Artistic Co-Director

Rainbow Women’s Chorus

Job Description: Artistic Co-Director

Supervised by: Board of Directors (“The Action Circle”)

Location: San Jose, CA

Position Summary

Rainbow Women’s Chorus (RWC) is seeking a dynamic, experienced artistic co-director to lead all aspects of our chorus programming, including planning and conducting weekly rehearsals, selecting repertoire, and directing performances. In collaboration with existing co-director Ruth Huber, successful candidate will help create an artistic vision that will inspire and guide the chorus; invite new audiences; advance RWC’s strategic goals; and promote musical excellence. 

Who We Are

Established in 1996, Rainbow Women’s Chorus is a non-auditioned chorus of soprano/alto voices that strives for musical excellence and celebrates LGBTQIA+ identity. (See our website for recordings of past performances: https://www.rainbowwomen.org/videos) We rehearse in Campbell, California and perform in the South San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. We seek to make the lives of our audiences, our singers, and the world a little bit better through song. We are an inclusive community, welcoming all gender identities, both LGBTQIA+ and allies. We sing for fun, community, social justice, and empowerment.

Responsibilities (in collaboration with co-director):

Promote RWC’s mission

• Create a welcoming, respectful, and artistically enriching musical experience for all singers. 
• Embrace and center LGBTQIA+ identity as a critical element of community development, including singer recruitment, audience engagement, and program expansion.
• Network with other arts organizations, music directors, and community groups to increase the visibility of the chorus, promote social justice, and foster collaboration.

Design, coordinate, and direct chorus programming

• Create an annual performance schedule including two primary concerts and additional outreach appearances.
• Collaborate with Action Circle to identify concert themes and collaborations that support the chorus mission. Select appropriate music for the upcoming season.
• Ensure that music for upcoming season is selected and purchased with the assistance of Action Circle in a timely manner.
• Obtain and disseminate practice tracks for all concert music.
• Plan rehearsal activities and notify singers of scheduled activities in advance of rehearsals.
• Support and nurture singers in their musical growth by incorporating vocal instruction in rehearsals and providing resources for improving vocal technique.
• Serve as co-conductor at rehearsals and performances.
• Design each concert performance including theme development and integration of guest artists, ensembles, soloists, and visual elements.
• Audition, select, and coach small group ensemble and concert soloists.
• Contract with musicians as needed for concerts.
• Serve as staff contact to Action Circle ensuring that technical needs, venue contracts, blocking, costuming, and staging details run smoothly.
• Communicate effectively with accompanist regarding rehearsal list, tempos, and other performance details.
• Every four years, plan, prepare for, and lead a performance at the GALA (Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses) Festival.
• Communicate regularly with the Action Circle.

Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• BA or Advanced Degree in Music with an emphasis in choral conducting or equivalent conducting experience (minimum 5-6 years), preferably with a community chorus
• Experience conducting or working with singers of various musical skills and experience.
• Interest in and commitment to embracing the mission of Rainbow Women’s Chorus.
• Ability to offer strong leadership skills as well as to balance work within a team setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Significant knowledge and experience with the LGBTQIA+ community.

Compensation: Rainbow Women’s Chorus offers a monthly co-director stipend of $1000/month.

Applications and Inquiries: Please submit a cover letter and resume, including a video link for a sample rehearsal (preferred) or performance to: [email protected]

For questions or general inquiries about this job opportunity, contact Kathy Wasowski at [email protected]