Artistic Director Information

Background

Vanguard Voices is a 70+ auditioned SATB chorus established by the Dearborn Recreation Department. For many years, the chorus has provided a place for performers interested in singing traditional and contemporary choral music, a cappella, with instrumental ensembles, and with area symphony orchestras.

Vanguard Voices was awarded second place in the mixed choir competition at the 2001 Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod in Wales. Most recently, Vanguard Voices was invited to perform Sing to the Lord a New Song by Steven Errante with Steven Errante conducting in his final performance with the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra in North Carolina in April of 2025. The choir has recorded 4 CDs.

Job Description

Beginning in the fall of 2027, the Artistic Director, in conjunction with the Board, will be responsible for choosing the repertoire as well as running the weekly rehearsals, which run for up to 3 hours on Thursdays. In addition, they will be responsible for auditioning new members for the chorus. There are two concerts per session, four per season. The total time commitment is around 140 hours a year, not including the time to prepare and choose the music.

The selected Artistic Director will conduct Vanguard Voices. The Artistic Director would be an independent contracted employee by the City of Dearborn Parks and Recreation Department. The Artistic Director would work closely with the Vanguard Voices Board of Directors in selecting appropriate music of a challenging nature. The Artistic Director serves on the Board and attends board meetings ex officio. The Artistic Director would plan and execute all of the concerts in conjunction with the Board.

The Artistic Director will have access to the City of Dearborn Music Library and an annual budget to order new music. The Artistic Director will create or find practice recordings to assist in the learning of the music.

Members of Vanguard Voices have also toured domestically and internationally as the opportunity has arisen. Any discussion of travel would include the Artistic Director. Travel is coordinated by Vanguard Voices. The Artistic Director’s travel/lodging would be covered by the Choir.

The total stipend is $7000 paid in two installments, December and May. The contract will be for one year with additional renewals upon mutual consent.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in Choral Conducting, Vocal Performance, Music Education, or related field

● Demonstrated experience conducting advanced SATB choral ensembles

● Strong knowledge of choral pedagogy, vocal technique, diction, blend, and ensemble musicianship

● Proven ability to rehearse efficiently and achieve high artistic standards

● Experience programming diverse repertoire spanning classical, contemporary, multicultural, and commissioned works

● Excellent score study and conducting skills

● Experience auditioning and evaluating singers

● Ability to inspire singers while maintaining musical excellence

● Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills

● Experience collaborating with accompanists, section leaders, instrumentalists, and guest artists

Preferred Qualifications

● Graduate degree in choral conducting or related discipline

● Experience leading community or semi-professional auditioned choirs

● Familiarity with festival preparation, touring, recordings, or competition performance

● Strong piano proficiency sufficient for rehearsal leadership

● Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and diverse programming

● Experience with fundraising collaboration, audience development, or community outreach

● Knowledge of healthy vocal production across adult voice types

● Experience commissioning or premiering new choral works

● Ability to recruit and retain high-level singers

EVALUATION

All resumes received will be evaluated based on Experience, Qualifications and Overall Fit for the position.

SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS

Submit a resume listing the following:

a) Experience

i) Describe the positions (including years of experience) in which you have conducted choirs. Include a detailed résumé and music portfolio listing examples of repertoire performed.

ii) Provide references for past choral positions held, including name of establishment, full address, dates of service, contact name, e-mail address, and contact telephone number for reference checks.

b) Qualifications

i) Describe how you meet or exceed the minimum qualifications (degrees, etc.)

ii) Describe how you meet the preferred qualifications (i.e., experience conducting ensembles).

Priority will be given to applicants who apply by September 1, 2026.

All questions can be submitted to vanguardvoices@gmail.com