Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale

The Glen Ellyn Wheaton Chorale is an audition-based community chorale of over 50 members. We are currently seeking an Ensemble Director/Pianist.

GEWC performs a wide range of music including modern, pop, jazz, Broadway, and classical. The Ensemble of the Glen Ellyn Wheaton Chorale is a group of twelve to sixteen auditioned chorale members who meet weekly. This group performs at the main chorale concerts (December and May) as well as six to eight ensemble-only outreach performances during each season (September through May). The ensemble performs a program of lighter music with selections chosen by the Ensemble Director (ED).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Coordinates with the Music Director music selections for the ensemble to ensure a cohesive concert.

Ensemble Director directs and accompanies the ensemble rehearsals and performances. Manages weekly ensemble rehearsals, ensuring a high level of singer engagement and education throughout the rehearsal process. In the event of an absence from a rehearsal, secures a substitute.

Conducts auditions for ensemble members and soloists.

Works with the Music Librarian for pulling of music. Works with Booking Chair to confirm outreach performance dates/times.

May be asked to participate and assist in the development and implementation of future touring initiatives, in collaboration with the Tour Committee and Board, including but not limited to regional/international collaborations with other choruses.

Is responsible for public appearances on behalf of GEWC, including but not limited to GEWC-sponsored fundraising events, other events in the arts communities, media interviews, singer recruitment events, and donor cultivation opportunities with individuals, corporations, foundations, or government agencies.

Builds and maintains relationships with other local and national arts organizations and attends continuing education courses to stay current on changes in the music community.

Develops music budgets and musician budgets for the year.

In collaboration with the Music Director, secures special musicians as needed within budget constraints.

Develops strategy for singer retention and recruitment in collaboration with the Music Director.

Follows policies and procedures set forth by the hosting site (College Church, the rehearsal and performance site, not affiliated with the church) and corporate bylaws.

As the Ensemble Director, attends and participates in all Board meetings, and attends other meetings as deemed necessary.

Provides a self-evaluation of the performance year and participates in an annual performance evaluation.

Core Competencies:

To perform effectively in this position, the individual should demonstrate the following competencies which represent effective administration of the Glen Ellyn-Wheaton Chorale (GEWC) and its programs, fulfilling GEWC’s mission.

1. Job Knowledge: The Ensemble Director (ED) understands the technical aspects of managing a company of singers and musicians, as well as working within a nonprofit organization. He or she has the musical background required to improve the quality of vocal production of individuals and ensembles. The ED is an excellent, accomplished choral conductor, adept at a wide variety of musical styles. The ED understands the duties and responsibilities of the position, remains current with best practices, clearly understands the mission of the organization, and continuously works to promote GEWC and achieve its goals.
2. Communication: Strong written and oral communication skills are critical. The ED communicates effectively with multiple audiences using a variety of formats. Examples of oral communication include working with singers who may have varying levels of musical knowledge, inspiring audiences from the stage in performance or at special events, and communicating institutional vision to funders. Examples of written communication include weekly emails to ensemble singers, and concert descriptions for Board, singers, and written programs.
3. Charisma: As a primary face of GEWC to the organization’s many audiences, it is critical that a successful candidate can delight, entertain, and charm a wide range of constituents, including occasional ticket buyers, long-time supporters, and deeply committed members of the GEWC community.
4.   Management: Successful candidates will have strong organizational management skills. The ED will be comfortable in a hands-on role, willing to do tasks necessary to execute the job successfully. He or she will build solid rapport with Board members, volunteers, and hired musicians. The ED will also be responsible for establishing a budget each year and working within it.
5. Initiative: The ED looks ahead to the future growth of GEWC by participating in meetings in developing strategies and visions that help build the organization’s existing resources so that it may continue to thrive, assessing opportunities for growth on an on-going basis. From interactions with GEWC’s members, donors, sponsors, grantors, audiences, Board, and staff, as well as others in the nonprofit sector, the ED recognizes and brings to the attention of the Board members challenges that may affect the organization.
6. Dependability: The ED is relied upon to remain conscientious and thorough with respect to accurately achieving the organization’s goals. He or she ensures each concert achieves the highest level of artistic excellence possible.

Education, Training, and/or Experience:

A successful candidate should demonstrate musical ability including keyboard/piano and vocal. Can demonstrate leadership, coordination, and oversight of small groups; good communication skills, ability to foster and inspire teamwork. Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent training and experience.

Work Schedule/Travel:

The GEWC organization operates on a fiscal year ending July 31. GEWC produces four major concerts, typically two in December (usually the first Friday and Saturday), and two in May (Mothers’ Day week-end).  The ensemble has six to eight ensemble-only outreach performances during the year.   GEWC also attends fundraising events, and attends community venues, festivals, and other community events. The ensemble holds rehearsal every Tuesday evening (6:30-7:30 p.m.) during the season, as well as additional rehearsals prior to concerts if needed.

He/She holds member auditions once a year or as needed. Working hours are flexible as activities demand (e.g., more during the lead up to concerts and events, fewer in weeks/months between concert cycles). The Board meets one evening each month. He/She must be willing and able to travel to attend occasional conferences, training, and other events as required to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. He/She must be willing and able to travel both regionally and internationally for concert performances.

Physical Demands:

While performing these duties, the ED is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, speak, and hear. The position requires occasional computer use; the individual must have sufficient hand dexterity to use a computer keyboard and be able to read a computer screen. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Compensation and Benefits:

Compensation is commensurate with experience ($2500-$3000); this is a non-benefits-eligible position.

Application Procedure:

Feel free to review the GEWC website (gewchorale.org) to obtain more information about our organization. The individual being sought must possess:

1. Strong communication and relationship building skills
2. Strong organizational and relationship building skills
3. Experience with choral rehearsal techniques and conducting
4. Experience as a pianist
5. Special training or coursework that would facilitate improving music and/or coaching and accompanying
6. Ability to accompany and direct the ensemble at rehearsals and performance
7. Ability to select appropriate music, compose or improvise music in appropriate styles, coach performing artists, and sight read standard instrumental and vocal literature