Choir Vacancy (choral groups seeking staff)

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• Lead weekly rehearsals and prepare the choir for high-quality public performances
• Inspire and challenge singers of varying skill levels in a supportive and engaging environment
• Curate diverse and thoughtful programs that reflect both musical ambition and accessibility
• Work collaboratively with the committee and accompanist to support the choir’s artistic and organisational goals
• Organise and prepare appropriate orchestra and soloists to accompany the choir

• $80–$120 per hour (based on qualifications and experience)
• $200 flat fee per concert 
• 75 flat fee per event performance

About Us

About the Role

• Rehearsals: Weekly on Wednesdays, 6:00–7:00pm (South Yarra)
   
• Performances: 2–4 major concerts + various community events annually
   
• Collaboration: Occasional joint rehearsals and concerts with MPC
   
• Extras: Annual rehearsal camp; additional rehearsals ahead of performances 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead weekly rehearsals, vocal warm-ups, and performance preparation
   
• Direct all performances, including major concerts and events
   

• Select and arrange repertoire that inspires and challenges
   
• Nurture emerging artists and support Assistant Musical Directors
   

• Conduct solo auditions or vocal placements as needed
   
• Collaborate on staging, choreography, and accompaniment
   
• Attend Music Programming Committee meetings and MPC AGM
   
• Represent shOUT in public and stakeholder settings
   

What We’re Looking For

What to Expect

How to Apply

TWO positions available – Director of Training Choirs and Performing Choir Tutor

• Term 3 start (July 2025)
• Roles may be combined for the right candidate
• Ringwood (Victoria) location with ample free parking on site.

Founded in 1964, the National Boys Choir of Australia (NBCA) is recognised as one of the country’s premier treble choirs. With around 200 boys aged 7–15, choristers undertake a two-year training program before joining the Performing Choir. Trained in the traditional bel canto style, the Choir’s diverse repertoire spans early motets, contemporary commissions, children’s operas, musical theatre, art songs, and global folk music. Now in its 61st year, NBCA is a registered not-for-profit charity, and a friendly, family-oriented organisation with an enviable reputation for excellence in choral music education.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

The NBCA has two positions available on its Artistic Staff, which could be filled separately or by one person.

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING CHOIRS (Part-time)

The Director of Training Choirs will lead the Elementary and Junior Choir programs.

The role includes overseeing vocal and musicianship training, stagecraft, performance and rehearsal discipline, and fostering key personal qualities such as kindness, respect, and reliability

Responsibilities include communication with parents, supporting concerts and other events, managing recruitment and auditions, and building strong relationships with staff, choristers, and families.

The Director of Training Choirs will commence the training of choristers to develop their voices in traditional bel canto style, promoting healthy, clear tone; pure vowel production; crisp diction; energetic well-supported breath; and refined sense of pitch

Supported by the NBCA administration team, the Director of Training Choirs will ensure the highest standards of training and preparation for promoting boys to the Performing Choir.

The main responsibilities in this role include:

·        Selecting and teaching repertoire (rehearsals on Wednesday afternoon during school terms)

·        Directing the Training Choirs in performances

·        Managing the Training Choir staff

·        Oversight of the Training Choir library

·        Oversight of Training Choir uniforms (in conjunction with the Wardrobe Manager)

·        Oversight of the audition process & running new chorister auditions (in conjunction with the Artistic Director)

PERFORMING CHOIR TUTOR (Part-time)

The Performing Choir Tutor will support the Artistic Director in preparing choristers for performances, recordings, and tours. The main responsibilities in this role include:

·        Attending rehearsals on Friday evenings during school terms, and at occasional other times, including performances

·        Enabling Performing Choristers to develop their voices in traditional bel canto style, promoting healthy, clear tone; pure vowel production; crisp diction; energetic well-supported breath; and refined sense of pitch

·        Assisting to teach and demonstrate repertoire

·        Encouraging the development of choristers as disciplined musicians and performers, such as musicianship & music literacy; stagecraft; and promoting high standards of appearance, rehearsal etiquette, self-discipline, leadership, and respect

·        Recognition & understanding of vocal problems

WHAT YOU’LL BRING

·        Extensive experience as a singer and choir trainer, especially with primary-aged treble (boys’) voices

·        A strong knowledge of appropriate choral repertoire

·        Understanding of various musical & vocal styles

·        High level personal vocal skills & training in healthy vocal production in the bel canto style

·        Strong communication with other staff and positive relationship-building with choristers and their families

·        Highly organised, detail-oriented, self-motivated, and able to meet deadlines

·        Professional and proactive with demonstrable leadership qualities

·        Degree or diploma in Music and/or Teaching an advantage

·        Current First Aid certificate (or willingness to obtain)

·        Mandatory Working with Children/Police Check (VIT registration desirable)

If either or both of these roles spark your interest in the National Boys Choir, we can’t wait to hear from you.

Please note that the interview process will include a short audition with the choir for selected candidates.

Please click ‘apply now’ and submit a brief cover letter, indicating which position(s) you are interested in, along with your resume.  Please email Brianne at office@nationalboyschoir.com.au with any queries or a copy of the Position Descriptions. Applications close COB Monday, 12 May 2025.