Lyrica Choir Director

Grades: 5th-8th
Season: 2026 – 2027
Schedule: Tuesdays 5:30-7:30pm

• BYC seeks a Lyrica Choir Director to join our artistic staff and lead our 5th–8th grade ensemble. This person will work closely with the full BYC teaching team to provide a consistent, high-quality musical experience for choristers while helping students develop strong musicianship, vocal technique, artistry, and confidence.
• The ideal candidate is passionate about youth choral education, culturally authentic repertoire, and believes students grow best when rehearsals balance joy, challenge, and meaningful musical achievement. They should enjoy working with middle school students and be excited to help young singers develop independence, leadership, and artistic expression.
• BYC utilizes a musicianship curriculum that includes rhythm literacy, solfege, IPA, sight-singing, vocal technique, and music literacy skills. Experience with Kodály-inspired teaching is highly valued, though formal Kodály certification is not required. Candidates should be willing to learn and utilize BYC's instructional approach and sequencing.
• Because BYC functions as one unified program, the Lyrica Director must be highly collaborative and willing to work closely with fellow directors to coordinate repertoire, musicianship instruction, performances, and student advancement across choir levels.
• Rehearsals are Tuesdays from 5:30–7:30pm. Directors are expected to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to rehearsal to prepare their space and be ready for choristers.
• Rehearsals begin the week of September 7, 2026, following the Bellevue School District calendar (with breaks during Thanksgiving, Winter, Midwinter, and Spring).

• Lead weekly Lyrica rehearsals in collaboration with a provided accompanist, creating a joyful, challenging, and engaging musical environment.
• Plan and teach developmentally appropriate rehearsals that build vocal technique, musicianship, artistry, and ensemble skills.
• Teach healthy vocal technique as well as musicianship concepts including rhythm literacy, solfege, sight-singing, IPA, and music literacy.
• Select and teach diverse, culturally authentic repertoire that supports choristers' musical growth and aligns with BYC's mission.
• Collaborate with the BYC teaching team to ensure consistent musicianship instruction and artistic goals across choir levels.
• Serve as a positive role model for choristers and foster a rehearsal environment where students feel safe, included, challenged, and encouraged to grow.
• Build positive relationships with choristers and families, communicating as needed regarding attendance, behavior, and student progress.
• Adapt instruction and classroom management strategies to support students with diverse cultural backgrounds and learning needs.
• Teach and conduct all Mainstage concerts and other required performances throughout the season.
• Prepare concert program notes and update rehearsal resources, including practice tracks and learning materials.
• Participate in monthly staff meetings, chorister evaluations, recruitment efforts, and other activities that support the success of the organization.
• Contribute to a positive, collaborative staff culture and support the broader mission of Bellevue Youth Choirs.
• Status: Hourly, part-time, seasonal position. September through June. Employment is for the 2026–2027 season only. Employees may be considered for future seasons, but continuation is not guaranteed.
• Pay: $55–57.50/hour for rehearsals plus 1.5 hours paid planning time per rehearsal week. Estimated annual compensation is approximately $8,500–9,000 based on the current season schedule. Optional tours and special projects are compensated separately.
• Reports to: Executive & Artistic Director, Kayla Johnson
• Location: Cross of Christ Church, 411 156th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98007. Concert locations vary.
• Concert Participation: Attendance at all Mainstage concerts is required. Tentative concert dates for the 2026–2027 season are December 5, March 13 or 20, and June 5.
• Program Continuation: This position is contingent upon sufficient enrollment and program needs. Bellevue Youth Choirs reserves the right to modify…