Logo
job logo

Artistic Director, Women's Antique Vocal Ensemble (WAVE)

Jacksonville Children's Chorus, Berkeley, California, United States, 94709

Save Job

Women’s Antique Vocal Ensemble (WAVE)

wavewomen.org

Search for Artistic Director, Winter 2026

We are an auditioned women’s chamber chorus which has been part of the Bay Area early music community for 25 years. Our current artistic director is retiring at the end of our 2026 spring concert set, and we seek a dedicated and enthusiastic director for our fall 2026 season and potentially beyond. We invite candidates to apply.

WAVE’s goal is to promote music of the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods (although our repertoire is not solely limited to these periods) and to further the advancement of music for and by women through research and performance. We perform a cappella and with a variety of period instruments.

The Artistic Director will select repertoire, conduct both the singers and guest performers, audition members, and collaborate closely with the Board. Rehearsals are held Tuesday evenings in Kensington, CA from 7:00-9:00pm. The group performs in two concert sets: winter and spring. Specific dates are determined by availability of artistic director, venues, and guest instrumentalists. Compensation is $9500 to $11,000 base salary per year, depending on experience.

Requirements

Knowledge of early music

Experience directing choirs

Knowledge of vocal technique and how to help choir members to improve

Ability to promote an internal culture of civility, respect, and community

Excellent written and spoken communication skills

Excellent organizational skills

Ability to lead a well-planned and productive rehearsal

Preferred

Familiarity with music notation software

Experience with a cappella, chamber chorus

General Responsibilities

Auditions new singers

Selects, procures, and distributes electronic scores of selected music before the beginning of each set

Attends Board meetings as needed

Presents artistic programming vision for upcoming sets to the Board ahead of season

Sets the program and schedule for the concert year (two sets per year), subject to Board approval

Provides reports and updates to the Board and/or group, as needed

Prepares singers for additional performances as they arise

Rehearsal Responsibilities

Rehearses and prepares singers for concerts, including weekly Tuesday night rehearsals, Saturday retreats (1 per set), dress rehearsals, and any other special rehearsals as need is determined

Teaches music and proper text pronunciation

Provides audio and text pronunciation guides for rehearsal aids as needed

Communicates regularly with singers regarding rehearsal notes and preparation

Determines a singer’s eligibility for participation in performance if missing more than three rehearsals

Works with guest performers as appropriate

Clearly communicates expectations to the singers

Concert Responsibilities

Conducts choir in performance

Selects guest performers

Creates a standing arrangement

Determines and coordinates stage movements (entrances and exits, bows, placement changes)

Writes program notes and concert synopsis

Provides text and translations for printing in the program

Key details about the application process

Application deadline has been extended to March 2, 2026

To apply, please send the following to wavewomensing@gmail.com

Resume

Cover letter stating your interest in the position and explaining how your skills and experience combine to make you an excellent candidate

Any additional materials you choose

In the subject line put “Director Search”

Application Deadline: March 2, 2026

Interviews and conducting auditions will be in March and early April. More specifics will be announced shortly after the application deadline.

We look forward to hearing from you!

#J-18808-Ljbffr