Job Announcement: Assistant Artistic Director for the Denver Women’s Chorus
Job Title: Assistant Artistic Director, DWC / Take Note! Ensemble Director
Reports to: Artistic Director, DWC
Who We Are
The Denver Women’s Chorus (DWC) is a multigenerational treble chorus dedicated to musical excellence, building community, and advocating for social justice. DWC owes its existence to a group of brave lesbian singers who risked their livelihoods in 1984 to form a chorus that became both a safe place for its members and an outlet for musical expression. In the beginning, many singers did not allow their names to be printed in programs due to concerns they would face discrimination. Many feared for their jobs. Despite the obstacles they faced, they traveled to perform in New York and Washington D.C., joined in actions for social justice, and became the first treble chorus to perform at a Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses) festival. Today, the Denver Women’s Chorus is proud to be a trans- and nonbinary-inclusive chorus and is comprised of LGBTQAI+ singers and many dedicated allies. DWC embraces diversity, equity, and intersectional feminism. With over 170 united voices, DWC strives to promote social change through the music they create for each other and for their audiences throughout the greater Denver area.
Take Note! is the select auditioned ensemble of the Denver Women’s Chorus. Take Note! specializes in a cappella music and is typically comprised of 12-16 treble voices. Their repertoire includes pop music, traditional choral works, and original a cappella arrangements. The ensemble provides vital outreach and community collaborations through their numerous performances per concert season. These dedicated singers lend their voices to partner with other nonprofit organizations and causes, build community relationships, and promote DWC performances. They can also be booked for private events. Formed in 1985, Take Note! has been performing for concert and community audiences for more than 30 years.
DWC, along with its sibling chorus, the Denver Gay Men’s Chorus, is a member of the Rocky Mountain Arts Association (RMAA).
Job Summary:
The Assistant Artistic Director/Take Note! Director leads Take Note! and provides musical assistance to DWC when assigned by the DWC Artistic Director (AD).
Estimated commitment 10 hrs per week.
Essential Functions:
- Serve as Director of Take Note!, the small, mostly a cappella ensemble of DWC, including auditioning members, selecting music, running rehearsals to prepare Take Note! members for concerts and other events, working with the community to create opportunities for outreach gigs, and directing Take Note! at all concerts and outreach events. The AAD is expected, but not required, to also sing with Take Note!.
- Attend all full-chorus DWC rehearsals and retreats and assist the AD in all DWC musical events. The AAD may, but is not required to, sing with DWC and may conduct select music with the large ensemble in coordination with the AD.
- Substitute for the AD in their absence due to scheduled (i.e., PTO) or unscheduled (e.g., illness) absences.
- Act as (or assign) liaison or “spokesperson” to communicate with related DWC stakeholder groups (e.g., singers, DWC’s leadership council, RMAA Board, artistic staff, audience members, RMAA administrative staff) about Take Note! events and ensemble needs.
- Attend regular meetings (typically once a week) with the AD.
- Serve on DWC’s Music Advisory Committee to participate in chorus music selection.
- Attend DWC’s Chorus Council meetings on an as-needed basis.
- Assist RMAA or DWC staff with concert-related logistics as directed.
- Embrace and exemplify the values of DWC, Take Note!, and RMAA.
- Be open to and capable of actively engaging with the LGBTQ+ community and demonstrating inclusive leadership towards queer individuals and other marginalized groups and identities.
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least 2+ years of experience working with vocal ensembles
- Familiarity with a cappella style of singing
- Piano proficiency to support singers in rehearsal
- Knowledge of vocal pedagogy
- Excellent communication and organization skills
- Ability to function in high stress situations
- Positive and collaborative leadership style
- Flexible schedule
Salary Range: $11,000-$14,000
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume, along with a 15-20 minute video of rehearsal footage. If you do not have a video, we request that you submit two reference letters from musicians who can speak about your leadership ability. Please email materials to searchcommittee@rmarts.org below by June 7.
Review of materials will begin June 8. Applicants who advance to the second round of review will be contacted to schedule an interview and audition with the chorus to likely take place on the evening of June 16 or June 23.
Questions? Contact clelynchapin@rmarts.org
