Musical Director - Melbourne - ShOUT Youth Chorus - Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus

Type of post: Choir Vacancy
Sub-type: No sub-type
Posted By: Helen Matheson
Status: Current
Date Posted: Wed, 15 Nov 2023
The Melbourne Gay & Lesbian Chorus Inc (MGLC), established in 1990, is a celebrated, non-profit community choir of about 70 singers.  We are inviting applications for the role of Musical Director for our shOUT Youth Chorus.
shOUT comprises a semi-autonomous group of 20-30 singers between the ages of 18 and 29 years who rehearse and perform independently of MGLC, although the two choirs will often perform joint concerts.
Our two inclusive choirs perform a diverse repertoire at our major concerts and at various community events throughout the year and are supported by a single Committee of Management.
The specific objectives of MGLC and shOUT are:

    * To strive for musical excellence 
    * To provide a welcoming and supportive social setting for all members
    * To honour and serve the LGBTIQ+ community while strengthening our presence in the broader community.

As the shOUT Youth Chorus Musical Director, you will lead and inspire our talented youth members, contributing to their artistic development while aligning with MGLC's fundamental objectives.  shOUT rehearses Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:00pm in South Yarra throughout the year at the same venue as MGLC who rehearse from 7:15pm to 9:45pm.  There are occasional joint rehearsals when preparing for a joint concert.  Some additional rehearsals are scheduled in the lead up to major performances and there is an annual rehearsal camp.
shOUT is a non-auditioned choir with a diverse range of musical skills from novice to experienced sight readers who enjoy coming together on a Wednesday night for both singing and social connection.
shOUT is seeking a new Musical Director commencing in early 2024.  The shout MD must be available for weekly choir rehearsals on Wednesday evenings.

TYPICAL DUTIES
    Rehearsals and Performances - Lead and instruct the choir in weekly vocal warm-ups, rehearsals, plan and program concerts, prepare a variety of pieces for performance at concerts and community events, and encourage and develop the choral skills of shOUT members.  Direct all performances of the choir at concerts and community events.

    Artistic Development - Research new repertoire and performance opportunities. Foster emerging artists within the Youth Chorus. Provide coaching and mentoring to shOUT Assistant Musical Directors.

    Artistic Management - Conduct assessments for members and auditions for soloists. Liaise with relevant individuals for choreography, staging, or instrumental accompaniment.
    General Management - Attend meetings of the Musical Programming Committee as required for joint concert planning and attend the MGLC Annual General meeting to present the shOUT Musical Director’s Report.
    Presenting the Youth Chorus - Act as a spokesperson for the shOUT Youth Chorus. Maintain positive relationships with media, government, sponsors, funding bodies, and arts organizations.

RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
    -   Degree/diploma level music qualification or Music Teacher trainining preferred.
    -   Previous experience in choral conducting / musical direction preferred
    -   Appropriate level of musicianship.

PREFERRED SKILLS
* Ability to play piano / keyboard to support choral teaching during rehearsals
* Knowledge of rehearsal technique
* Knowledge of the voice and a good understanding of singers
* Choral arranging, vocal training, perhaps choreography / theatrical experience
* An ability to work within a community arts organisation and work collaboratively with the MGLC Committee of Management
* Ability to select appropriate repertoire for the choir in consultation with the Music Programming Committee
* A high level of reliability and initiative and ability to inspire and motivate others
* Ability to collaborate with other choirs / musicians for joint performances
* Ability to beflexible, to deliver both face to face and virtual choir rehearsals as required.

ADDITIONAL NOTES
A trial session with the choir and interview with committee representatives will be held prior to appointment. 

HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit their resume, a brief cover letter, and any supporting material to newmembers@mglc.org.au by Thursday 5pm, November 30th.  Please use "shOUT Musical Director Application" as the subject.  Join us in creating exceptional musical experiences and fostering a welcoming community through the power of music! 

Location: South Yarra, VIC
Position type - Contract
Hourly Rate $80 to $120 based on experience. Flat fee for concers $200. Flat fee for event performances $75
Start Date - 1 Feb 2024
Contact Carig Irvine - Mob 0408 254 887 - E newmembers@mglc.org.au
APPLICATIONS CLOSE 30 NOVEMBER 2023