Since 2007, the Brandywine Valley Chorale has been under the direction of it’s founder, Jason Throne, who is celebrated for his innovative programming and his dedication to fostering a love for choral music. Jason will be relocating to Maine in June 2025, and we are grateful for his many contributions to the Chorale and our community. He will be deeply missed.
A search for the Chorale’s next Artistic Director is underway, with an application deadline of March 1, 2025.
Artistic Director — Brandywine Valley Chorale
Kennett Square, PA 19348 USA
Brandywine Valley Chorale seeks a dynamic part-time Artistic Director to build upon a tradition of excellence and provide a creative vision for the future. This organization, founded in 2007, is an auditioned SATB chorus, made up of 70+ members. Our mission is to foster and share the art of choral music, as well as serve the Brandywine Valley community through the pursuit of excellence in a wide variety of repertoire and performance opportunities. This position will start June 1, 2025.
REQUIREMENTS
- A Bachelor’s Degree in Choral Conducting or related area – Master’s Degree preferred
- A minimum of 5 years recent choral conducting experience performing a wide variety of repertoire
- Strong communication skills and the ability to convey musical ideas clearly to singers of varying abilities
- Knowledge and use of best practices in vocal production and choral conducting
- Experience with the use of media/technology to enhance singer preparation (e.g. posting practice tracks online)
The Artistic Director
- is responsible for all decisions regarding selection and procurement of music
- shall conduct all concert performances, particularly one in December and one in April/May
- shall audition all prospective members, and, in choosing singers, strive to maintain balance among sections
- shall foster a positive environment, prepare and plan efficient weekly rehearsals on Tuesday evenings, schedule dress rehearsals and sectionals (when necessary)
- shall work with the BVC Board of Directors to help create a budget for the year
- shall attend monthly Board meetings and abide by the By-Laws, Standing Rules, and timeline
- shall work with the collaborative pianist and other professional instrumentalists when applicable
- shall communicate with local high school choral directors and local community choirs for possible collaboration
- shall provide program notes
- shall select appropriate concert venues and dates with the Board
APPLICATION PROCESS
- Application deadline: March 1, 2025.
- Submit application to: Artisticdirectorapplication@thebvc.org
- The Search Committee will review applications as they are received and will contact applicants we wish to interview. All applicants will receive a response.
- Selected applicants will be invited to interview with the Search Committee in April 2025
- Finalists will be invited to conduct a live audition in May 2025
- Offer made to top candidate by the end of May 2025
- Contract with new director begins June 1, 2025
- Compensation based on experience
Application must include:
- Cover Letter – Provide a statement of interest including:
- Your strengths as a conductor and artistic leader
- What you hope to gain from this experience
- Your vision for the BVC moving forward
- Curriculum Vitae
- Video of you conducting a choral group
- List of choral groups you have conducted including:
- Name of group and location
- Size (number of singers) and whether the singers were auditioned or not
- How long you served as director
- Type of music performed
- Number of concerts presented each year
- Two sample programs from recent concerts you conducted
- Materials that provide documentation in support of your application, including any links to recordings of concerts you have conducted
- Names and contact information for at least three professional references
If you have any questions, please address them to Artisticdirectorapplication@thebvc.org or secretary@thebvc.org and we will respond as soon as possible.
The Brandywine Valley Chorale is an equal opportunity employer. The BVC does not discriminate against any applicant or employee on the basis of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
