Music Director

The Greenwich Village Chamber Singers are seeking a permanent, part-time music director whose term will begin on July 15, 2022. Review of applications will begin on December 1, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. 

For 45 years The Greenwich Village Chamber Singers (GVCS; formerly known as The Greenwich Village Singers) has performed secular and sacred choral music of all periods. Based in Greenwich Village, the chorus is comprised of more than 30 members from all over the greater New York metropolitan area. This vibrant ensemble is known for its intimate performances, varied repertoire and performances that feature a cappella and professional instrumental accompanists and soloists. Recent concert program repertory is available on the Concerts tab of the chorus’s website at www.gvcsingers.org. For more than four decades GVCS has provided a welcoming space for singers and contributed to the artistic life of the community. 

The chorus rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings (7:30-9:45 PM) from September 1 through May 30 of each year, usually with a break of two to three weeks from late December to early January. The music director has discretion to request ad hoc rehearsals for small groups or ensembles as required by concert demands. The successful candidate will be expected to program two to three concerts each year. GVCS has historically performed a wide range of repertoire. While GVCS values breadth and diversity in music selection, the music director will have substantial flexibility to develop programming based upon their vision for the chorus, with the sole caveat that respect for the chorus’s repertoire history should inform future programming decisions. 

In addition to concert programming and rehearsals, the music director is primarily responsible for organizing auditions and the selection of new singers. The music director will also work closely with the GVCS board of directors – a group of dedicated volunteers – to facilitate concert booking, audience development, advertising and fund-raising. This may include activities such as assisting in the development of fund-raising materials and events; providing concert programming in a timely manner following a schedule coordinated with board members; interacting with potential donors; and developing learning aids for choir members where needed. 

Applicants should hold a Masters of Music or doctoral degree in music or equivalent professional credentials. Desirable attributes include (but are not limited to) a record of creative programming, commissioning and arranging. In addition, the music director must be able to foster a positive and productive working environment in rehearsals, work closely with the administrative director of the chorus, and facilitate collegial interactions among singers and the board.