Chorale Conductor

Colby College | Waterville, ME, United States

Posted Date 6/04/2025
Full job description

Department:

Music - Staff

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Employee Type:

Job Summary:

The Department of Music at Colby College seeks a dynamic conductor to direct two groups with a history of musical excellence: a large, mixed chorale ensemble (involving both students and community members) and a chamber choir (made up of students). Each group prepares at least one concert per semester, and the chorale performs major works with the Colby orchestra at the end of each academic year. The position may also include teaching studio lessons for both majors and non-majors, with strong preference given to vocal instruction.

The successful candidate will have a record of success as a conductor, knowledge of a range of repertoire, ability to recruit effectively, success in teaching instruction (if applicable), and the ability to work successfully with students in the context of a selective liberal arts college.

This position is a staff appointment intended for the 25/26 academic year, with possibility for renewal.

Essential Functions and Key Responsibilities

To perform successfully in this position, an individual must be able to perform essential duties satisfactorily as well as possess education/experience, employ the knowledge, skills, and abilities as listed in representative fashion. Colby College actively supports the Americans with Disabilities Act and will consider reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. This listing of essential duties is not all-inclusive, but representative; other duties may be assigned.

  • Conduct the Colby Chorale and Chamber Choir
  • Inspire singers to deliver strong creative performances
  • Direct weekly evening rehearsals (held on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings)
  • Present performances with groups (at least one per semester with each performing group)
  • Conduct auditions as necessary
  • Recruit singers to maintain a vibrant choral program and to fill gaps as needed
  • Work in conjunction with the department co-Chairs to administer the College’s yearly music series
  • Teach weekly individual lessons (compensated on a per-student basis) [optional]

Position Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and/or experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in education and experience; DMA or equivalent experience preferred
  • Documented success in conducting, teaching, performing and recruiting
  • Ability to work well with a diverse group of students, faculty, and community members in a liberal arts environment
  • Experience organizing and executing performances

Physical/Mental Demands

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this position and/or may be encountered while performing essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, an employee must be able to maintain appropriate confidentiality with regard to employee data, documents, issues, etc., and respect privacy needs of employees and past employees with regard to the same.
  • There may be occurrences of employees, past employees, members of the general public, and others who express opinions, may exhibit strong emotions, which will require the employee to interact professionally, diplomatically, and appropriately in such situations.
  • While performing the essential duties of this position, an employee would frequently be required to move around the office space as well as within hallways, meeting rooms, and other parts of the campus facilities.
  • There may be multiple/daily instances of prolonged personal computer use which would include keyboard and/or mouse usage as well as viewing a computer monitor.
  • An employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds to perform essential position functions.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • The overall work environment requires the mental ability to shift focus quickly due to interruptions; an employee must be able to mentally track multiple projects and tasks as well.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate; however, there may be unexpected instances of somewhat loud sounds.

To Apply:

Interested candidates should apply electronically by clicking the “Apply Now” button on the Colby College website. Please upload a cover letter, resume, curriculum vita, and three letters of recommendation to your application. Candidates are strongly encouraged to include hyperlinks to audio/visual materials as part of the application document.

Review of applications will begin on June 16th, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.

Job Type
Regular
Industry
Education

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