Beginning Bel Canto Choral Director

Title: Choral Director (Part-time, non-exempt)

Reports to: Artistic Director  

Hours:   Wednesdays 5:15PM-7:00PM and Thursdays 5:00PM-6:45PM

Location: St. Matthew Lutheran Church (222 M St SW) and St. Columba’s Episcopal Church (4201 Albemarle St NW) 

ABOUT CHILDREN’S CHORUS OF WASHINGTON:

Children’s Chorus of Washington (CCW), now approaching its 30th season, nurtures artistic excellence and empowers young singers by celebrating our shared humanity and the value of every voice. CCW pursues a vision of a chorus that represents the racial, cultural, and economic diversity of the Greater Washington community, making its outstanding program accessible to children and youth of all backgrounds. Celebrated as the premier youth chorus in the nation’s capital, our 300+ singers, ranging from ages 6 to 18, regularly perform in DC’s most prestigious venues and tour worldwide.

JOB SUMMARY AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Children’s Chorus of Washington (CCW) is seeking a dynamic and engaging Choral Director to lead one ensemble in two campuses: our Northwest (NW) and Southwest (SW) D.C. locations for the 2025-2026 season, beginning in late August and ending in early June. This ensemble, for singers in grades 5-6, meets on Wednesdays in SW and Thursdays in NW. Preference will be given to applicants who are available to teach both sections; however, applications for a single section may also be considered.  The Director will plan and lead weekly rehearsals, teach healthy vocal technique and one or more sections of CCW’s music theory curriculum, and prepare singers for performances and ensemble advancement. CCW prioritizes student and family relationships, and this Director must foster a positive, inclusive ensemble culture and maintain strong communication with families. Other responsibilities include selecting developmentally appropriate, diverse repertoire and collaborating with the Artistic Director, accompanists, and staff to ensure a cohesive and enriching musical experience. 

Overview:

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead weekly rehearsals and music theory classes using effective and inspiring teaching methods.
• Collaborate with the ensemble pianist to deliver well-planned, cohesive instruction.
• Select diverse, age-appropriate repertoire that supports vocal development and musical growth.
• Prepare choristers for performances and promotion to the next ensemble level.
• Upload rehearsal recordings and assignments to the Music Portal.
• Work with the Artistic Director and staff to plan performances and integrate the ensemble into larger organizational programming.
• Provide mid-year and year-end evaluations for choristers.
• Serve as a public representative and advocate for the ensemble.
• Foster a positive, inclusive ensemble culture and maintain strong relationships with singers and families.
• Communicate regularly with the Artistic Director and staff regarding rehearsal needs and student concerns.
• Attend monthly staff meetings, auditions, and promotion assessments as needed.

Qualifications:

• At least three years of choral conducting experience with elementary-school aged singers
• Passion for music education and a commitment to nurturing the artistic growth and development of children.
• Knowledge of vocal pedagogy, child development and age appropriate teaching techniques that apply musical concepts and vocal technique to the repertoire,factoring multiple learning styles
• Ability to sing and demonstrate music in a straight head tone
• Knowledge of and experience teaching Kodaly are preferred
• Piano proficiency / keyboard skills
• Broad knowledge of diverse musical genres and styles
• Strong classroom and rehearsal management skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with students, parents and staff.
• Comfort with, or willingness to learn Google Suite, Chorus Connection, and Weebly platforms for staff communication and accessing student work
• Collaborative and inclusive approach to artistic creation and problem solving, and desire to be an effective team member

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree (minimum); Master's degree or higher (preferred); or comparable educational or professional experience in music - experience in Kodaly, solfege, and comfortable with singing, piano, and solfege.
• Minimum of three years experience working with young musicians (Ages 8-13)
• Availability to participate in chorus rehearsals, classes, performances, and special events (intensives, tech rehearsals, etc)

COMPENSATION

The hourly rate of this position is $80 per hour based on experience.

HOW TO APPLY

For immediate consideration, submit a letter of interest and resume, including two references, to Michelle Ravitsky at [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed, and interviews conducted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Employment is contingent upon providing proof that you are legally able to work in the United States as required by the Department of Homeland Security and a successful background check. 

Children’s Chorus of Washington seeks to engage and retain a diverse workforce that represents the diversity of our city. CCW encourages all to apply and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristics protected by law.