Artistic Director, Women's Antique Vocal Ensemble; WAVE

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.

• 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

• Familiarity with music notation software
• Experience with a cappella, chamber chorus

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Final date to receive applications has been extended to March 2, 2026
• To apply, please send the following to
• 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”
• Final date to receive applications:
  March 2, 2026
• Interviews and conducting auditions will be in March and early April. More specifics will be announced shortly after the Final date to receive applications.
• We look forward to hearing from you!