choral conducting and rehearsal technique.
• Expansive knowledge of choral literature across genres, styles, and historical periods.
• Piano proficiency appropriate for choral instruction.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Clear understanding of and commitment to the philosophy and goals of a high-quality community chorus.

Preferred

• Advanced degree(s) in choral conducting, vocal performance, or a closely related field.
• Experience working within a budget for musical projects and concerts.
• Successful experience promoting a music program and actively recruiting performers, sponsors, and donors.
• Commitment to community outreach and offering varied performance opportunities.

Pay

$16,000 annually for a one-year contract; renewal possible based on satisfactory performance.