MUSIC DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
FOR
BERKELEY COMMUNITY CHORUS & ORCHESTRA

Chorus Profile

The Berkeley Community Chorus & Orchestra (BCCO) was founded in 1966 as a chorus of non-auditioned singers and an orchestra drawn from the community. Since that time we have been led by two directors, and our goals have remained steadfast: to offer everyone in our community the opportunity to hear free concerts and to sing great choral masterworks. Our chorus members (currently 180-strong) have a wide variety of musical backgrounds, but we share a common desire to grow in our musical abilities and to foster a spirit of goodwill and community. Beginners and non-sight-readers are welcomed, encouraged and assisted by our many more experienced members. We strive not only to produce a high-quality sound, but also to convey the deeper emotional meaning within the music. We are also proud to help support fine music in the Bay Area by providing compensation to all of our orchestra members and soloists.

BCCO is an independent non-profit organization funded by tuition of chorus members and donations from the chorus and the general community. We are governed by a 20-person volunteer Board of Directors that develops and implements policy and is responsible for the financial management of the organization. Our part-time chorus manager performs key administrative tasks and coordination, while the Board handles most of the logistical tasks for rehearsals and concerts as well as fundraising events throughout the year. We are also ably supported by the volunteer efforts of our dedicated and talented chorus members. The chorus performs two concert programs each year, one in December and one in May; each program is performed three times. Our adjunct chamber chorus has a broad a cappella repertoire, and presents a separate schedule of smaller performances with the goal of expanding our outreach into the local community. A history of the chorus including discography as well as background information on the board of directors is available by clicking on the appropriate links. The chorus currently rehearses on Monday evenings from 7 - 10 p.m., and holds additional weekly sectional rehearsals. We retain a regular accompanist. Joint rehearsals of the chorus with orchestra and soloists commence four weeks before each concert series.

General Music Director Profile & Qualifications 

With the planned retirement in May 2011 of Arlene Sagan, our Music Director for 22 successful years, BCCO is now seeking an experienced, dynamic and inspiring music professional to lead our chorus into the next stage of its growth.  The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:  

• Welcomes the opportunity to work with a diverse group of singers. Possesses the demonstrated ability to strive for high musical standards while having the patience to encourage singers of varied skills and abilities.
• Clearly communicates expectations, and inspires singers to an enhanced understanding of the music.
• Is competent conducting an orchestra and soloists drawn from local amateur, professional and semi-professional musicians. Communicates effectively with the Concertmaster and soloists. 
• Transmits enthusiasm and knowledge to the chorus, orchestra and audience.
• Values and appreciates our extended family of supporters, donors, patrons, and volunteers.
• Works collaboratively with the Board of Directors, and with the broader community.
• Embraces and promotes an internal culture of civility and respect.

A degree in music or equivalent experience is required, as is broad knowledge of classical choral repertoire and music theory. Basic keyboard skills are essential (advanced skills preferred), as well as an ability to read and conduct from orchestral scores.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities:

• Organize rehearsal schedule and lead the full Chorus in regular Monday night rehearsals, from September through December and January through May. Planned activities should include pre-rehearsal warm-ups, additional sectional rehearsals (currently Wednesday evenings), and joint rehearsals of chorus with orchestra and soloists in the final month of each season. Attend one weekend-long chorus retreat/year (usually held in October), as well as two 5-hour extended Saturday rehearsals per semester.
• Conduct the Chorus, Orchestra and soloists at concerts. Communicate effectively with audience. Prepare program notes for inclusion in printed concert program. Supervise editing of concert performance CD  (from master recording).
• With support from and approval of the Board of Directors, appoint and supervise all professional musicians engaged for concerts and events, including the accompanist, orchestra members, and soloists. Arrange for an appropriate substitute Music Director in the event of illness or other absence.
• Work collaboratively with the Music Committee to select repertoire. In addition to the primary choral work(s) to be performed, concert programs may include one or more short pieces for orchestra and soloist, or orchestra alone. Program selections must take into account the abilities and interests of the chorus as well as budgetary guidelines of the organization.
• Select repertoire and conduct regular rehearsals of the Chamber Chorus, and lead periodic short outreach performances.
• Check vocal and orchestral scores (BCCO maintains a library of choral and orchestral scores that we have performed in the past); prepare notations and handouts as needed. Select reference commercial CD and select or prepare practice CD for home study.
• Report to and regularly communicate with the Board of Directors, including attending monthly Board meetings (3 hours each, 10 annually) and one day-long Board retreat annually. Solicit and accept feedback from chorus and Board regarding the rehearsal and performance experience.
• Be available for and support opportunities for outreach and expansion, including chamber chorus and audience inclusion where possible (our concerts have traditionally concluded with a single short audience participation piece). Attend periodic fundraising event(s) organized by Board.

Compensation:

The Music Director is a 10-month position annually (usually from mid Aug - mid May of each year), with an expected time commitment of approximately 20 hours/week. No healthcare benefits are included, and no relocation allowance is available. Salary: low $30,000’s depending on experience.

Application Timeline:

• Applications will be accepted from April 5 – September 1, 2010.
• Candidates must submit all required documents (see below) by September 1, 2010.
• Search Committee will interview a short list of candidates; finalists will be selected by December 1, 2010.
• Finalists will audition with the full chorus in January and February of 2011.
• Board of Directors will appoint new Music Director by March 1, 2011
• Start Date: mid-May 2011 (for the first year, to allow for an effective transition; in future years the position works a 10-month schedule each year from mid-August to mid-May).