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See also the Choir Auditions page for ongoing audition ads from choirs.
Harold Rosenbaum conducting workshop August 19-23
Dr. Harold Rosenbaum, author of the critically-acclaimed A Practical Guide to Choral Conducting, published by Routledge, will present his annual conducting workshop at New York University from August 19 through 23. If you'd like to have your technique improved studying and working directly with one of the world's leading choral conductors, sign up for this marvelous opportunity. Spaces are limited, so please reserve your spot today. The workshop will take place each day from 10 AM to 4 PM (except Friday 10 AM to 2 PM). See www.haroldrosenbaum.com/institute for registration information and more about this and his other upcoming 5-day workshops.Posted 7/15/2019. Expires 8/19/2019.
William Warfield Scholarship Fund Classical Vocal Competition for African American High School Students
African Americans have long been under-represented in the field of classical music, especially in the field of classical vocal performance. The William Warfield Scholarship Fund has initiated a classical vocal competition to help address this.
The first William Warfield Scholarship Fund Classical Vocal Competition for African American High School Students will be held on October 19, 2019, in Rochester, NY. This event will provide selected students with cash support for formal training, audition preparation, music and practice time, etc. Five finalists will compete before national-level artists, receive coaching, and become connected to teachers and resources to help them sustain their progress. Awards will be paid directly to winners.
Electronic audition submissions may be submitted starting May 1, 2019. They are due no later than September 1, 2019. E-mail audio files or links to auditions@williamwarfield.org. No late entries will be considered. There is no cost to apply. For further details, visit www.williamwarfield.org.
Posted 7/15/2019. Expires 9/1/2019.
Manhattan Choral Ensemble seeks assistant conductor
The Manhattan Choral Ensemble seeks an Assistant Conductor for the 2019-2020 season.
Responsibilities: The Assistant Conductor will work with Conductor Thomas Cunningham on the preparation of the choir in the repertoire for the 2019-2020 season during regular rehearsals (Thursday evenings in Manhattan – Midtown West). The Assistant Conductor will be expected at the request of the Conductor to lead the group in warm ups, to lead sectional rehearsals, to lead occasional full rehearsals, and to conduct the group in a portion of a performance. The Assistant Conductor will also be expected to support the work of the Conductor in working with orchestral contractors, coordinating with commissioned composers, and working closely with the General Manager of the MCE in preparing for rehearsals and concerts. The Conductor will provide support and coaching for the Assistant Conductor in all of these areas of responsibility, and it will be the responsibility of the Assistant Conductor to schedule regular coaching sessions with the Conductor. This position is an opportunity for a qualified candidate to acquire professional experience with an established chorus in all areas of chorus organization and preparation while receiving active mentorship from the group’s founder and director.
Desired Qualifications: The successful applicant will have at least a year of conducting experience in an academic or professional environment and will demonstrate the capacity to lead a rehearsal in the Conductor’s absence. A master’s degree in choral conducting is strongly preferred, but commensurate experience will be considered.
Compensation and Benefits: The Assistant Conductor will receive a fee of $3,000, to be paid in two installments of $1,500 each in December 2019 and May 2020.
Application Procedure: Please send a letter of interest and a resume to General Manager David Erbach at info@mce.nyc. Submissions must be received by August 15, 2019.
Posted 7/15/2019. Expires 8/15/2019.
Free introductory lesson in Alexander Technique
Contact Elizabeth Hurwitt at elizabeth@betteratbeing.com for a free introduction to this dynamic mind-body method. Alexander Technique can help you improve your vocal production and breathing, along with your postural support and ease of movement. Alexander Technique has been a favorite of vocal professionals and amateurs for over 150 years, providing singers and speakers with the freedom to communicate more freely and effectively. Elizabeth's teaching is certified by the American Society of Alexander Teachers (AmSAT). Start with a free introductory lesson. Thereafter, continued lessons are affordable and negotiable. For further information, visit www.betteratbeing.com.Posted 7/11/2019. Expires 10/11/2019.
Take part in The Gauntlet at Rockefeller Plaza August 3
Take part in National Sawdust Project’s immersive choral work, The Gauntlet, at Rockefeller Center Plaza on Saturday, August 3, 2019.
The Gauntlet is an intimate experience that bathes audiences in waves of harmony, poetry, and gesture, as they are led through musical corridors of sonic architecture created by the human voice. On August 3, 2019, Rockefeller Center and National Sawdust Projects will present a newly commissioned version of The Gauntlet, by composer Sxip Shirey and choreographer Coco Karol, sung by hundreds of people from across the five boroughs of New York. Read more about the project and watch a short film from a recent performance at the Sydney Opera House.
We are looking for experienced, strong singers to take part, who need to:
- Be able to learn music by rote
- Sing confidently holding their own melody or harmony
- Be able to sing on pitch
- Have strong aural skills
- Hear an octave up or down and transpose to their own register confidently
- Able-bodied singers will be asked to stand outdoors on a small stool for up to one hour and will be asked to move freely around a busy performance space
Notes for singers: There is nothing to prepare in advance or between rehearsals. Refreshments will be provided on the performance day.
Posted 7/3/2019. Expires 9/3/2019.
Downtown Brooklyn church seeks soprano and alto
Paid soprano and alto choir/cantor positions available at major church music program at Saint Boniface Roman Catholic Church in Downtown Brooklyn (109 Willoughby Street), conducted by Benjamin Niemczyk. By audition only. Sunday rehearsal and mass with extra calls for Christmas and Holy Week.
Recent repertoire includes works by Bach, Brahms, Beethoven, Mozart, Schönberg, Messiaen, Nystedt, Corigliano, Ives, Stravinsky, Duruflé, Tallis, Palestrina, Copland, Bernstein, Saint-Saëns, Liszt, Williams and much more. Reading ability and straight-tone singing required. Write bonifacechoir@gmail.com to schedule an audition.
Posted 6/28/2019. Expires 8/28/2019.
Hartford Gay Men's Chorus seeks artistic director
The Hartford Gay Men's Chorus (HGMC) invites applications for the part-time position of Artistic Director beginning in Fall 2019/January 2020.
Founded in 2011, HGMC is a 50-60 member TTBB chorus with an annual budget of approximately ninety thousand dollars. HGMC also includes a small a cappella ensemble, On That Note, directed by our Assistant Artistic Director, and an accomplished accompanist. Rehearsals are in Hartford weekly on Mondays and some Wednesdays as needed, in addition to technical rehearsals for concerts and biannual full day or overnight retreats.
HGMC has two main performances per year (a holiday concert in December and a spring concert in May), as well as several shorter community performances at conferences, festivals, and municipal events as well as performances of the National Anthem at sporting events and municipal occasions.
Applications should be by resume to ADSearch@HGMC.org and include sufficient musical and artistic background, two or three recent programs from artistic endeavors, as well as a statement of vision for the Chorus. We offer a yearly stipend commensurate with experience and our chorus size.
HGMC is an equal opportunity organization and seeks the best person for the job, regardless of gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Posted 6/27/2019. Expires 8/1/2019.
Ogontz Choral Workshop August 4-10 in Lyman, NH
It's not too late to register for the Ogontz Choral Workshop, held August 4-10 in Lyman, NH, in the foothills of the White Mountains. It's a unique opportunity for singers, choral conductors and church musicians to explore repertoire with some of the world's leading choral directors. My husband and I have attended every year since 1991 and refer to it as our "annual once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Sir David Willcocks led the singing for the first 20 years, until his health no longer allowed at age 91! We've been in excellent hands lately with David Hill of London's Bach Choir and Yale University's Schola Cantorum. You can read his bio and learn lots more about the one-week event at ogontzarts.com. Full-time college students are eligible for discounted tuition.
Paula Rockwell, mezzo-soprano from Nova Scotia, complements David's work by leading master classes, warm-ups and instruction in vocal technique, and also presents a not-to-be missed solo recital. She gets rave reviews from participants every year on her teaching and performance skills as well as her personal qualities.
In addition to the fabulous musical experience, Ogontz Camp is renowned for its superb food, stunning natural setting, and fine recreational opportunities. Unlike most summer choral experiences, we do not prepare a final performance, giving us the freedom to explore more repertoire in depth, but without the pressure of perfecting it. This year's program includes a "deep dive" into Delius's Sea Drift, based on text by Walt Whitman, whose bicentennial we celebrate this year, and a new volume in Oxford's series edited by John Rutter, Sacred Choruses, featuring 28 exceptional oratorio choruses, complete short choral works and movements from masses or requiems from the 17th to the 20th centuries.
For more info, visit the web site or contact Claire Mead at claire@ogontzarts.com.
Posted 6/23/2019. Expires 8/4/2019.
Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church seeks baritone
Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church is now receiving applications for a baritone position in the professional choir to start in September. We rehearse Sunday mornings before the 11 AM service and the pay is $150/week. The choir also performs six concerts per season, which adds additional rehearsal and concert fees at competitive rates. We are seeking an exceptional ensemble singer with solid sight reading skills, a superb sense of pitch, and the flexibility to perform in a variety of styles. The ability to sing comfortably without vibrato is essential. Check out this clip from a recent concert to get a better sense of our sound: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVjgyqir3zU. To be considered for a live audition, please send your resume and a sound clip to fapcmusic@gmail.com.Posted 6/19/2019. Expires 8/19/2019.
Mott Haven Reformed Church seeks music director
The Consistory of the Mott Haven Reformed Church is seeking a music director. Strong organ and piano skills, sight-reading skills and exemplary rehearsal etiquette required. Knowledge of Reformed liturgy and music helpful, but not necessary. A strong relationship with Jesus Christ is mandatory. Sunday morning rehearsal runs from 8.30 to 9.30 AM, and Sunday Service runs from 10 AM to 12 noon. Choir rehearsal times can be negotiated. The position calls for 10 hours of work per week, including preparation time, rehearsals and music ministry on Sunday. This is a part-time position. Location is the South Bronx, 5 minutes walk from the 2/5 train at 149th Street. If interested in applying for this position, please send a resume and cover letter (including two references) to George Francois at gsfrancois@gmail.com.Posted 6/19/2019. Expires 8/19/2019.
Northesast Men's Summer Chorus tour August 15-17
Tenors, baritones, basses: sign up for Northesast Men's Summer Chorus (NMSC)
2019 tour August 15-17.
Join us for an inexpensive singing vacation in southern Vermont and New Hampshire. Audition not required. NMSC will present three concerts (Thursday-Friday-Saturday) in West Brattleboro and Chester, Vermont, and Charlestown, New Hampshire. We will perform 16 pieces -- Romantic to modern -- classical to doo-wop -- including spirituals, folk, patriotic, musical theater and the American Songbook. Performances will be led by conductors from New York City choruses and there will be piano accompaniment. Concerts are free and open to the public.
Spend the evenings in camaraderie and song and your days exploring the lovely New England countryside. Bring along family and friends. NMSC staff will help you secure reasonably priced lodging and transportation. Registration fee: $30 (includes MP3 files and sheet music). An application and more information is available at www.singingvacation.org or contact Marty Edelman at 917-456-6558 or singingvacation@gmail.com., Conductors are Elmer Joerg and Gene Wisoff. Accompanist is E. Judy Robinson.
Schedule: Rehearsal Thursday, August 15, 1-4 PM. First concert Thursday, August 15, 7 PM. Second concert Friday, August 16, 7 PM. Final concert Saturday, August 17, 7 PM.
Posted 6/15/2019. Expires 8/15/2019.
Westport church seeks tenor and bass section leaders
Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Westport, CT seeks tenor and bass section leaders for 25-voice Parish Choir. Excellent quality music in the Anglican tradition sung in a lively suburban parish of 500 members. Sunday service, 9:30 AM; Thursday rehearsal, 7:45-9:45 PM. Additional responsibilities: Choral Evensong, Lessons & Carols, Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil. Salary: $80.00/call with additional pay for holy days, Evensongs, etc. Contact Michael Burnette at mburnette@chtwestport.org or (203) 227-0827 x107. Position begins September 5, 2019.Posted 6/15/2019. Expires 9/15/2019.
Encore Creativity for Older Adults seeks conductors
Encore Creativity for Older Adults, the nation’s largest choral program for adults 55+, is searching for conductors to lead various Encore choral ensembles. Conductors accompany their own rehearsals and lead from the piano. These programs consist of 15 weekly rehearsals throughout Fall and Spring semesters. There are no auditions for Encore programs, rehearsals occur during daytime hours, and singers are permitted to sit during rehearsal and performances according to their needs. Encore ensembles within each type below all learn the same repertoire, allowing for various different locations to combine for concerts and touring.
Currently, Encore has 23 ensembles throughout Maryland, Virginia, DC and New York City. Encore offers three different types of choral ensembles as follows:
- Encore CHORALE: A more traditional SATB choral experience, with repertoire ranging from classical to spirituals to songs from Broadway and the Great American Songbook. All repertoire selections are made by Artistic Director and Founder, Jeanne Kelly. Repertoire suggestions from conductors are welcomed.
- Encore ROCKS: As suggested in the title, these ensembles sing SATB arrangements of “rock-n-roll” repertoire that includes popular music from the 1950s through the 2000s. All repertoire selections are made by ROCKS Director, Jeffrey Dokken. Repertoire suggestions from conductors are welcomed.
- Sentimental Journey Singers: Encore’s newest program is focused on providing our signature choral experience to those who suffer from early to early/moderate Alzheimer’s and other memory impairments, as well as their care partners. This will include a variety of standard repertoire, mostly arranged for three parts. All repertoire selections are made by the Director of the Sentimental Journey Singers program, Mary Ann East. Note that for this program a rehearsal accompanist will be provided. Candidates must have a basic understanding of dementia and how it can affect people; a basic understanding of how to interact with persons diagnosed with dementia; and preferably, experience working with people diagnosed with dementia. Repertoire suggestions from conductors are welcomed.
- 10+ years of choral conducting experience
- Strong and supportive piano skills for rehearsals
- Approach rehearsals with energy, enthusiasm, passion and respect for older singers
- Believe that older adult singers can achieve excellence and be able to recognize when they have reached their potential
- Deep understanding of vocal technique and the ability to solve problems in older adult voices
- Positive and patient personality and approach to conducting
- Excellent musicianship
- Ability to prepare singers with utmost precision and discipline and desire to avoid sloppiness
- Interpretive skills and the ability to draw passion and emotion from older adult singers
- Excellent sight-reading skills
- Team player with dedication to Encore program and singers
- Effective public speaking skills
- Ability to understand the difficulties of aging
- DC ROCKS: Currently scheduled for Thursday evening rehearsals in downtown Washington (DC).
- MIDTOWN ENCORE CHORALE: Currently scheduled for Monday afternoon in Midtown Manhattan (NY), however day of week is subject to change.
- MIDTOWN ROCKS: Currently scheduled on Monday afternoons in Midtown Manhattan (NY), however day of week is subject to change.
As Encore continues to expand throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and nationally, we are developing our roster of Encore conductors. Specifically, we are eager to identify interested conductors in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and New York City who are interested in joining the Encore team and conducting one or more of our ensembles.
Conductor duties
- Conduct a minimum of fifteen 90-minute rehearsals from September through December and January through May
- Conductors are expected to lead from the piano, accompanying their own rehearsals
- Prepare music for rehearsals and performance venues including the Kennedy Center
- Conduct concerts of your ensembles and others when requested
- Help promote Encore’s mission, attract new participants and endorse fundraising efforts
- Facilitate social break (for Sentimental Journey Singers ONLY)
Posted 6/15/2019. Expires 10/15/2019.
Marble Choir seeks professional choral singers for 2019-20
The Marble Choir, the highly acclaimed 24-voice professional choir of New York City’s Marble Collegiate Church under the direction of Kenneth Dake, is now auditioning experienced professional choral singers for the 2019-2020 season. Must be a strong sight-reader, demonstrate the ability to sing without vibrato, and have an understanding and appreciation of choral repertoire touching on everything from the western classical tradition to American folk, world music and contemporary styles. (To hear samples of The Marble Choir’s recordings please visit iTunes.) If interested, please send your resume and a brief bio to music@marblechurch.org.Posted 6/4/2019. Expires 8/4/2019.
Harold Rosenbaum conducting workshop August 19-23
Dr. Harold Rosenbaum, author of the critically-acclaimed A Practical Guide to Choral Conducting, published by Routledge, will present his annual conducting workshop at New York University from August 19 through 23. If you'd like to have your technique improved studying and working directly with one of the world's leading choral conductors, sign up for this marvelous opportunity. Spaces are limited, so please reserve your spot today. The workshop will take place each day from 10 AM to 4 PM (except Friday 10 AM-2 PM).
See www.haroldrosenbaum.com/institute for registration information and more about this and his other upcoming 5-day workshops. See his online conducting lesson at www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1vwOPFDJ0I.
Posted 6/1/2019. Expires 8/20/2019.
Collectio Musicorum seeks singers
Collectio Musicorum, Inc. is seeking singers of all voice ranges for its upcoming season. Primarily an early music ensemble, Collectio performs music of all periods. Singers should be excellent sightreaders and able to read complex rhythms. All positions are paid. Please send resumes to the director at jdailey@gts.edu. For more about Collectio, visit collectio-musicorum.blogspot.com/.Posted 5/21/2019. Expires 7/21/2019.
Cathedral Choirs England residency in August
Join the Cathedral Choirs of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine on a 10-day performance residency at two of England’s most renown cathedrals, St. Paul’s Cathedral-London and Canterbury Cathedral--Mother Church of the Anglican Communion! In addition to enjoying the privilege of singing a rich repertoire of music in these historic and captivating cathedrals, there will also be visits to Oxford, Dover Castle and time available to enjoy the many sights of London and Canterbury. Led by the cathedral choirmasters Kent Tritle, Bryan Zaros and cathedral organist Raymond Nagem, the tour promises to be an unforgettable experience!
The residency runs from Wednesday, August 14 to Saturday, August 24, 2019. Rehearsals at the Cathedral of Saint John the Divine the week prior. For more information, please contact Cathedral Associate Choirmaster Bryan Zaros at bzaros@stjohndivine.org.
Posted 3/18/2019. Expires 7/18/2019.