Assistant Conductor

The Dessoff Choirs, under the baton of Malcolm J. Merriweather, music director, is one of the leading choruses in New York City, with an established reputation for pioneering performances of choral works from the Renaissance era through the 21st century. Since its founding in 1924, Dessoff’s mission is to enrich the lives of its audiences and members by giving voice to new or rarely heard, forgotten music and composers; and to bring great choral works to New York audiences in new ways. Dessoff concerts, professional collaborations, community outreach, and educational initiatives are dedicated to stimulating public interest in and appreciation of choral music as an art form that enhances the culture and life of these times. For more information about Dessoff and its season, go to www.dessoff.org.

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Dessoff is seeking to fill the position of Assistant Conductor. The Assistant Conductor works with Music Director, Malcolm J. Merriweather, to serve the artistic needs of the Dessoff Choirs. It is an opportunity to gain experience as a conductor and leader of a musical organization.

They will attend all rehearsals and assist in the preparation for 3-4 annual concerts and serve as the understudy for the Music Director. When not leading rehearsals or sectionals, the Assistant Conductor sings in the choir. The Assistant Conductor position will begin in September 2025 and run for one year and may be renewed for a second year, by mutual agreement, for a total of two years.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Attend and evaluate auditions with the Music Director.
• Attend all rehearsals (Mondays from 7-10pm on the Upper West Side and extra dress rehearsals), concerts, and soloist coaching sessions.
• Rehearsal set up and preparation from 6 – 7 pm on rehearsal days
• Assist with operational aspects of the choir (music distribution, creating seating charts, maintaining attendance records, and other duties).
• Lead warm-up exercises and vocalizes for the choir.
• Lead sectional rehearsals.
• Sing with the choir in concert and in rehearsal.
• The Assistant Conductor should be prepared to lead The Dessoff Choirs in rehearsal or performance in the event of the Music Director’s incapacitation.
• Prepare to lead full rehearsals in the absence of the Music Director, as requested.
• Assist with recruitment of new members for the choir.
• Provide feedback to the Music Director and guidance to members as needed.
• Average about 6 hours per week throughout the season from September to May.

QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate is an aspiring conductor either studying conducting in graduate school or a recent graduate looking to gain more experience as a conductor.

• 3 years of conducting experience.
• Experience working with singers and choirs.
• Proficiency at the keyboard required (intermediate).
• Undergraduate degree required.

COMPENSATION:

Annual stipend of $4,000.

TO APPLY:

Please e-mail a cover letter and CV/resume with “Assistant Conductor Application” in the subject line to Kimberley Cohan, Operations Director of The Dessoff Choirs at [email protected]. Please also include a link to a YouTube/Vimeo video showcasing your conducting.

The Dessoff Choirs is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates from diverse and historically underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.