Job Description
Plano Civic Chorus-Artistic Director/Conductor

Position Overview
Plano Civic Chorus (PCC) seeks a highly qualified Artistic Director/Conductor beginning at the start of the 2023-2024 season. PCC has established itself as one of the premiere arts groups in North Texas, known for its innovative programming and masterwork performances. The chorus’ broad repertoire includes a variety of choral works from classical to contemporary and from sacred to secular. The chorus performs regularly with the Plano Symphony Orchestra and has been invited to perform with several notable organizations in the area, including Irving Symphony Orchestra, Imperial Brass, Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, and Richardson Symphony Orchestra. In addition to the many years of regular season programming, PCC has also toured in Europe six times. For additional information about PCC, please visit the ABOUT section of our website.

Plano Civic Chorus consists of two performing groups: Plano Civic Chorus, a 90-member auditioned chorus, and the Plano Chamber Chorus, a 26-member group auditioned and selected from Plano Civic Chorus members. Plano Civic Chorus performs three or four concerts each season while the Plano Chamber Chorus performs one to two concerts each season. Plano Civic Chorus, as well as the Plano Chamber Chorus, rehearse weekly on Monday evenings from late August through early May. 

In consultation with the PCC Board of Directors, the Artistic Director/Conductor must fulfill four major areas of responsibility:  cultivate the artistic health and growth of the organization; design, organize, and conduct rehearsals and performances; serve as an active participant and advisor to the PCC Board of Directors; and contribute to the organization’s public image, relations, and fundraising efforts.

This is a part time, salaried position. Funding for chorus activities and staff expenses comes from grants, corporate sponsors, donor contributions, ticket sales, and dues paid by the members of the chorus. 

Candidate interviews will be scheduled starting in September 2022 with select individuals invited to lead the chorus in rehearsal at an agreed upon time as part of the hiring process. Anticipated start date is July 1, 2023.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Music, with an emphasis in choral conducting
• Demonstrated experience with conducting masterworks with instrumentalists, orchestras, and with singers of various musical skills and experience
• Strong knowledge of choral techniques and vocal pedagogy
• Demonstrated ability to model superb technique and expertise of their aural picture
• Forward-thinking and well-versed in a broad range of repertoire supporting culturally diverse performances
• Ability to offer strong leadership skills as well as to balance work within a team setting
• Flexibility in working with a diverse group of volunteers and personalities
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal

Duties and Responsibilities

Cultivate the artistic health and growth of the organization

• Conduct open auditions twice annually for both Plano Civic Chorus and Plano Chamber Chorus
• Determine and identify eligible professional musicians (vocal and language coaches, orchestral performers, pianists, organists, professional vocalist of any sort, and other performers) whom PCC may hire
• Supervise all commissioned projects, including those from the artist in residence, as applicable
• Supervise the educational initiatives of the organization
• Work with the Choruses, the Board, and volunteers to promote a positive atmosphere of community within the organization
• Stay current on issues related to the field of choral music

Design, organize, and conduct rehearsals and performances

• Design each concert performance, including theme development and integration of guest artists, ensembles, soloists and visual elements
• Assist the Marketing Committee in the production of concert programs
• Organize performances for both Plano Civic Chorus and Plano Chamber Chorus, including annual concerts, outreach performances, and tours
• Select repertoire and acquire sheet music within established budgetary guidelines
• Establish, maintain, and disseminate a detailed rehearsal and performance calendar
• Communicate with the PCC Collaborative Pianist regarding the rehearsal list, tempos, and all applicable performance details
• Direct the choir in rehearsals and in concerts

Serve as an active participant and advisor to the PCC Board of Directors 

• Attend and participate in annual, regular, and special board meetings including annual leadership retreats 
• Present regular reports to the board regarding the status of the artistic programs and projects of Plano Civic Chorus and the Plano Chamber Chorus
• Contribute to the development of PCC’s Strategic Plan 
• Work with the board to establish operating plans and budgets that support the execution of PCC’s Strategic Plan and the artistic vision
• Serve as chair of the Artistic Committee, which is responsible for oversight of the Chorus’ artistic program 
• Work with the Development Committee to position grant focus and prepare grant budgets
• Write narratives as needed for concert projects 
• Actively support the PCC’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination with regard to membership, staff, leadership, audiences, resources, and supporters

Contribute to PCC’s public image, relations, and fundraising efforts 

• Represent Plano Civic Chorus and the Plano Chamber Chorus in media appearances, interviews, and written articles
• Collaborate with the Marketing Committee to publicize PCC
• Collaborate with the Development Committee to generate income for PCC
• Cultivate partnerships with individuals and organizations that expand and enhance the mission of PCC
• Network with other arts organizations, music directors, and community groups to increase the visibility of PCC
• Participate in musical and professional organizations locally and nationally
• Participate in community activities that further the name recognition of PCC

Application Materials and Procedures
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To be considered, the following materials must be received by 5pm on September 9, 2022: 

• A current CV (including significant repertoire and ensembles conducted)
• A letter of interest which addresses your qualifications and experience
• A link to a video compilation of up to 15 minutes of a performance of a chorus prepared and conducted by the candidate. Please use an online video stream platform such as YouTube, Google Drive, DropBox, etc. for the video footage
• Contact information (phone number and email) for three professional references 

Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit application materials via email to ArtisticDirectorSearch@planocivicchorus.org