JOB POSTING
Artistic Director, Empire City Men’s Chorus

About the Chorus:
The Empire City Men’s Chorus is New York City’s only predominantly gay men’s choir dedicated to the performance of classical music. Founded in 1993 as the Gay Gotham Chorus, the group’s mission is to serve the gay, lesbian and transgendered community of the New York City metropolitan area through the cultural enrichment of audiences and members alike. Although relying primarily on the talent and resources of New York’s gay community, the Chorus is open to all.
The Chorus is committed to music and performance of the highest levels of excellence, innovation and artistic integrity. Since its founding, the Chorus has earned critical and audience acclaim for its performances of a diverse repertoire of traditional and contemporary choral literature and commissioned works. The chorus typically comprises 30-40 male singers.

About the Artistic Director:
The Artistic Director provides the artistic vision for the Chorus. He or she is responsible for the leadership and direction of every aspect of performances for the Chorus and, if applicable, guest soloists and orchestra. This position reports to the Board of Directors of the Empire City Men’s Chorus.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Set the artistic direction and programming for the group, arrange for instrumentalists, soloists, etc., to fulfill said programming, and set up an initial budget for same. The Artistic Director is responsible to the Board of Directors for the execution of all artistic activities of the group, maintaining musical standards and assisting the Board in its establishment of goals.
• Prepare and direct all rehearsals and performances of the chorus.
• Serve as an advisory member of the Board.
• Work closely with the Board on all aspects of publicity, fundraising, and promotion.
• Develop exciting season concert programming, within the financial parameters set forth by the executive board.
• Hire and manage musicians/soloists and secure performance spaces.
• Conduct semi-annual auditions for new members.
• Maintain musical standards.
• Assist in public relations and fundraising efforts.
• Initiate the commissioning of new works and arrangements for the Chorus.
• Artistic Management
• Chooses appropriate repertoire and concert venues within the approved budget.
• Prepares and conducts all regular Tuesday evening rehearsals (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.), one or two weekend retreats, and one dress rehearsal per concert cycle.
• Works with the Chorus librarian to purchase, rent or otherwise secure all required music.
• Secures agreements from composers, arrangers and orchestrators in coordination with the Chorus’ Board of Directors.
• Selects and prepares guest soloists and orchestra.
• Prepares scores and markings for the chorus, orchestra, and soloists.
• Conducts ECMC in performance.
• Supervises all recording activities.
• Provides program notes for each concert.
• Approves, with the Board of Directors, content of the concert program and concert publicity.
• Conducts all choral performances.
• Board Involvement
• Attends monthly Board meetings.
• Presents monthly reports to the Board.
• Participates in fundraising and marketing activities.
• Public Relations
• Serves as a key spokesperson for the organization.
• Participates in community activities that further the mission of the Chorus.
• Represents the Chorus in media appearances.
• Participates in musical and professional organizations locally and nationally.
• Collaborates with the Board in developing marketing campaigns and publicity for the Chorus.
• Financial Management
• Develops a yearly comprehensive artistic plan in collaboration with the Board, which provides the basis for the annual budget.
• Follows the approved annual budget.
• Collaborates in the preparation of grant applications, including concepts for programming more than a year in advance as required by the grant.

Qualifications:

• Clear, articulated artistic vision.
• Experience and skill in the direction of choirs and instrumentalists.
• Experience in strategic planning and audience development.
• Willingness to explore opportunities for growth and assist in the expansion of the organization.
• A diverse performance repertoire.
• Significant training and experience in the area of choral conducting and administration
• Familiarity with the broad choral repertoire and the ability to make the most, musically, of a limited budget.
• Enthusiasm for working with adult singers in a gay-affirming cultural organization.
• Enthusiasm for developing the musicianship of the group and making the group feel like a community.
• Ties to the artistic community in the New York City area and the mid-Atlantic region.
• Excellent conducting and communication skills.
• Bachelor of Music or the equivalent in experience; Master of Music preferred.
• An extensive knowledge of male choral repertoire and TTBB arrangements.
• The ability to bring out the best in amateur singers.
• Excellent recruiting skills.
• Experience working with non-profit organizations and with an active Board of Directors.
• Knowledge and expertise in vocal production and vocal pedagogy.
• Ability to prepare and conduct an orchestra.
• Ability to provide effective leadership within a largely volunteer organization.
• Extensive ensemble conducting experience.
• Expertise in a wide range of historical, contemporary, and global choral music.
• Ability to inspire through contagious enthusiasm.

Compensation
This position pays $4,000-$6,000 per concert year (depending on experience), payable in installments per concert period. This is a part-time contract position and does not provide health or retirement benefits.

Location
The Empire City Men’s Chorus rehearses on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, and performs primarily at venues in Manhattan.

Application Deadline
Applications must be received by close of business on July 1, 2008.

Application Requirements:
Please submit a CV/Resume, a cover letter, contact information, and names of three professional references. We also encourage submission of recordings and/or videotapes/videodisks of recent concert(s) with an adult chorus. Applications should be sent electronically (preferred) to ECMCSearch@yahoo.com, or via paper mail to Music Director Search Committee, Empire City Men’s Chorus, 360 West 22nd Street, #16G, New York, NY 10011. Note that e-mail attachments may be up to 10 MB in size; please send an e-mail to ECMCSearch@yahoo.com for instructions on forwarding electronic files up to 5 GB in size.
Finalists will be asked to interview and to conduct part of a rehearsal during July.

Contact Person
Irwin Kroot, President, Empire City Men’s Chorus, ECMCPresident@yahoo.com