Associate Conductor

Description

Handel and Haydn Society has an immediate opening for an Associate Conductor of the Youth Choruses.

About Us

Boston’s Grammy-winning Handel and Haydn Society performs Baroque and Classical music with a freshness, a vitality, and a creativity that inspires all ages. Called “one of the most exciting ensembles of historically informed performances in the world” (OperaWire), H+H has been captivating audiences for 211 consecutive seasons (the most of any performing arts organization in the United States), speaking to its singular success at welcoming new audiences to this extraordinary music, generation after generation.

Description:

The Handel and Haydn Society Associate Conductor of the Youth Choruses supports the learning of students in two ensembles: Chorus of Sopranos and Altos and Chamber Choir. This position is an opportunity for a qualified candidate to acquire professional experience with an established youth choral program in all areas of chorus organization and preparation while receiving active mentorship from a leader in the field. The Associate Conductor is part of a team of 18 education faculty members, which includes conductors, musicianship and musical movement teachers, collaborative pianists, vocal pedagogy specialist, and school-based teaching artists. The work schedule is held in-person in the Boston area on Saturday mornings during the school year from September through May. The end of season administrative duties complete in June.

Reports to:

Conductor, Chorus of Sopranos and Altos + Chamber Choir

Responsibilities:

• Support quality instruction in vocal pedagogy, musicianship, and choral singing through leadership of the weekly rehearsals for Chorus of Sopranos and Altos and Chamber Choir on Saturdays, September – May and for other rehearsals related to special projects. The Associate Conductor is expected, at the request of the Conductor, to lead the group in warmups, direct sectional rehearsals, design and implement community-building activities, lead occasional full rehearsals, and to conduct in performances. Rehearsals may take place in person in the Boston area.
• Provide artistic leadership and/or ensemble supervision at performances of the Chorus of Sopranos and Altos and Chamber Choir.
• Select and prepare repertoire for performances at the request of the Conductor. Work with the artistic team to envision and create engaging and innovative concerts and educational experiences.
• Maintain high-quality rehearsal, performance and educational standards aligned with the organization’s core values of education, musical excellence, personal expression, equity, and community.
• Audition new singers for HHYC ensembles at sites throughout the region.
• Assist in the coordination and delivery of educational programs, community development initiatives, and other special events related to the H+H Youth Choruses.
• Assist with communication to singers, families, and other logistical matters, including tracking attendance.
• Participate in conductor and faculty meetings, professional development, and short- and long-term organizational planning.
• Attend program orientations and other gatherings to generate interest and goodwill.
• Be available to meet with Board members, donors, and funders while participating in events that maintain and cultivate interest in the Education Program.
• Act as the Handel and Haydn Society’s representative at social events, educational meetings, and/or conferences.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications:

• A passion for sharing music with all people, in particular with high school aged youth.
• Degree in music education and/or choral conducting field required.
• At least three years of experience working with students in a choral setting.
• Strong conducting, teaching, and rehearsal planning skills.
• Knowledge of vocal pedagogy, diverse musical styles including Baroque and Classical repertoire, and performance practice.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to relate to and engage school-aged children with genuine warmth, creativity, and energy.
• Entrepreneurial drive to seek out new performance opportunities.
• Professionalism in all settings and excellent judgment.
• Exceptional communication skills and attention to detail.
• Proactive approach, flexibility, and positive attitude.
• Sensitivity to and understanding of the diverse academic, socioeconomic, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds of students and their families. Advocacy for justice and equity in all settings.
• Bilingual written and verbal proficiency .
• Authentic interest in advocacy for music education and the Handel and Haydn Society.
• Availability to work in Boston on Saturday mornings and early afternoons in September–May is essential.