Announcing New Available Position!

Los Alamos Youth Chorus Director

The Santa Fe Symphony Education & Community Department is seeking a youth chorus director for the Los Alamos Youth Chorus – LAYC (middle/high school-aged students).

Los Alamos Youth Chorus Director (LAYC)
Employer & Location: The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus – Santa Fe, New Mexico
Reports To: Elizabeth Young, Youth Program Director
Position Type: Part-time, 10 months (August 1-June 1)
Hours per week
● 2-2.5 hours of rehearsal per week, divided between one or two days per week, for 24 weeks (12 weeks per semester)
● 3-4 hours of administrative work per week to support ensemble operations, attend monthly staff meetings, support and participate in 3-5 performances per year; weekly hours may increase during audition and performance weeks and may decrease at other times during the year
Start Date: August 1, 2025; negotiable based on final job duties as assigned
Other Info: The candidate for this position may also be considered for the Los Alamos Youth Children’s Chorus Director position, and one candidate may receive an offer to be the chorus director of both ensembles.

Our ideal candidate for this position can …
● teach the technical and musical fundamentals of singing to middle/high school-aged students (LAYC)
● collaborate positively with colleagues and build strong relationships with students and families
● be an enthusiastic representative of The Santa Fe Symphony in the Los Alamos community
● participate in recruiting efforts and motivate students and families to join our programs and the youth choruses
● uphold high musical and conduct standards while also maintaining a kind and respectful demeanor
● connect with private teachers, classroom teachers, and the music educators in their students’ lives to help them succeed in our youth choruses
● inspire students to love making music together and to continue participating in our youth programs

Overview of Expectations
● Conduct the LAYC during all rehearsals and performances
● Collaborate with the Youth Program Director to select repertoire that is level-appropriate, culturally responsive, and musically rewarding
● Establish educational objectives for the ensemble each semester to ensure student progress, success, and preparedness to audition for the Choral Scholars apprentice program when appropriate
● Plan rehearsal activities that support level-appropriate knowledge of music theory and note reading, and promote an appreciation of vocal and choral repertoire
● Communicate in a friendly and professional manner on a weekly basis with students and families to provide updates, practice assignments, schedule reminders, and all other necessary details
● Foster a positive and motivating atmosphere in rehearsals, encouraging teamwork and a strong sense of community within the choruses
● Collaborate with other ensemble directors to plan unique performance experiences for chorus members
● Participate in recruiting efforts in our schools and community
● Attend monthly staff meetings and participate in auditions throughout the year
● Prepare all scores and parts for ensemble members
● Other artistic duties as assigned

Qualifications 
● Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in music or music education strongly preferred
● Proven experience as an ensemble leader and/or conductor
● Teaching experience in a large-group setting
● Strong communication, leadership, and organizational skills
● Demonstrated knowledge of age- and level-appropriate choral and vocal repertoire
● Engaging, enthusiastic, and up-beat personality
● Experience working with diverse learners and accommodating different learning styles
● A strong commitment to providing an inclusive environment for all students and families

Compensation
Compensation will be negotiated with final candidates based on schedule and negotiated job duties. These positions are part-time and paid as W-2 employees (no benefits offered). Questions about compensation can be sent to Elizabeth Young at eyoung@santafesymphony.org.

To Apply
Please submit a resume, cover letter, and the contact information of two professional references to Elizabeth Young at eyoung@santafesymphony.org.

The Santa Fe Symphony Orchestra and Chorus is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply.