OVERVIEW
The Artistic Director is responsible for the formulation, planning and implementation of PHXGMC’s artistic vision. The position requires proven choral conducting abilities, knowledge of choral repertoire, and successful planning and execution of concerts with a wide range of musical repertoires and styles. The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal communication skills, be able to lead and motivate the chorus, and will serve as an official representative to the community at large, and to interface with board members, donors and partners.
The Artistic Director reports to the Board, must understand and show a strong commitment to fulfilling the mission and vision of PHXGMC. This is a contract, part-time position with a monthly compensation range of $2,000-2,500
RESPONSIBILITIES
The following responsibilities are for the development, implementation and management of the following current groups that fall under the umbrella of Grand Canyon Performing Arts.
- The Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus
- Canyon Echoes
Promote the Chorus’ focus on its mission
- Work with the Chorus, the Board, and volunteers to promote a positive atmosphere of community within the organization.
- Network with other arts organizations, music directors, and community groups to increase the visibility of the Chorus and to encourage collaboration.
Design, coordinate, and direct Chorus programming
- Organize an annual performance schedule including subscription concerts, outreach concerts and/or tours. Minimum of two major concerts per year.
- Organize a rehearsal schedule at the beginning of each concert year.
- Conduct membership auditions twice annually.
- Design each concert performance including theme development and integration of guest artists, ensembles, soloists and visual elements.
- Contract with technicians and musicians for each concert project.
- Serve as staff contact to Production Committee ensuring that technical needs, venue contracts, blocking, costuming, and staging details run smoothly.
- Audition, select and coach soloists and small group ensembles.
- Venue research for concerts.
Manage administrative and artistic detail for outreach projects
- Manage communication, logistics, planning details, and programming for metro-area community performances.
- Network with collaborating partners to promote the Chorus in the community, to include Board representation with partners.
- Explore school outreach opportunities.
- Broaden the involvement of the Chorus in the community by serving as a spokesperson and liaison on behalf of the Chorus.
Provide supervision for music-related staff and volunteers
- Supervise the accompanist, and any performance support staff, i.e., sound, lighting, musicians.
- Communicate regularly with the Chorus President to identify, coach, and supervise the activities of Chorus section leaders.
Facilitate the work of the Music Advisory Committee
- Establish and coordinate with music advisory committee.
- Identify concert themes and collaborations that support the chorus mission. Research appropriate music for the upcoming season.
- Ensure that current season music is selected and purchased with the assistance of committee members.
- Communicate with the staff regarding the rehearsal list, tempos and other performance details for recording rehearsal tracks.
- Secure new arrangements and performance rights where appropriate in a timely manner.
Development and Finances
- Attend fundraising projects and events.
- Prepare artistic annual budget in collaboration with the Board Treasurer.
- Work with Grant committee as requested.
Communicate regularly with the Chorus Board and other chorus leadership
- Attend Board meetings and provide a monthly report to the Board.
- Attend committee meetings as needed.
Participate in professional development
- Participate in professional organizations: American Choral Director's Association, GALA, Chorus America, etc.
- Maintain and update professional competence by attending workshops, classes and conferences.
- Review new choral works and recordings; read professional journals.
- Attend concerts of other choral organizations.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- BA or higher degree in Music with an emphasis in performance or choral conducting or equivalent conducting experience
- Experience conducting or working with a community-based chorus and with singers of various musical skills and experience
- Experience in planning and executing cohesive concert programs
- Ability to offer strong leadership as well as to balance work within a team setting
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Prior experience as an Artistic Director or Executive Director
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
- If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit the following below or email directly to searchcommittee@phxgmc.org.
- A letter of interest
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae
- Samples of programming for previous concerts
- Samples of recordings of previous concerts via You Tube link
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1991, Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus (PHXGMC) is a non-profit organization committed to its mission-“PHXGMC is a premiere performing arts organization that strives to unite, inspire, educate and entertain its diverse audiences, members, allies and supporting partners”. Through our music and with our key community collaborating partners, we address issues on bullying/violence, suicide, parenting, conversion therapy, discrimination, healthcare, and acceptance just to name a few. Equally as important, we provide a safe environment of our local singers, artists and musicians to express their artistic talents with authenticity.
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY 5PM (AZ TIME), NOVEMBER 15, 2023
All candidates will be evaluated on their qualifications.
PHXGMC complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate based on ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, race, color, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability.