Artistic Director
Description
In recent history, WCPA has only had one artistic director who has directed both choruses. For this search, the organization is considering splitting the position into two positions, with a dedicated artistic director for each chorus. These two artistic directors would each lead their individual chorus and collaborate on the overall artistic direction of the organization, as well as on the theme and logistics of combined concerts.
Depending on applicant attributes and interests, the organization may combine these positions to form one position of artistic director for both choruses.
Responsibilities
The following responsibilities apply to the duties of each artistic director in relation to their chorus:
- Mainstage concert preparation and direction
- Plan and and execute a concert preparation for each mainstage concert, working collaboratively to plan concert themes and logistics with WCPA artistic and administrative staff and volunteers
- Work collaboratively with WCPA finance staff to budget for all mainstage concerts and track spending according to the approved budget
- Conduct one weekly rehearsal and collaboratively conduct at least one all-day rehearsal, historically on a Saturday each prep
- Collaboratively plan and conduct all combined rehearsals for each concert prep
- Work with assistant directors to plan schedules and coordinate sectionals and substitutes as needed
- Oversee auditions of the chorus, working with membership leadership to ensure dates and space are reserved for auditions
- Conduct mainstage concerts of the chorus and select performances of the combined choruses
- Additional Performance Opportunities*
- Evaluate all additional performance opportunities for feasibility and potential organizational gain
- Advise the Executive Director and/or Board of Directors on all additional performance opportunities for the chorus
- Coordinate with assistant directors to plan rehearsals and determine needs for each performance
- Equitably and transparently select members for performance opportunities
- Conduct rehearsals and performances; delegate rehearsal and performance to responsibilities to assistant directors as needed
- Communicate with performance organizers to ensure all artistic and logistic elements are prepared for performances, or oversee that tasks are completed by assistant directors
- Evaluate results from all additional performances
- Community
- Assist membership leadership with facilitating a welcoming, respectful, and safe community for all members
- Work with WCPA staff and volunteers to ensure a welcoming and enjoyable experience for all patrons, donors, and guests at performances and rehearsals
- Create and maintain meaningful relationships with the WCPA community
- Promotion and fundraising
- Collaborate with WCPA’s marking staff and volunteers to successfully promote all performances of the chorus
- Strategize with WCPA staff and board of directors on growth of the organization’s public recognition
- Promote WCPA’s mission and positively represent the organization publicly
- Attend all major fundraising events annually and attend donor meetings as requested by the Executive Director
- Administration
- Monitor email inbox regularly (at least 3 days a week) and respond to all messages in a timely manner
- Communicate with volunteers and staff to ensure materials and music are available for all rehearsals and concerts, both in person and on the chorus’s membership portal
- Prepare an artistic report each month; attend board meetings as requested
- Meet with the Executive Director to provide updates on concert preparations and collaborate on organizational direction
Mission Statement & Background
Windy City Performing Arts (WCPA), a 501(c)3 organization, sings to inspire change, celebrate diversity and honor the dignity of the LGBTQ+ community.
Founded in 1979, WCPA is one of the oldest LGBTQ+ musical organizations in the country and currently comprises two choruses: Windy City Gay Chorus (WCGC), a tenor/bass chorus, and Windy City Treble Quire (WCTQ), a soprano/alto chorus. Each performs a variety of musical styles from classical to pop, striving for musical excellence in everything they perform. The choruses have a history of performing major choral works with a broad range of styles and have a strong history of commissioning original works. Most recently, the choruses have been invited to perform with Marin Alsop and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Hugh Jackman in concert and for Considering Matthew Shepard at Ravinia. The choruses perform two to three concerts a season (Holiday, Spring, Early Summer), with each group being highlighted individually and combining for SATB pieces.
WCPA is a community chorus that comprises a diverse collection of singers from across the Chicagoland community. The choruses are committed to performance excellence and represent a significant social outlet for members to share their love of music and performing. WCPA is a community of people, of which the artistic director is a significant member.
Requirements
Qualities and Qualifications
- Significant experience planning, leading, and directing choral music rehearsals and performances; experience working with adult choirs preferred
- Availability for rehearsals of the chorus
- Windy City Treble Quire- Mondays 7:30pm-10:00 pm
- Windy CIty Gay Chorus- Wednesdays 7:30pm-10:00 pm
- Strong musical ability, including reading, listening, and analyzing skills
- Strong teaching ability, including teaching to a spectrum of musical abilities and capabilities
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Adventurous and cohesive programming choices that challenge members, engage audiences, and promote WCPA’s mission
- Able to engage with audiences and donors about programming in a meaningful way
- Interested in investing in the organization and collaborating on the long term vision for the chorus
- Able to professionally collaborate with staff, board, and volunteers on programming and organizational operations
Benefits & Perks
Compensation
- The artistic director position (2 positions) is a part time employee position with rate negotiable based on experience, with a range of $25-$40/hour
- Estimated hours per concert prep is 60-80 hours per chorus, including personal score preparation and rehearsal planning time
- Additional weekly hours for meetings and other administrative tasks
- *Additional performance opportunities will be compensated in addition to concert prep hours
- Outside of rehearsals and concerts, position is a flexible schedule with employee working from home
- Opportunity to work on projects collaborating with guest composers and artists
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Windy City Performing Arts
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Windy City Performing Arts sings to inspire change, celebrate diversity, and honor the dignity of the LGBTQ+ community. Windy City Performing Arts (WCPA) was incorporated in 1983 as an independent not-for-profit umbrella organization for Windy City Gay Chorus, Aria: Windy City Women’s Ensemble (later renamed to Windy City Treble Quire), Unison: Windy City Lesbian and Gay Singers, and Windy City Slickers. (Unison and Windy City Slickers are currently on hiatus.) Each ensemble in WCPA performs a variety of musical styles from classical to pop. We pride ourselves on musical excellence regardless of the style of music. The choruses have a history of performing major choral works including special commissioned pieces.