Choral Director for MCMS Youth Choirs

Choral Director / Youth Choirs 

VOICES AND CONCERT CHOIR 

MANCHESTER COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL – NEW HAMPSHIRE YOUTH ENSEMBLES 

Job Description 

Voices – Open to students in grades 2 – 5, Voices brings together young vocalists who share a love of singing and a passion for music. Together they develop skills in group singing, teamwork, listening, movement, and creativity. 

Concert Choir – Using a variety of musical styles, rehearsals focus on healthy vocal technique, music reading, the beauty of singing together, and working together as a choral team. Open to students in grades 6-12. 

The Music Director is responsible for the artistic vision, musical excellence, and educational development of the ensemble. Responsibilities include conducting rehearsals and performances, selecting repertoire. In addition to artistic leadership, the Music Director plays a vital role in recruitment, community engagement, and the continued growth of the New Hampshire Youth Ensembles (NHYE) program by building strong relationships with school and private music educators. The Music Director reports directly to the Executive Director and collaborates closely with the Ensemble Manager, MCMS faculty and staff, and student interns. All responsibilities are carried out in accordance with the mission, policies, and strategic goals of Manchester Community Music School. 

Qualifications 

• Deep understanding of music theory, vocal pedagogy, and score reading, and choral conducting. 
• Ability to inspire, motivate, and manage groups of diverse singers. 
• Strong conflict-resolution skills, excellent classroom management, and the ability to adapt coaching to varying skill levels. 
• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Music Education, Choral Conducting, or Vocal Performance is preferred. 2-3 years of choral experience with youth choirs. 

Musical Responsibilities 

• Choose and arrange music appropriate to the choir’s skill level, age, and the performance occasion.  
• Lead productive rehearsals by teaching proper vocal technique, listening, blend, diction, and musicality.  
• Conduct the choir during concerts and community performances. 
• Communicate with the Ensemble Manager, Executive Director, students and families. Keep records of attendance.  

Recruitment and Community Engagement 

• Develop and implement an annual recruitment strategy to grow and strengthen the choral program. 
• Build and maintain positive relationships with school music educators, private instructors, and community arts organizations. 
• Serve as an ambassador for Manchester Community Music School and the New Hampshire Youth Ensembles within the community. 
• Assist with outreach events, recruitment concerts, and promotional activities as requested. 
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in youth choral programming and recommend new initiatives that advance the organization’s mission. 

Collaboration and Administrative Responsibilities 

• Attend conductor meetings to coordinate auditions, concerts, calendars, and long-term planning across the New Hampshire Youth Ensembles. 
• Communicate regularly with the Executive Director and Ensemble Manager regarding student progress, attendance, repertoire, scheduling, and program needs. 
• Meet established deadlines for music selection, concert planning, and other administrative responsibilities. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director. 

Time Commitment 

• Approximately 3 hours per week 
• Rehearsals are held Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., beginning in early September. 
• Additional time is required for concerts, planning meetings, music preparation, recruitment, and occasional community events. 

Compensation 

This is a 10-month stipend position. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience, qualifications, and time commitment. 

Application Procedure 

Please submit: 

• Cover letter 
• Resume 

Applications should be emailed to: 

Polly Towner 

Executive Director 

Manchester Community Music School 

Polly@mcmusicschool.org