Conductor

Position

Description:

Uniting Voices Chicago employs music educators to provide choral-based programming in partnership with nearly 90 schools and 12 community-based programs across the city serving children and youth from 3rd grade through high school with weekly or biweekly rehearsals throughout the school year. All programs perform independently 2-3 times per year in addition to joint concerts connecting Uniting Voices Chicago singers in performance.

Additionally, 1st and 2nd grade children may participate in an 8-week exploratory music program called Prelude at a few sites around the city.

The Uniting Voices team of conductors works with each other and outside clinicians/culture bearers to create a diverse set of repertoires to ensure a curriculum rich in historical context and presented with cultural integrity, appropriate to the authentic style of each piece. Conductors lead their assigned groups in addition to supporting the artistic vision of the organization through participation in planning committees and regular conductor team connections.

The Conductor provides a high-quality learning and performance experience for youth ages 6 to 18. As a faculty member with Uniting Voices, the Conductor will create meaningful opportunities for young people to express themselves, learn music authentically from an array of genres and cultures, develop their musical and performance skills, and build emotional intelligence. The Conductor will elevate the artistry of their ensembles and encourage deep exploration of the historical and social context of music and its relevance today.

In addition, they will thoughtfully engage their community and build participation and retention in their programs.

This role includes approximately 50% teaching hours; 40% planning, preparation, and community engagement; and 10% travel time. Full-time teaching hours cover up to 16 different school or community sites where programming takes place.

• Facilitate student learning in assigned choirs, incorporating the curriculum set forth by Uniting Voices faculty in addition to self-selected repertoire.
• Teach choral music through a lens of cultural responsiveness and authenticity, maintaining a dedication to equity and anti-racism.
• Seek and facilitate mission‑aligned and community-based performance opportunities for singers.
• Lead all rehearsals and performances for designated ensembles.
• Maintain rigorous learning and performance standards.
• Administer singer assessments twice yearly and use associated data to inform instructional practice.

• Communicate regularly with school and community partners to ensure the best possible experiences for all stakeholders.
• Communicate effectively with families to foster deep and meaningful relationships with Uniting Voices.
• Recruit singers for participation in programs, maintaining an ensemble size that allows for a successful experience
• Educate families on opportunities for growth within the choir and assist with promotion into more advanced ensembles when appropriate.

• Actively participate in meetings, professional development workshops, and staff training as scheduled.
• In collaboration with the Senior Program Director, support the Neighborhood Choir Program Assistant in delivering the best experience possible
• Attend and assist with organizational concerts and events.

• Strong choral music educator and conductor capable of teaching diverse music through culturally responsive methodologies.
• Dedication to anti‑racism and equity.
• Passion for working with diverse youth ages 6‑18 and for fostering deep and authentic relationships with their families and communities.
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in music.
• Commitment to collaboration in a team of fellow music educators, as part of a larger organizational staff and with families and community partners in a mission‑driven environment.

Competitive salary with benefits for full‑time employees including paid time off, medical, dental and life insurance and tax‑deferred retirement plan.

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