Music Director

Are you ready to lead one of the most dynamic and innovative choirs in the San Francisco Bay Area? Pacific Edge Voices (PEV) is a Grammy-nominated ensemble known for its bold and eclectic programming, groundbreaking collaborations, and performances at prestigious and exciting locales like Carnegie Hall, Cuba, Berlin, and the deck of the aircraft carrier “USS Hornet”. With a history of working alongside luminaries such as Dave Brubeck, Bobby McFerrin, Sufjan Stevens and Meredith Monk, PEV has earned a reputation for pushing the boundaries of choral music. We are seeking a visionary Music Director to continue our legacy of excellence while bringing energy and innovative ideas to our 35-50 skilled singers. If you’re an artistic leader with a passion for diverse musical genres, a commitment to vocal pedagogy, and a desire to engage with a vibrant musical community, we want you to help shape the future of PEV.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Artistic Leadership

• Shape the Future of PEV: Craft and execute an innovative artistic vision that builds on PEV’s legacy of eclectic and groundbreaking programming. Lead our ensemble in exploring new musical territories while maintaining our high standards of artistic excellence.
• Award-Winning Programming: Research, design, and conduct two major concert sets each year (December and April), featuring a diverse repertoire that showcases the full range of PEV’s capabilities. Whether premiering new works or reimagining classics, your programming should reflect a bold, forward-thinking approach.
• Member-Driven A Cappella Concert: Guide our ensemble through the June A Cappella Jazz & Pop concerts, a signature PEV event that highlights member-driven creativity. Coach and mentor member-initiated small groups on self-selected and potentially self-arranged songs, and collaborate with the programming committee to select three to five songs for performance by the full choir.
• Rehearsal Leadership: Lead and inspire the choir in weekly rehearsals and seasonal retreats (currently one in fall and one in spring), with a focus on vocal technique, musical interpretation, and overall performance quality. Work with section leaders and foster a positive, supportive environment where singers are encouraged to excel.
• Fundraising Programming: Work in partnership with a volunteer committee to program music for an annual fundraising event, ensuring alignment with PEV’s artistic goals and community spirit.
• Selection of Accompanists and Instrumentalists: Work with an accompanist, and choose instrumentalists to accompany concerts when appropriate and within budget. Conduct instrumentalists during concerts and ensure that these collaborations contribute to a cohesive and polished performance.
• Talent Cultivation: Conduct auditions for new choir members, ensuring a high standard of vocal proficiency. Mentor choir members in their vocal and musical development, providing opportunities for both ensemble and solo performances. 

Organizational Collaboration

• Strategic Partnership with the Board: Engage regularly with the Board of Directors, offering strategic input on artistic and organizational goals. Present both annual and multi-year artistic plans for Board approval, ensuring alignment with PEV’s long-term vision. Regularly report to the Board at meetings (typically held monthly during the season and occasionally during the summer).
• Support Fundraising Efforts: Play an active role in fundraising by collaborating on grant applications, donor relations, and special events. Follow the approved annual budget for programs and help secure the resources needed to bring bold artistic visions to life.

Community Engagement

• Expand Our Reach: Partner with the Board and PEV’s member committees to enhance PEV’s visibility through innovative marketing, outreach efforts, and the development of social media content. Help us connect with new audiences and grow our community of supporters, both locally and beyond.
• Be the Face of PEV: Act as an ambassador for PEV within the Bay Area’s vibrant music scene. Build and maintain relationships with other artists, ensembles, and organizations, and explore opportunities for exciting collaborations.
• Programming and Outreach: Develop and lead community outreach events to engage with the broader community and expand PEV’s impact.
• Recruitment: Assist the Board with recruiting new choir members. 

Qualifications

• Experience and Fresh Perspective: A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in choral conducting, with a proven record of artistic excellence and innovation. Whether you are an emerging talent or already established, we’re looking for someone with a forward-thinking approach to choral music.
• Vocal Pedagogy: Demonstrated expertise in vocal technique and a commitment to developing the skills of our singers. We value leaders who are passionate about both the music and the people who make it.
• Broad Musical Interests: A deep love for a wide variety of choral music, from traditional choral literature to contemporary works. Experience with commissioning new pieces and working across genres is a plus.

Compensation

This is a contract position, with renewal contingent on an annual review. Compensation is competitive and will be based on experience and qualifications. PEV is unable to cover transportation or relocation costs associated with the hiring process.

Application Process

Ready to join us? Submit your application by November 15, 2024. Please submit:

• A Letter of Interest that tells us about your artistic vision and how you see yourself contributing to PEV’s future
• Your current Curriculum Vitae
• Contact information for three professional references, including the email address, phone number, and title of each reference
• A repertoire list from the past three years
• If possible, a video link showcasing your conducting style (10-20 minutes)

Please submit these materials to [email protected]. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in telephone interviews in January 2025. Finalists will have the opportunity to conduct a rehearsal and present a program proposal for the 2025-26 season during in-person interviews in February through April 2025. The successful candidate will be announced in May 2025.