Conductor Position

Chamber Singers of Iowa City (CSIC) seeks a passionate Conductor to join us for the 2025-2026 season and beyond. CSIC is a 50-70 voice auditioned community chorus performing diverse repertoire, from acappella to choral/orchestral masterworks. Since 1971, the choir has occupied a prominent place in the cultural life of Iowa City and eastern Iowa, and aspires to the highest level of music-making.

Position Title: Conductor
Organization: Chamber Singers of Iowa City (CSIC)
Term: Contract position, renewable annually in August (concert season is mid-late August through May/early June).

This role is deeply rooted in our core values:

  • Artistry: We are dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of choral music by embracing its complexity and creativity. We strive for an uncommon level of excellence, elevating the shared experience for all involved.
  • Connection: We believe in sharing perspectives and emotions that bring us closer together. Our ensemble offers a space where every voice matters, and every individual can experience the transformative power of music in a deeply personal way.
  • Commitment: Responsibility, trust, and mutual respect are the cornerstones of our music and our relationships. We show up for each other and our community, fostering a supportive and collaborative environment.
  • Unity: We celebrate the richness of human differences in our members, audiences, and programs, acknowledging and embracing diversity in all its forms.

Primary Responsibilities:

Leadership & Vision:

  • Develop and maintain the overall vision and direction for CSIC.
  • Lead the organization in achieving its musical and performance goals.
  • Collaborate with the Artistic Director and Assistant Conductor to ensure cohesive programming and performance quality,

Musical Leadership:

  • Lead weekly (currently Monday) choral rehearsals to prepare for 3-4 concerts per season, with potential additional outreach performances.
  • Lead additional dress rehearsals, as well as rehearsals with orchestra and soloists, as applicable
  • Prepare the choir musically for all scheduled performances.
  • Collaborate with the Artistic Director on repertoire selection and programming.
  • Uphold and enhance high musical standards through effective rehearsal techniques.
  • Participate in auditions in collaboration with the Artistic Director.
  • Foster vocal technique and musicianship growth among singers.
  • Work effectively with the accompanist and any guest musicians.
  • Engage and contract with orchestra, soloists and other musicians required for performances.

Administrative Duties:

  • Communicate regularly with section leaders, board representatives, and the Artistic Director.
  • Implement season programming.
  • Communicate rehearsal plans and expectations clearly to the ensemble.
  • Attend board meetings as requested.
  • Work with section leaders to track attendance and address attendance issues according to ensemble policies.
  • Contribute to concert program preparation.
  • Assist with maintaining the choir's music library in coordination with the librarian.

Community Relations:

  • Serve as a representative of Chamber Singers of Iowa City in the community.
  • Foster an inclusive, respectful, and positive atmosphere within the ensemble.
  • Build collaborative relationships with other musical organizations in the area.
  • Assist with recruitment efforts to maintain ensemble membership.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Music required; advanced degree preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience directing adult choral ensembles.
  • Strong musicianship and vocal pedagogy skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication abilities.
  • Proven rehearsal management and efficient time-use skills.
  • Understanding of diverse musical styles and periods.
  • Ability to balance high musical standards with a supportive approach.
  • Knowledge of healthy vocal techniques and choral sound.
  • Commitment to community-building within the ensemble.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively with the Artistic Director, accompanist, and board members.

Compensation:

  • Independent contractor position with compensation commensurate with experience.
  • Contract to be renewed annually.

To Apply, please submit the following materials:

  • Cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications.
  • Resume or CV highlighting relevant conducting and musical experience.
  • Names of 2-3 professional references.
  • Links to video recordings of your conducting (15 min of rehearsal/15 min of performance). Applications may be sent to info@icchambersingers.org with the subject line "CSIC Conductor Application."

Digital Materials Submission: Digital files may be submitted via your preferred file-sharing platform (YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.). Please ensure all links are accessible to the hiring committee without requiring special permissions. If sharing via Google Drive or similar services, please set sharing permissions to "Anyone with the link can view."
For video submissions:

  • Include clear URLs in your application email
  • Ensure videos remain accessible through the entire hiring process
  • If videos are password-protected, include the password in your application

Application materials may be combined into a single PDF or submitted as separate attachments to info@icchambersingers.org.

Application deadline: Sunday, June 8, 2025