Music Director / Conductor Part Time Position

 Acappellago is accepting applications for the position of Music Director/Conductor

 Acappellago NFP, founded in 2002, is an auditioned group of 24 to 30 volunteer singers performing in Chicago’s western suburbs. As our name suggests, we are dedicated to a cappella choral music in all of its many forms, though our programs generally have emphasized the work of living composers. We are flexible as to genre, having performed classics, pop, jazz, gospel, show tunes, movie music, and the occasional piece that defies categorization. We sing for love, and we love a challenge.

Videos of some of our performances may be found on our YouTube channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTySoXe5b0GoH3bhEBYWCWw

Acappellago currently rehearses in Villa Park, IL, on Sunday evenings from early September through mid-March, with a four to five week break after the first concert. We perform two concerts per season, with two performances per concert on the same weekend. The first is the first weekend in December, on Christmas/holiday themes. The second is in mid-March, with a variety of themes chosen by the music director. The rehearsal period for each is approximately 10 weeks. The music director serves as a non-voting member on the board.

We are looking for a director who will appreciate our good qualities, help us bring out our best performances, and provide a musical vision to maintain and grow our audience and our reputation. In return, we will support you and aspire to help you grow your reputation!

Candidates are asked to submit the following to search@acappellago.org:

A cover letter regarding why you’re interested in the position and how you would lead Acappellago into the future

• A resume outlining education, professional history, artistic qualifications and leadership experience
• A CV listing major/notable works with performance date and organization or a selection of printed programs for which the candidate selected repertoire and directed
• 3-5 audio/video recordings of performances demonstrating excellence in performance and diversity of repertoire (At least one selection should be a cappella.)  Please include description of the performances listing date, repertoire and performers.

Sample video recordings of rehearsals as well as a partial sample program will be requested from candidates who are invited to the face-to-face interview process.

APPLICATION CLOSING DATE: August 1, 2018

Acappellago Music Director Search

Acappellago’s new music director will succeed its founder, Dennis R. Smith, who is retiring and relocating out of the area in the summer/fall of 2019. He has led the ensemble since its start-up through 17 years of musical, financial and audience growth. Our new leader will be asked to build upon our history of creative excellence. Through the years, Maestro Smith has established relationships with many up and coming composers all over the world. The leader we seek will also be asked to uphold these relationships and develop new ones, not only with composers,  but with audience members and other leaders in the Chicagoland choral community.

The job description is listed below and a list of past programs can be found here for reference:

https://acappellago.org/repertoire/

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

 Artistic Management

• Provide overall artistic leadership and direction
• Recruit and audition new members
• Choose program themes and repertoire in consultation with the board
• Conduct all rehearsals, concerts and other performances, including off-season appearances at open houses and church services and singing the National Anthem at sporting events
• Manage all audio recording activities
• Contribute director’s notes and background as needed for program book
• Participate with board in fee negotiation for artists and other personnel
• Nurture existing relationships with composers and develop new ones as opportunities arise

Board Relations

• Attend Board Meetings and present reports regarding the status of the artistic programs and projects
• Attend any relevant committee meetings
• Participate in fundraising activities, including biennial benefit gala

Community and Public Relations

• Serve as a key official spokesperson for the group
• Participate in community activities that further the name recognition of the group
• Represent the group in media appearances
• Participate in musical and professional organizations
• Collaborate with board in developing marketing campaigns and publicity
• Participate in social activities of the group

Financial Management

• Develop a comprehensive artistic plan that provides the basis for the annual budget
• Follow the approved annual budget for the programs
• Collaborate in the preparation of grant applications

Experience

We are flexible as to formal musical training, although previous choral directing experience, or the equivalent in formal training, is essential. Experience directing an a cappella group is highly desirable.

This is a part time position scheduled to start June 1, 2019.

Salary is commensurate with experience but estimated at $5,000 per year.