Clayton State University Hiring for Artistic Director, Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program at Clayton State University Full Time

Job Title: Artistic Director, Spivey Hall Children’s Choir Program
Location: Clayton State University
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Part-Time
Job ID: 266344
About Us

Located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta, Clayton State University offers employees a diverse environment which fosters both professional and personal development. The university is committed to cultivating an environment of engaged, experienced-based learning, enriched by active community service. Clayton State offers multiple Bachelor and Master Degree programs which currently enrolls over 6,900 students in challenging campus and on-line courses.

The campus is situated just 20 minutes from downtown Atlanta on 214 beautiful acres, making access to the metropolitan area a breeze. We’ve been named a Top Workplace in Atlanta by the Atlanta-Journal Constitution for six consecutive years. And we also were named one of 79 higher education institutions across the nation in The Chronicle of Higher Education’s list of 2017 Great Colleges to Work For.

Job Summary

The Artistic Director of the Spivey Hall Childrens Choir Program at Clayton State University leads all artistic aspects of this nationally recognized program now in it’s 30th year. The ideal candidate will have a deep appreciation for the musical and emotional development of children, possessing the ability to cultivate a love for music while nurturing each child’s unique abilities within a choir setting. The Director will develop and implement a comprehensive artistic vision for the children’s choir, ensuring a balance between musical excellence, creativity, and age-appropriate repertoire.

The Artistic Director will be a passionate and experienced leader, as well as a prominent figure in the field of American choral music, who inspires young talents in the realm of choral music. The Director serves as the most visible public face of the program. This part-time position reports to the Executive and Artistic Director of Spivey Hall and oversees the musical direction of the Children’s Choir program. The Artistic Director oversees planning of all Choir activities, including performances, recordings, and tours. S/he will plan and conduct engaging and dynamic rehearsals August through May that foster a positive learning environment and encourage the growth of vocal and musical skills. S/he will lead all performances throughout the season and on the yearly choir tour in June. S/he selects music for the Children¿s Choir and the Tour Choir and approves music selection for the Young Artists Choir.

Responsibilities

Artistic Direction:

Develop and implement a comprehensive artistic vision for the children’s choir, ensuring a balance between musical excellence, creativity, and age-appropriate repertoire.

Plan and conduct engaging and dynamic rehearsals that foster a positive learning environment and encourage the growth of vocal and musical skills.

Collaborate with other artistic and community organizations to create unique performance opportunities for the choir.

Lead a successful choral program and maintain positive relationships with and Spivey Hall employees, choir staff, students, and parents.

Repertoire Selection:

Curate repertoire of the highest quality, including newly composed music and music that spans musical genres and cultures, catering to the developmental needs and interests of the young singers.

Incorporate educational and inspiring elements into the repertoire to enhance the overall learning experience.

Music Education:

Provide age-appropriate vocal and music education, focusing on developing proper vocal techniques, music theory, and ensemble skills.

Creative and innovative approach to music education and performance.

Foster a love for music through creative and interactive teaching methods, making learning enjoyable for children of all skill levels.

Performance Planning:

Prepare, and conduct SHCC and SHTC for scheduled performances. Plan and organize captivating performances, including concerts, tours, and collaborations, showcasing the children’s choir talents to the community. Submit all programs for approval of the Executive Director of Spivey Hall.

Plan and conduct weekly rehearsals Spivey Hall Children¿s Choir (SHCC) and Tour Choir (SHTC) in coordination with the Assistant Director.

Select tour destination with the assistance of the SHCC staff, citing desired performance venues when appropriate.

Submit applications for conference and convention performances when appropriate and plan and submit program repertoire. Conduct convention/conference performances.

Audition and assist in the selection of singers.

Communication and Collaboration:

Maintain open and effective communication with choir members, parents, SHCC Manager, volunteers, and community stakeholders; keep SHCC Manager informed about rehearsal schedules, performances, and other relevant information.

Collaborate with SHCC Manager, parents and volunteers to ensure the smooth operation of the choir’s activities and events.

Participate in and represent the interests of the SHCCP through attendance at SHCCP choir functions, staff meetings, parent conferences, planning of professional recordings, and printed materials (programs, ads, etc).

Administration:

Work with SHCC Manager to manage administrative aspects of the choir, including scheduling, budgeting, and recruitment efforts.

Participate in budget meetings and follow all budgetary restrictions.

Participate in fundraising and promotional activities to support the financial needs of the choir.

Participate in selection of staff members of the choir and supervise assistant director/accompanist of the SHCC and the SHTC and the director of the Spivey Hall Young Artists.

Submit appropriate correspondence when requested such as invitations and thank you notes.

Required Qualifications

• Required Qualifications

• Masters degree in Music Education or Conducting required

• 7+ years experience in directing children’s choirs or similar youth musical ensembles.

• Strong knowledge of repertoire, beginning to advanced, and a knowledge of age appropriate vocal pedagogy, music theory, and child development.

• Strong teaching and interpersonal skills essential.

• Keyboard proficiency preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Ability to teach theory and sight singing is essential. Ability to lead a successful choral program and maintain positive relationships with and Spivey Hall employees, choir staff, students, and parents, is also required.

• Ability to inspire and motivate young singers, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
• Knowledge of children’s choral repertoire; knowledge of the national landscape, trends, and best practices in the field of choral education.
• Excellent communication skills in spoken and written English. Strong planning and organization skills. Highly effective leadership and interpersonal skills.

Conditions of Employment

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with Clayton State University, as determined by Clayton State University in its sole discretion, confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. Applicants may be subject to a pre-employment drug test.

Offers are made expressly subject to the applicable federal and state laws, to the statutes, rules and regulations of this institution and to the Bylaws and Policies of the Board of Regents (BOR) of the University System of Georgia (USG), which are available for your inspection upon request.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Clayton State University is an equal employment, equal access, and equal educational opportunity and affirmative action institution. It is the policy of the University to recruit, hire, train, promote and educate persons without regard to race, color, national or ethnical origin, age, disability, gender, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or veteran status as required by applicable state and federal laws (including Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Sections 503, and 504, AREA, ADA, E.O. 11246, and Rev. Proc. 75-50). Clayton State University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. For questions or more detailed information regarding this policy please contact the Clayton State University Office of Human Resources at (678) 466-4230. Individuals requiring disability related accommodations for participation in any event or to obtain print materials in an alternative format, please contact the Disability Resource Center at: (678) 466-5445.