Choral Director - Healdsburg Community Chorus

About the Healdsburg Chorus
The Healdsburg Chorus (a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization) is comprised of approximately 60 community, non-professional singers.   We perform twice-yearly in Healdsburg in December during the holiday season and then again in the late April.  The Chorus is non-auditioned, but each new member will sing for the Director for purposes of identifying voice part.
 
Job Description: Community Choral Director
Position Title: Choral Director
Reports To: Board of Directors
Position Type: Part-Time Contractor

Contact Information:
Please reach out to Susanne Lyons -
[email protected]
For more information, please visit healdsburghcorus.com 

 
Position Summary
The Healdsburg Community Chorus is seeking an enthusiastic, dedicated, and skilled part-time Choral Director.  The director will provide musical guidance, select engaging repertoire, and lead weekly rehearsals and performances. The ideal candidate is passionate about community building, capable of working with singers of various skill levels, and committed to enhancing our musical growth. More info at healdsburgchorus.com
 
Key Responsibilities
Artistic Leadership & Repertoire

• Develop an artistic theme and title for each concert and select diverse, accessible, and challenging repertoire that balances artistic excellence with audience appeal.
• Lead weekly warm-ups and rehearsals, including instructing proper vocal techniques, tone, pitch, rhythm, and diction.
• Plan and conduct 2 major concerts/events annually (April and December.)  Season runs late August-mid December and January through late April.
• Audition, select, and coach soloists and small group ensembles, along with the Board.
• Oversee sound, lighting and all concert technical needs.
• Promote a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that attracts and inspires a diverse group of singers of all ability levels.

Administrative & Collaboration

• Collaborate and communicate with the Board of Directors on concert planning, budgeting, marketing, and community outreach.
• Attend monthly Board meetings as an advisor.
• Recruit and manage accompanists, instrumentalists, and guest artists, with approval from the Board.
• Create rehearsal schedules and provide learning resources (e.g., practice tracks) for members.
• Oversee the music library committee, including selecting, purchasing, and maintaining sheet music.
• Supervise and select accompanists and other guest artists and musicians.
• Liaison with the broader choral community.
• Inform the Board of any absences and arrange for substitutes when needed.

Community Engagement

• Act as the public artistic face of the Chorus, engaging with donors and community partners.

• Recruit new chorus members and promote the chorus within the community, seeking to engage a broad cross-section of audience through inspired programming.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Music Education, Choral Conducting, or Vocal Performance preferred.
• Experience: Proven experience directing community, church, or educational choral ensembles.
• Skills:
  • Superior conducting technique and choral teaching skills.
  • Strong knowledge of vocal pedagogy (healthy vocal production).
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills.
  • Patience and flexibility when working with volunteer, non-professional singers.
  • Ability to balance fun and a sense of humor with the work of each rehearsal and performance
• Passion: Strong enthusiasm for community music-making and ability to inspire others.

Working Expectations

• Regular Monday evening rehearsals from 6:30-8:30 at the Healdsburg Community Church, with some additional sectionals throughout season, plus several additional rehearsals and practice performances though out the season).
• Additional pre-concert dress rehearsals. 
• Occasional weekends for performances, workshops, or special events.
• Flexibility in adapting to a community-driven, non-profit setting.

Compensation and Benefits

• Compensation is contractual, renewed annually.
• The contract amount is set by the Board as part of annual budget process.