East Bay Harmony Music Director

Job Description

Thriving a cappella community chorus seeks dynamic, nurturing music director to start summer, 2027

Our Mission: East Bay Harmony is a mixed a cappella chorus that offers an opportunity for all to experience the joy of singing in harmony with others, learn and improve musical skills, and promote music in a warm, welcoming community. With no auditions required, EBH embraces popular music as a source of enjoyment and connection that can be shared by all, regardless of background or musical experience.

The East Bay Harmony Music Director provides musical vision, prepares repertoire, and conducts all rehearsals and public concerts. The Music Director is also a member of the East Bay Harmony Board of Directors, and attends monthly board meetings.

Key Responsibilities

  • Artistic/Community Leadership: Establish the musical direction of the chorus through rehearsal and performance planning and direction while remaining faithful to the mission of the chorus. 
  • Rehearsal & Performance: Direct weekly Monday evening rehearsals and all scheduled public concerts and community events.
  • Vocal Development: Work effectively with singers of varying skill levels (ranging from singers with absolutely no musical background to experienced choral singers — many members do not have music-reading skills) on all aspects of preparing repertoire for performance, while maintaining a nurturing, inclusive environment.
  • Repertoire Selection: Select summer session repertoire. Filter chorus member-suggested song arrangements for the annual song poll (repertoire for the regular season is chosen democratically by the chorus membership).
  • Repertoire Preparation: If needed, customize chosen arrangements for musicality and singability by the chorus.
  • Board Collaboration: Attend monthly board meetings, assist with planning, contribute to decisions affecting the chorus.
  • Communication: Communicate weekly with the chorus regarding the agendas for future rehearsals, memorization schedules, rehearsal notes, and other musical instructions. Communicate with the rehearsal accompanist (if applicable) with regard to warm-ups and specific repertoire considerations.
  • Sectional Attendance: Attend and lead one sectional rehearsal each month (usually held on weeknights at a chorus member’s home).

Qualifications

  • Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Music, Choral Conducting, or Music Education preferred.
  • Experience: 3+ years of experience directing choral ensembles, specifically adult community or amateur groups.
  • Musical Skills: Advanced knowledge of vocal pedagogy and varied popular musical styles; choral conducting technique; rehearsal planning/execution, basic piano skills.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Patience, empathy, sense of humor, community orientation.
  • Availability: Must be available for regular Monday evening rehearsals (7 – 9pm) and weekend concert dates.

Salary Range

  • $1,000 – $1,250/month

Estimate of Hours

  • Weekly Monday night chorus rehearsal (2-3 hours)
  • Monthly board meeting (1-2 hours)
  • Monthly sectional rehearsal (1-2 hours)
  • Weekly rehearsal prep and agenda communication (variable)
  • Annual performances
    • One warm-up/practice performance (~2 hours)
    • 2 – 3 “Friends and Family” concerts (~3 hours each)

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdf-jQOhYVbpW8sTSqtFzxpZQot3VCIzGVLxh3-TmETeInU4A/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=117381582831591330757