We're Hiring!
Position: Master Chorale of Flagstaff Artistic Director
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Job Description:
Master Chorale of Flagstaff, a community chorus now in its 47th season, seeks applicants for the part-time position of Artistic Director. Employment will begin July 1, 2025 for the 2025-2026 concert season.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Master of Music degree in choral conducting or related field – completed or in progress
• Demonstrated success in conducting a diverse repertoire in a variety of styles
• Ability to conduct chorus with instrumental ensemble
• Experience teaching and motivating an adult community choir preferred. Salary for this part-time contract position is commensurate with experience
Applicants are invited to submit a letter of interest along with a resume, references and 5 minute video clip demonstrating rehearsal & conducting skills, and a sample program that includes a collaborative aspect to Jody McKay, Managing Director, at MCFDirectorSearch@gmail.com.
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Review of Applications will commence October 1, 2024 and continue until the position is filled.
All applications will be treated confidentially until candidates agree to an in-person interview/rehearsal as a finalist at which time candidacy becomes public.
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About Master Chorale of Flagstaff
Master Chorale of Flagstaff, a 60-85 voice community choir composed of adult singers of all ages and occupations, rehearses Tuesday evenings from mid-August through May. The mission of MCF, a community choir, is to enrich the quality of life in northern Arizona through excellent choral music performance, education, and outreach. MCF has been bringing exceptional vocal performance into the heart of northern Arizona since 1977, showcasing a wide variety of musical styles, traditions, and innovations, and is a leader in musical collaboration.
Recognizing the value of music as a healing, unifying, and educational tool, the Master Chorale draws from the experiences of the performers, the surrounding community, and global influences and mindsets. Programmed repertoire reflects the value of music as both a constant and constantly evolving entity, spanning from historical choral treasures to music by underrepresented composers that engage with contemporary concerns and causes. By joining in song with long-cherished ensembles such as the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and the vocal and instrumental musicians of Northern Arizona University, as well as budding performers from Flagstaff’s K-12 schools, each concert is crafted to move audiences to joy, heartfelt reflection, and even action.
For detailed information, consult http://www.masterchorale.net.
2025-2026 Artistic Director Duties and Responsibilities
The Artistic Director of Master Chorale of Flagstaff (MCF) is responsible and accountable for leadership, artistic operation and musical development of the chorus while serving as the public face of the choir. The Artistic Director works in close consultation with the Board of Directors and the Managing Director. The Artistic Director’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Programming
• Selects music and theme for each season in consultation with the board of directors, finalized in time for grant applications
• Chooses a diverse performance repertoire
• Maintains a relationship with the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and other local musical organizations.
• Fosters collaborations with other artistic organizations.
• Selects repertoire that challenges and inspires performers
• Selects repertoire that attracts audiences
• Selects repertoire for special events such as outreach performances
• Produces program notes for concerts when appropriate.
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Musical Leadership
• Prepares and directs rehearsals and performances
• Attends at least 90% of rehearsals and provides adequate notice for absence
• Maintains good interpersonal skills and positive atmosphere in rehearsals
• Is dedicated to artistic achievement by amateur performers
• Works with singers of varying levels of musical training
• Is available to chorale members for music-related issues
• Demonstrates musicianship in interpretation and adaptations of pieces
• Shares score markings with the choir promptly
• Rehearses chorale in an efficient manner
• Maintains good working relationship with Accompanist and Assistant Director/s
• Manages the selection of soloists and instrumentalists for concerts
• Rehearses soloists and instrumentalists in preparation for concerts
• Auditions all prospective members of the MCF at the beginning of each semester
• Evaluates singer readiness if there is a question of their preparation and determines eligibility to participate in rehearsals and/or performances
• Selects Section Leaders and clearly communicates expectations and responsibilities of Section Leaders.
Ex Officio on the Board of Directors
• Serves as an ex officio member of the Board of Directors at scheduled meetings and annual retreats
• Maintains open communication with the Board of Directors and Managing Director.
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Operations
• Works with the Board of Directors and Managing Director to select most appropriate venue for performances
• Works with Managing Director and Board logistic committee to determine performance
stage set-up, including sound and lighting requirements
• Follows and stays within the approved annual budget.
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Public Relations
• Fosters the development of good relations with other local arts organizations by participating in meetings and joint activities where appropriate
• Clearly communicates artistic and logistical decisions with directors of other organizations for collaborative performances.
• Support stewardship through engagement with sponsors and donors.
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Information about Flagstaff:
At an altitude of 7,000 feet, Flagstaff is nestled in the Ponderosa pines of Northern Arizona. Read more about Flagstaff here!​​​​​​