Job Opportunities

Soprano Section Leader

Purpose

The purpose of the Choral Scholar/Section Leader is to: help the members of Westminster Chorale learn and perform music through musical and leadership skills, occasionally sing solos/small ensemble pieces throughout the year, work to carry out the overall vision of the Director of Music and Arts, and help foster a choral community of inclusion, support, respect, trust, unity, and commitment.

Job Title Reports To

Choral Scholar/Section Leader Director of Music and Arts

Responsibilities and Duties

  • Attend all scheduled rehearsals for the Westminster Chorale during programming year (September-May)

  • Attend all worship services which the Westminster Chorale serves, and other performances by the Chorale, e.g. dress rehearsal/performances for Fine Arts Series concerts, Holy Week/Christmas Eve services, any other special concerts/services

  • Attend all worship services which the Summer Choir serves during the months of June, July, and August

  • Assist choir members with parts or instructions as needed during rehearsals

  • Sing solos and/or sing in small ensembles on a regular basis if and as requested by the Director.

  • Work in a professional manner with all staff and people within the music ministry with an emphasis on positive behavior, attitude, attendance, focus, and punctuality at rehearsals and performances

  • Run sectionals as needed in rehearsals throughout the year

Required Abilities

  • Excellent musicianship: proficient sight reading, strong vocal skills, pitch sense, ability to blend with choir and sing a wide variety of sacred repertoire

  • Excellent musical leadership: singing in such a way to provide support for volunteer singers, regularly engaging in opportunities to help volunteer singers during rehearsal, singing confidently as a soloist or small ensemble member

Additional Considerations

  • Excused absence will be granted when requested sufficiently in advance from the Director; however, an absence results in not being compensated for the missed call

  • Unexcused or excessive absences at rehearsals or performances will be noted in the singer's evaluation

  • Absence for illness or emergency will normally be excused by the Director, but communicating promptly with the Director is required

Evaluation

  • Evaluation takes place annually and at the discretion of the Director of Music and Arts, with input from members of the Music Ministry

  • Musical initiative and singer's vocal leadership of his/her section will be important evaluation factors, as will general attitude and spirit of helpfulness, including punctuality and attendance

  • Employment as a Section Leader is at-will, and decisions on continuation of service will consider performance reviews and availability of funding

Audition Process

  • All applicants under consideration must complete an interview and audition with the Director. The audition process consists of consist of singing a prepared solo (limited accompaniment is provided), vocalizations, sight reading, and tonal memory exercises.

Compensation

  • Choral Scholars/Section Leaders are paid at a competitive rate on a per call basis with an average of two calls per week

Interested applicants can: