Director, University Chamber Orchestra

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

8d•$1,500 - $1,700•Onsite

About The Position

The University Chamber Orchestra (UChO) is an integral component of the instrumental wing of the Performance Program. The UChO Director provides artistic leadership, musical instruction, performance guidance, and occasional individual coachings for student, faculty/staff, and community musicians interested in developing their musical proficiency and deepening their musical understanding through ensemble performance. The Director plans concert programs, trains and rehearses the UChO and the cast/chorus for the annual Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company production, leads rehearsals and performances, and provides instructional materials and feedback to student musicians. The role aims to help students improve their musical skills, deepen their understanding of chamber orchestra repertoire and ensemble performance, and nurture their lifelong involvement in the musical arts. Membership in the UChO is determined by competitive auditions.

Requirements

College or university degree in a related field.
2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Resumé/CV, that includes academic training, conducting experience, and list of orchestral repertoire performed in public with dates and ensembles indicated.
Cover Letter, including a statement of your reasons for your interest in this position.
Links to a minimum of Two Recent Conducting Videos occurring within the last 2 years, preferably one rehearsal video and one performance video.

Nice To Haves

Master of arts or music degree in musical performance from an accredited conservatory.
Substantive formal training in orchestral conducting.
Background serving as an ensemble conductor, assistant conductor, or cover conductor for an established ensemble on the community orchestra level, at another educational institution, or in a professional setting.
Training and experience in conducting opera, operetta, or musical theater.
Familiarity with working with solo and choral singers as well as with orchestral musicians.
Broad knowledge of chamber orchestra repertoire from within the Western canon of orchestral music.
Working knowledge of effective pedagogical approaches for teaching post-high-school orchestral musicians.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to work successfully with students at various technical and musical levels.
Strong organizational skills.
Dependability and accountability.
Ability to work within a well-established and broad-ranging Performance Program, and cooperate both with the Director of Performance Programs and the other PP Directors.
Availability for Monday evening rehearsals strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Plan 2 or more well-balanced concert programs for the autumn and spring quarters, appropriate to the technical and musical capabilities of the ensemble members.
Train and rehearse the UChO as well as the cast and chorus for the annual Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company production, including three public performances.
Lead all weekly rehearsals and all public performances of the ensemble.
Provide instructional materials and specific assignments to the student musicians.
Assess and document the progress of those instructed.
Provide relevant technical and musical feedback to individual student musicians, as well as advice on supplemental opportunities and advanced musical studies.
Work with students to help them improve their musical skills and deepen their understanding of chamber orchestra repertoire and ensemble performance.
Nurture students' life-long involvement in the musical arts.
Assist with recruitment for substitute or supplemental musicians as needed.
Prepare sheet music and other resources in advance of the first ensemble rehearsal each quarter.
Collect sheet music at the end of each concert cycle and return it to the appropriate library.
Make parts assignments, section assignments, and seating charts appropriate to the current skills and future development of the ensemble members.
Lead weekly ensemble rehearsals on Monday evenings from 7:00-9:30 pm.
Arrange additional sectional rehearsals, workshops, and individual coaching sessions as needed.
Create and distribute supplemental instructional materials to members of the ensemble.
Offer individual musical coaching sessions to ensemble members as needed throughout the academic year.
Recruit additional musicians to the ensemble as needed, from within the UChicago student body and the Hyde Park community, in cooperation with the Director of Performance Programs.
Advise performers on planning and scheduling recitals, supplemental performances, community engagement activities, and advanced musical study as requested.
Meet with prospective students interested in pursuing musical opportunities in the College, as requested.
Track student attendance and engagement; submit grades (Pass/Fail) to the Registrar at the end of each academic quarter.
Follow all specified steps and format guidelines for working with the Music Department’s Director of Communications, Graphic Designer, Operations Manager, and other Performance Program staff members in submitting concert information, program materials, personnel lists, and other relevant materials.
Work within a modest operating budget available for the program.
Follow all specified steps for working with the appropriate Performance Program staff member to request music purchases, instrument acquisitions or repairs, musician refreshments and/or concert receptions, guest soloist or substitute performer payments, and the like.
Follow all specified steps for reserving dates, times, and spaces for ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, and special activities with the appropriate Performance Program staff member.
Submit stage diagrams, equipment requests, and details of any additional requirements for concert performances.
Work with the Director of Performance Programs to develop joint performances, special projects, and other activities for the University Chamber Orchestra.
Contribute ideas and feedback for the ongoing development and improvement of the UChO and the Performance Program as a whole.
Check, read, and respond to UChicago e-mail messages regularly.
Consult with the Director of Performance Programs periodically about ensemble progress and/or problems that arise.
Fulfill all deadlines as specified.
Participate in staff meetings, individual planning meetings, and parent-student staffings.
Help staff to plan and execute events.
Perform other related work as needed.