Reports to: Artistic Director, DGMC
Who We Are:
The Denver Gay Men’s Chorus (DGMC) has been an LGBTQ catalyst for change through musical excellence since its founding in 1982. With more than 300 concerts in its 41-year history, this 160-member ensemble strives to entertain, educate, inspire, and empower audiences to foster acceptance and tolerance throughout Colorado’s Front Range communities.
DGMC has performed in Denver and around the U.S. in acclaimed concert halls, including Boettcher Concert Hall, the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, Gates Hall, the Paramount Theatre, the Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and Carnegie Hall. Additionally, they have delivered groundbreaking performances at Coors Field, in the US Air Force Academy Chapel, and on the steps of the Colorado State Capitol as part of inaugural festivities for Governor Jared Polis. They have traveled to 12 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. DGMC has been proud to have made joint appearances with several gay men’s choruses in major U.S. cities.
Off Kilter! is a dynamic a cappella troupe composed of singers from the larger DGMC. This 18-member ensemble performs throughout the year at numerous small venues in the Denver metropolitan area and engages communities, supports causes, and entertains audiences of all ages with a repertoire that ranges from classical to contemporary. In recognition of their musical excellence, Off Kilter! has participated in masterclasses with the King’s Singers, the world-renowned British men’s a cappella vocal ensemble, and with Dr. Ann Howard Jones, America’s distinguished clinician, adjudicator, teacher, and choral conductor.
DGMC’s future is full of endless possibilities as its mission statement, “building community through music,” drives its imaginative motivation for success!
DGMC, along with its sibling chorus, the Denver Women’s Chorus, is a member of the Rocky Mountain Arts Association (RMAA). In a single season, the choruses combined for over 15 ticketed concert performances, reaching 8,000+ audience patrons. They have partnered with many local arts organizations and nonprofits in outreach performances throughout the Rocky Mountain region.
Job Summary:
The Assistant Conductor (AC) / Ensemble Director is a part-time position that provides music instruction to DGMC, leads the ensemble group Off Kilter!, oversees solo vocal coaching, and provides musical assistance and advice when assigned by the DGMC Artistic Director (AD). Additionally, this position provides administrative support to DGMC by coordinating written and verbal communication with singers when necessary. The AC is also responsible for oversight in organizing, maintaining, and compiling material for rehearsals for Off Kilter!
The AC must always provide high levels of customer service to each stakeholder group to be successful in addition to having superlative musicianship. Other required skills of the AC include always being respectful, actively listening, and appropriately resolving conflict. We are a collaborative leadership team, and it is critical the AC adheres to all established deadlines and effectively plans schedules in advance to be successful.
Essential Functions:
- Primary responsibility is to serve as co-director of Off Kilter!, the small ensemble chorus of DGMC, which includes auditioning members, selecting music, preparing music at all rehearsals and concerts, and attending (when necessary) community outreach events or gigs.
- Attend all full-chorus DGMC rehearsals and retreats and assist AD in all areas of the DGMC musical structure, including but not limited to, sectionals, chorus outreach concerts, and tours.
- Substitute for the AD in their absence due to scheduled (i.e., PTO) or unscheduled (e.g., illness) absences.
- Maintain clear and up-to-date attendance records for all Off Kilter! rehearsals and outreach singing events using designated chorus management software.
- Collaboratively select all outreach singing events with the AD.
- Act as (or assign) liaison or as “spokesperson” to communicate with related DGMC stakeholder groups (e.g., singers, volunteer leadership council, RMAA Board, artistic staff, audience members, RMAA staff, concert musicians, etc.) when handling administrative issues such as providing detailed event plans for all Off Kilter! outreach events, all elements related to Off Kilter! rehearsals, RMAA Marketing Committee, DGMC event coordination with AD, etc.
- Assist the AD with DGMC and Off Kilter! auditions (usually in August or September and December).
- Share rehearsal plans with AD for Off Kilter! in advance of each rehearsal (or at least twice a month).
- Meet with the AD a minimum of once a week.
- Communicate regularly with the DGMC AD and RMAA Executive Director to determine musical and administrative issues such as music selection, accompaniment needs, space allocation, attendance and evaluation of each Off Kilter! singer, etc.
- Attend RMAA events as directed.
- Assist RMAA or DGMC staff with concert-related logistics as directed.
- Advocate on behalf of DGMC and Off Kilter! at community and cultural events.
- Embrace and exemplify the values of DGMC and RMAA.
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience working with vocal ensembles of various sizes
- Familiarity with a cappella and vocal jazz style of singing
- Proficient piano skills to lead sectional rehearsals; ability to read at least two open-score parts at a time
- Knowledge of vocal pedagogy
- Excellent communication and organization skills
- Ability to function in high stress situations
- A good sense of humor and temperament of joy
- Flexible schedule
Salary Range: $12,000-$15,000
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume, along with a video of a rehearsal you are leading. If you do not have a video, we request that you submit two reference letters from musicians who have been under your leadership, detailing their experience with you. You can submit materials via the link below. Application deadline is October 17.
