Intermediate Choir Director

The Northwest Boychoir seeks a director for the Intermediate Choir level, the second tier in its auditioned training program. The Intermediate Choir Director is responsible for leading Intermediate Choir rehearsals and performances year-round, and instructing students in choral singing technique, music theory, and sight-reading. The ideal candidate must support the Choir’s mission of providing superior music training to boys, ages 7–10 years old at this choir level. Sight-reading is taught through a set curriculum which places strong emphasis on ear-training using moveable do solfège (do-based minor). The repertoire ranges from simple children’s songs to more complex multi-part music. Rehearsals are held at the University Heights Center in Seattle’s University District. 
 
Requirements: 
– Regular, part-time. 5 hours/week. Year-round program with a 2-week winter break over the December/January holidays and a 2-week break in July. No rehearsals on federal holidays. 
– Tuesday & Thursday, 4:00–6:30pm (Actual rehearsal time 4:30–6:15). 
– Summer day camp during the first week of August (9:00am-5:00pm). 
– Occasional extra rehearsals, seasonal concerts, and events scheduled in advance. 
 
Compensation: 
– $50–65 per rehearsal hour, commensurate with experience. 
– Compensation provided for faculty meetings outside of rehearsal hours 
 
PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 
– Prepare 20–35 choristers, approximately 20 minutes of music for performances in the Winter and Spring seasons. Rehearsal support includes a student assistant and shared accompanist.  
– Teach rhythm reading, sight-singing and aural recognition skills using moveable do solfège with Northwest Boychoir approved methods. 
– Teach healthy vocal technique, rehearsal preparation and performance skills. 
– Plan and lead repertoire and activities for Intermediate Choir summer day camp in the first week of August.  
– Coordinate with faculty and administrative staff regarding rehearsals, performances, curriculum, and promotions to the next choir level.  
– Collaborate with the Advanced Choir director for joint repertoire and performances. Work in a team-teaching environment. 
– Be available to meet with staff and supervise choristers by 4:00pm. Stay until 6:30 to help monitor pick-up and talk to parents. 
– Monthly meetings with faculty, at mutually agreeable times, outside of teaching hours.  
– Communicate responsibilities and expectations to choristers/families in a professional and sensitive manner.  
 
Qualifications:  
– 3–5 years choral directing, vocal experience, and high-level music instruction for youth. 
– Bachelor of Music Performance/Music Education degree or higher 
– Choral conducting and performance experience in professional settings. 
– Experience with vocal pedagogy, especially for young children. 
– Excellent sight-singing skills and familiarity with moveable do solfège (do-based minor). 
– Experience choosing diverse repertoire in multiple musical styles and languages, including classical, folk, or pop. 
– A positive role model with proven ability to manage and foster high behavior standards with students.  
– Have a professional and competent performance demeanor.  
– Ability to lead and team-teach music theory/sight-reading classes, sectionals, and rehearsals. 
– Strong communication (speaking and email) skills in the English language for interacting with choristers, families, and staff. Ability to assess choristers’ progress and address families. 
Excellent people skills, patience, flexibility, and a positive attitude, especially with young children. 
– Ability to work independently and collegially with faculty and staff. 
– Be motivated by and attentive to the Choir’s mission and DEIB efforts. 
– Basic piano keyboard skills. 
 
The Northwest Choirs is a nonprofit organization comprised of the Northwest Boychoir and Vocalpoint! Seattle. Annually, 200 young singers participate in our premier music education programs. These choristers – boys ages 6 to 18, and girls 12 to 18 – come from all corners of the Puget Sound region. Considered one of the outstanding children’s choirs in the nation, the Northwest Choirs is an integral part of the region’s cultural life. Northwest Choirs members perform regularly with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra, as well as other high-profile performing arts groups in the area. Please find further information about our program at: www.nwchoirs.org. 
 
TO APPLY: 
Send cover letter, resume, three employment references with telephone and email contact information. Please include online links to your live rehearsal and/or performance videos as available. Some applicants will be invited to attend an interview and audition with the Artistic Director and Associate Artistic Director. 
Attention: Artistic Director: jobs@northwestchoirs.org. No phone calls, please. 
Application Deadline is May 1st, 2025