Asheville Symphony Orchestra - Chorus Director
Jacksonville Children's Chorus, Asheville, North Carolina, us, 28814
The Chorus Director of the Asheville Symphony Chorus (ASC) provides artistic leadership, musical direction, and vision for the Chorus. The ASC Director works collaboratively with the volunteer members that make up the Chorus, the ASC Board, and the Asheville Symphony Orchestra (ASO) to ensure high artistic standards, meaningful musical experiences for singers and audiences, and alignment with the mission of ASC.
Responsibilities
Provide artistic leadership and set the musical vision for the ASC and the Asheville Symphony Chamber Chorus (ASCC)
Select choral repertoire in collaboration with the ASO Music Director and the ASC Board, ensuring musical excellence and appropriate challenge for the ensemble
Plan and conduct all ASC and ASCC rehearsals and prepare ASC for joint concerts with the ASO
Prepare the ASC and ASCC musically and artistically for performances, emphasizing vocal technique, musicianship, diction, and ensemble balance
Audition and evaluate new and returning chorus members, and make recommendations regarding membership and section placement
Collaborate with the ASC Board on season planning, artistic goals, and organizational initiatives
Participate in long-range artistic planning to support the growth and sustainability of the ASC
Serve as an ambassador for ASC within the community and the broader arts ecosystem
Support fundraising, marketing, and outreach efforts as appropriate, including participation in special events, donor cultivation, and promotional activities
Maintain positive, professional relationships with ASC members, ASC Board members, ASO staff, guest artists, and accompanists
Required Qualifications
Advanced training in choral conducting and musical performance (Master's degree required; Doctoral degree preferred)
Demonstrated experience leading adult choral ensembles
Strong rehearsal technique and the ability to communicate musical concepts clearly and effectively
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
Ability to collaborate effectively with orchestral partners, board leadership, and volunteers
Commitment to artistic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with symphony choruses or large choral-orchestral works
Familiarity with the Western North Carolina arts community
Experience supporting fundraising, audience engagement, or community outreach initiatives
Organization / Orchestra Description Asheville Symphony Orchestra (ASO) ASO is a leader among cultural organizations in a desirable, arts-focused community. In recent years, the Symphony has experienced remarkable growth in artistic excellence, educational and program offerings, and revenue generation, reaching an audience of more than 50,000 annually through ticketed performances, community programming, and music education programs. ASO produces a variety of musical programs for the benefit of Asheville and the Western North Carolina region. Currently, these programs include 16 classical concerts, 3-4 pops programs, 4 ALT ASO chamber orchestra performances, community engagement programs such as Symphony in the Park in downtown’s Pack Square Park, recitals, and a robust music education suite that includes the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra, Music in the Schools, Young People’s Concerts, Pre-Concert Talks, Hip Hop Folktale Project and more. The Asheville Symphony also produces an acclaimed Artist Residency program and the Asheville Amadeus Festival, a 10-day celebration of arts, culture and music, both of which are produced every other year. Asheville Symphony Chorus (ASC): ASC presents choral masterworks from all centuries in the finest classical tradition. This 145-voice ensemble regularly performs with the ASO and presents independent concerts that enrich the cultural life of Asheville and Western North Carolina. Founded in 1991 by Director Emeritus Dewitt Tipton, the ASC was created to complement the ASO season and enhance the region’s cultural landscape. That founding vision continues through powerful and inspiring performances. Over the years, ASC has performed an impressive range of works with the ASO, including Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Poulenc’s Gloria, Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 1, Five Mystical Songs, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, Handel’s Alexander’s Feast, Holst’s The Planets, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, and Verdi’s Requiem Mass. ASC produces its own concerts in addition to collaborations with the ASO. Recent highlights include Handel’s Zadok the Priest, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Schubert’s Mass in G, Duruflé’s Requiem, Bach’s Mass in B Minor, and Vivaldi’s Gloria. ASC has also performed contemporary works such as John Rutter’s Ukrainian Prayer, Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass, John Rutter’s Mass of the Children (with the Asheville Symphony Children’s Chorus), and Stephen Paulus’s Heritage Songs (commissioned by the ASC). The chorus also offers their community-favorite annual Messiah Singalong.
Equal Employment Opportunity ASO provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in every aspect of the employment process. ASO does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender), national origin, age, veteran status, citizenship, disability and genetic information (including family medical history), or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. ASO will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, compensation, and training.
Compensation Compensation is commensurate with experience, within the range of $14,000 - $16,000 per year
Schedule This position is part-time and seasonal, aligned with the ASC concert season. This includes Tuesday night rehearsals, concerts throughout the season and remote work as needed.
Application Procedure Please submit cover letter and resume with the subject line “ASC Chorus Director” to: apply@ashevillesymphony.org. In addition, the following 4 videos must be attached to be considered for this position:
URL link to a 2 minute “introductory” video of the applicant describing their approach to conducting volunteer ensembles, and why they are interested in the position
URL link to a recent video of the applicant conducting a medium/large choral ensemble in a choral work in the classical/traditional style
URL link to a recent video of the applicant conducting a medium/large choral ensemble in a choral work in the contemporary style
URL link to a recent video in which the applicant demonstrates their approach to warmup exercises, vocal teaching skills, and keyboard skills
Applications that do not include the cover letter, resume, and above videos will not be considered.
Please contact Scott Gregg, President, ASC, at info@ashevillesymphony.org with any questions regarding the application process.
Application Deadline March 18, 2026
Organization / Orchestra Web Address https://www.ashevillesymphonychorus.com/
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Responsibilities
Provide artistic leadership and set the musical vision for the ASC and the Asheville Symphony Chamber Chorus (ASCC)
Select choral repertoire in collaboration with the ASO Music Director and the ASC Board, ensuring musical excellence and appropriate challenge for the ensemble
Plan and conduct all ASC and ASCC rehearsals and prepare ASC for joint concerts with the ASO
Prepare the ASC and ASCC musically and artistically for performances, emphasizing vocal technique, musicianship, diction, and ensemble balance
Audition and evaluate new and returning chorus members, and make recommendations regarding membership and section placement
Collaborate with the ASC Board on season planning, artistic goals, and organizational initiatives
Participate in long-range artistic planning to support the growth and sustainability of the ASC
Serve as an ambassador for ASC within the community and the broader arts ecosystem
Support fundraising, marketing, and outreach efforts as appropriate, including participation in special events, donor cultivation, and promotional activities
Maintain positive, professional relationships with ASC members, ASC Board members, ASO staff, guest artists, and accompanists
Required Qualifications
Advanced training in choral conducting and musical performance (Master's degree required; Doctoral degree preferred)
Demonstrated experience leading adult choral ensembles
Strong rehearsal technique and the ability to communicate musical concepts clearly and effectively
Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills
Ability to collaborate effectively with orchestral partners, board leadership, and volunteers
Commitment to artistic excellence, inclusivity, and community engagement
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with symphony choruses or large choral-orchestral works
Familiarity with the Western North Carolina arts community
Experience supporting fundraising, audience engagement, or community outreach initiatives
Organization / Orchestra Description Asheville Symphony Orchestra (ASO) ASO is a leader among cultural organizations in a desirable, arts-focused community. In recent years, the Symphony has experienced remarkable growth in artistic excellence, educational and program offerings, and revenue generation, reaching an audience of more than 50,000 annually through ticketed performances, community programming, and music education programs. ASO produces a variety of musical programs for the benefit of Asheville and the Western North Carolina region. Currently, these programs include 16 classical concerts, 3-4 pops programs, 4 ALT ASO chamber orchestra performances, community engagement programs such as Symphony in the Park in downtown’s Pack Square Park, recitals, and a robust music education suite that includes the Asheville Symphony Youth Orchestra, Music in the Schools, Young People’s Concerts, Pre-Concert Talks, Hip Hop Folktale Project and more. The Asheville Symphony also produces an acclaimed Artist Residency program and the Asheville Amadeus Festival, a 10-day celebration of arts, culture and music, both of which are produced every other year. Asheville Symphony Chorus (ASC): ASC presents choral masterworks from all centuries in the finest classical tradition. This 145-voice ensemble regularly performs with the ASO and presents independent concerts that enrich the cultural life of Asheville and Western North Carolina. Founded in 1991 by Director Emeritus Dewitt Tipton, the ASC was created to complement the ASO season and enhance the region’s cultural landscape. That founding vision continues through powerful and inspiring performances. Over the years, ASC has performed an impressive range of works with the ASO, including Handel’s Messiah, Mozart’s Requiem, Poulenc’s Gloria, Vaughan Williams’ Symphony No. 1, Five Mystical Songs, Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, Handel’s Alexander’s Feast, Holst’s The Planets, Bach’s Christmas Oratorio, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana, and Verdi’s Requiem Mass. ASC produces its own concerts in addition to collaborations with the ASO. Recent highlights include Handel’s Zadok the Priest, Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Schubert’s Mass in G, Duruflé’s Requiem, Bach’s Mass in B Minor, and Vivaldi’s Gloria. ASC has also performed contemporary works such as John Rutter’s Ukrainian Prayer, Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna, Ola Gjeilo’s Sunrise Mass, John Rutter’s Mass of the Children (with the Asheville Symphony Children’s Chorus), and Stephen Paulus’s Heritage Songs (commissioned by the ASC). The chorus also offers their community-favorite annual Messiah Singalong.
Equal Employment Opportunity ASO provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in every aspect of the employment process. ASO does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation or gender), national origin, age, veteran status, citizenship, disability and genetic information (including family medical history), or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. ASO will not tolerate any unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, compensation, and training.
Compensation Compensation is commensurate with experience, within the range of $14,000 - $16,000 per year
Schedule This position is part-time and seasonal, aligned with the ASC concert season. This includes Tuesday night rehearsals, concerts throughout the season and remote work as needed.
Application Procedure Please submit cover letter and resume with the subject line “ASC Chorus Director” to: apply@ashevillesymphony.org. In addition, the following 4 videos must be attached to be considered for this position:
URL link to a 2 minute “introductory” video of the applicant describing their approach to conducting volunteer ensembles, and why they are interested in the position
URL link to a recent video of the applicant conducting a medium/large choral ensemble in a choral work in the classical/traditional style
URL link to a recent video of the applicant conducting a medium/large choral ensemble in a choral work in the contemporary style
URL link to a recent video in which the applicant demonstrates their approach to warmup exercises, vocal teaching skills, and keyboard skills
Applications that do not include the cover letter, resume, and above videos will not be considered.
Please contact Scott Gregg, President, ASC, at info@ashevillesymphony.org with any questions regarding the application process.
Application Deadline March 18, 2026
Organization / Orchestra Web Address https://www.ashevillesymphonychorus.com/
#J-18808-Ljbffr