Foothills Chorale, an auditioned community choir in upstate South Carolina, seeks an energetic and creative Conductor and Artistic Director to continue its long tradition (since 1992) of providing creative musical entertainment in our tri-county communities (Pickens, Oconee, and Anderson). Compensation is commensurate with experience.
This is a full-year position beginning July 1, 2016.
Applications accepted until position is filled.

We seek people who exhibit versatility in programming and dedication to choral excellence. Our audience members have grown accustomed to concerts that have jazz, gospel, bluegrass, and folk music along with Broadway show tunes stirred together with traditional classical and contemporary compositions.
          See partial concert repertoire list here.
          Here are some audio files to give you a general idea of our sound:
                    JJNiles - I Wonder as I Wander   |  Gounod - St. Cecilia Mass
                    Leatherman - We are the Music Makers   |   Whitacre - Lux aurumque
                    Pictures may be found using the Past Shows link.

Although not required, we hope applicants will include a "Vision Statement" detailing how they would take such an established choral organization to greater levels of community visibility and involvement, and the Chorale's singers to increased musical proficiency and organizational involvement outside of concerts.

REQUIREMENTS: a letter of interest with an updated resume. Please include digital performance examples (CD or DVD) and copies of programs to:

Foothills Chorale, Search Committee
P.O. Box 33102
Clemson, South Carolina 29633-3102

E-mail   keoweemike@gmail.com  (Search Committee Chairman)  if you have questions concerning the application process.
DO NOT EMAIL YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS TO THIS ADDRESS.

Applications and attached materials become the property of the Chorale and will not be returned.

Primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following: (updated 10/10/15)

• Develop and communicate programmatic vision for each performance season, two concerts per year. The fall performance may focus on holiday music. Spring concert repertoire consists of music pertaining to a selected theme, such as Broadway, Movies, American Pop, Decades of Song, etc. The standard schedule includes a winter concert (December), a spring concert (April or May), and a Supporters Appreciation concert (selected time). Additional performances may be included with the approval of the Board;

• Determine performance repertoire which best suits the needs of our organizational mission, budgetary scope, singer ability, booking parameters, and audience engagement;

• In collaboration with the Board of Directors, determine appropriate performance schedule for Foothills Chorale, taking into account number of performances per season, type of audience, visibility for the organization, performance fees, etc. Conduct the Foothills Chorale performances, providing brief verbal comments and segues from the podium as appropriate;

• Develop the artistic vision for each performance season, including, but not limited to costuming, guest artists, soloists, scenery, lighting, sound, video/slide background;

• Determine sound equipment requirements for each performance in conjunction with the Audio Technician at each venue;

• Identify selections that require or could be enhanced with staging and/or use of choreography. Must be familiar with terminology for choreography in addition to being able to teach/perform with the group;

• Conduct seasonal audition process during open enrollment in January and August;

• Manage weekly Tuesday evening full chorus and small ensemble rehearsals, in addition to extra sectional and choreography rehearsals as needed;

• Develop external resources for singers, including rehearsal track recordings, listening tracks, and print and digital music distribution. Maintain archives of these resources;

• Assist in the development of current and long-term organizational goals and objectives, as well as policies and procedures for Foothills Chorale artistic operations;

• Attend monthly Board of Directors meeting and special called meetings as required;

• Support the broad mission and vision of the Chorale by engaging students, either individually or in groups, in Chorale rehearsals and performances; and

• Support the Board in outreach, marketing and solicitation efforts to ensure the continued success of the organization.

Successful candidates will demonstrate the following:

• Strong training in choral performance and a high level of keyboard skills.

• An undergraduate music degree is required, and the attainment of an advanced degree is preferred.

• The Music Director should possess the above skills, knowledge and qualities with at least five years' experience successfully leading a choral ensemble (preferred but not required).

• Experience working with an adult volunteer artistic organization (preferred but not required).