Music Director, Part-time

ABOUT WESTRICK MUSIC ACADEMY: Westrick Music Academy (WMA) is the home to the ten choirs of Princeton Girlchoir (PGC) and Princeton Boychoir (PBC), as well as many educational programs such as Poco Voce Choir and Camp Westrick. Our choirs present extraordinary performances locally and worldwide while educating the musician, building confidence, and fostering a life-long love of singing together. While honing their musicianship, choristers grades 1-12 begin lasting friendships, enjoy professional performance opportunities, and travel the world. Choirs perform music from various genres and styles at prestigious concert venues such as Carnegie Hall. They collaborated with notable artists such as Joyce DiDonato, Michael Bublé, Yo-Yo Ma, and the American Repertory Ballet. They performed for former Secretary of State Hilary Clinton and the Honorable Sandra Day O’Connor. 

Launched in the Fall of 2017, Princeton Boychoir has become the premier extracurricular vocal program for boys in the region. PBC comprises boys from third through twelfth grade who are placed by audition in one of three ensembles: Apprentice Choir, Treble Choir, and the Young Men’s Ensemble. Singers are placed by ability, matching each boy with the choir that best suits his vocal, artistic, and musicianship level.

Visit www.westrickmusic.org for more information about Westrick Music Academy.

POSITION SUMMARY: The Music Director is responsible for the music leadership and direction of all aspects of the choral program, Princeton Boychoir, including performances, rehearsals, retreats, festivals, artistic collaborations, and musical development. Works in conjunction and consultation with the Artistic Director (AD) and Executive Director (ED) and works closely with the Operations Manager (OM).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Musical Leadership

• Provide overall music leadership and direction to PBC while elevating WMA’s precedence in artistic excellence.

• Conduct at least two choirs within PBC while supporting the choristers’ vocal and musical growth with developmental instruction that aligns with the WMA curricular goals and prepares them for performances of excellence.

• Lead PBC on an annual summer tour and various run-outs.

• In conjunction with AD, create and maintain artistic-focused policies, practices, and procedures, e.g., auditions, choir placement, and curriculum.

• In conjunction with WMA Associate Directors, audition and place choristers; As needed, administer voice, musicianship, and/or performance checks to assess and support singers’ growth.

• In conjunction with the AD, supervise concert programming and repertoire selections ranging from simple to more complex literature of various genres, styles, periods, textures, and voicings.

• Maintain communication with OM regarding rehearsals, performances, retreats, special events, tours, run-outs, and music orders.

• Collaborate with the AD and ED for tours.

• Attend weekly staff meetings.

Recruitment & Community Engagement

• Serve as a key official spokesperson for the organization.

• Participate in community activities that further recognition of the organization.

• Participate in professional musical and educational associations locally, nationally, and internationally, consistent with the budget.

• Network extensively with the local independent and public schools to recruit students to the WMA programming 

• Support recruitment and retention measures (e.g., bring a friend, audition clinic, etc.)

• Collaborate with the Communications Director and Development Director as needed to support WMA. 

• Collaborate with the Family Association Board in social and fundraising events.

• Serve as liaison between the board and PBC Associate Directors, Collaborative Pianists, Conducting Fellows, and High School Interns.

• Attend Board meetings and present reports on the status of the PBC when required.

• Write recommendations (e.g., honor society, college) for PBC members. 

• When available, have a presence at WMA rehearsals, concerts, and events.

Hiring and Finance

• Collaborate with the AD and ED to prepare annual contracts for PBC staff, including Associate Directors and Collaborative Pianists.

• Hire staff to fill approved PBC position openings in conjunction with AD and ED.

• Create and maintain job descriptions for approved PBC positions.

• Observe PBC rehearsals, concerts, and special events, to conduct formal year-end reviews of PBC staff.  

• Annually develop a comprehensive season plan that, in collaboration with the AD, ED, and OM, provides the basis for the budget.

• Follow the approved annual budget for the program. 

• Oversee submission and approval of appropriate documentation for payment requests from PBC employees for approval and/or payment by the Business Manager, including payroll.

• Oversee PBC staff requests for professional continuing education opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in choral conducting or music education (vocal)

• 3-5 years experience in conducting youth choirs 

• Knowledge of varied choral repertoire and performance practices and a high sense of professionalism in performance presentations. 

• A team builder and problem solver with outstanding communications skills who will contribute to a positive, collegial, good-humored work atmosphere to get results in a fast-paced, high-pressure, deadline-oriented environment.