Music Director

The Reading Choral Society is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and inspiring Music Director to lead the Society in enrichment of the musical life of the greater Reading, Pennsylvania community! Founded in 1875, the ensemble has remained a staple of the American choral tradition for over a century and a half and remains committed to performing, fostering, and advancing choral music. RCS rehearses in Reading, Pennsylvania on Tuesdays, August through mid-May, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic

• Support and encourage a program of musical education and continuous improvement in the vocal technique of the Society.
• Prepare the Society for 3 major and 3 minor performances annually, including the Messiah Community Sing each December.
• Oversee the RCS Chamber Singers, led by the Assistant Director.
• Select and engage soloists, guest ensembles, and musical accompaniment for performances, including orchestra musicians.
• Prepare program notes, translations and concert narratives to be included in each program.

General

• Write and present an annual report to the Society addressing the musical condition of the Society.
• Prepare the society for outreach programs and assist in public relation efforts, such as interviews and promotional content to increase the visibility and reach of RCS.
• Work closely with the Executive Director, and supervise the Assistant Director, Accompanist, and Vocal Coach to achieve optimal effectiveness and efficiency.
• Conduct auditions for new membership in the Society by determining vocal and professional abilities of auditioning individuals while also upholding the RCS membership and attendance policies by conducting first year, periodic, and concert vocal reviews to ensure concert preparedness.

Professional

• Suggest and interview candidates for Conducting Scholars each year by working with local college choral directors to determine possible music students for recommendation.
• Help plan Summer Sing workshops by suggesting directors and music and attend these workshops as the spokesperson for RCS.
• Lead District and Region Chorus workshops each winter to help high school students prepare for their performances.
• Communicate amongst the Executive Director, Committee Chairs, and RCS Board in a clear and timely manner.
• Be a non-voting ex officio member of RCS board. Attendance is required at board meetings and written reports are expected for the meeting sharing what you have worked on during the month.
• Act in a fiscally responsible manner.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

An equivalent combination of the following education, training, and experience will be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree in choral conducting, vocal performance, music education, or a closely related field
• Professional experience as a performer, choral, or orchestral conductor
• Prior experience working with an adult chorus
• Strong pedagogical and instructional skills in vocal production for choral and/or solo singers
• Demonstrated proficiency in choral conducting and rehearsal technique
• Expansive knowledge of choral literature across a variety or genres, styles, and historical periods
• Piano proficiency appropriate for choral instruction
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• A clear understanding of and commitment to the philosophy and goals of a high-quality community chorus

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree(s) in choral conducting, vocal performance, or a closely related field
• Experience working within a budget for planned musical projects and concerts
• Successful experience promoting a music program and actively recruiting performers, sponsors, and donors
• Commitment to community outreach, offering a variety of performance opportunities

The chosen applicant will receive a one-year contract position with an annual contract compensation between $16,000 to $20,000 commensurate with level of experience. The RCS Board is interested in a long-term relationship and will renew for additional years upon satisfactory performance. This is a part-time salaried position (without benefits).

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates are invited to submit a complete application package electronically to the RCS Search Committee at [email protected]  

Required Materials

• Cover Letter that provides a statement of interest including:
  • Your strengths as an artistic leader and conductor
  • What you hope to gain from this experience
  • Your vision for RCS moving forward

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Video of you conducting a choral group in rehearsal or performance, limited to one piece no longer than 15 minutes (Optional: Link video materials that support your application, including any links to recordings or concerts you have conducted)
• List of choral groups you have conducted, including:
  • Group name and location
  • Number of singers (and whether they were auditioned or not)
  • Years of service as director
  • Types of music performed
  • Number of concerts presented each year
• Two sample programs from recent concerts you have conducted
• At least three professional references (including their names and contact phone number)