Full Name: Christopher Gordon

E-Mail Address:chris.gordon@ubc.ca

Choir:Okanagan Festival Singers

Contact Person:Christopher Gordon

Contact E-Mail:chris.gordon@ubc.ca

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR AND CONDUCTOR

The Okanagan Festival Singers

Kelowna, BC

Background:

The Okanagan Festival Singers (https://ofsingers.ca) is an auditioned SATB choir of 30 to 40 singers. The mission of OFS is to provide opportunities in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley for the performance, appreciation and enjoyment of choral music.  Since its establishment in 1986, under the guidance of founding conductor Leroy Wiens, and current director Tami Harker, the OFS has developed into one of the foremost choral ensembles in the BC Interior.  The OFS is a registered charity, with an annual budget of approximately $65,000 derived from ticket sales, membership fees, and government grants.  OFS activities are supported by the board of directors and choir manager, who in consultation with the musical director, are responsible for the logistics of communications, fundraising, publicity, and concert production.  The honorarium for the artistic director is expected to be in the range of $7,000 - $14,000 per annum, depending on qualifications, experience, and availability of funds.

Responsibilities:

• Plan the musical programs. The OFS generally perform two concerts per year, one in the Christmas season and one in the spring.  The concerts include both a cappella/piano accompanied eclectic programs and works with orchestral accompaniment.  The performance of choral works with orchestral accompaniment, however, is dependent on the budget and the conductor’s interests.

• Conduct weekly rehearsals. Rehearsals are typically 2.5 hours in length and held on Tuesday evenings from September through May.

• Audition potential new singers. The conductor determines when and how to hold the auditions.  These can be done once or twice a year or as appropriate throughout the year.

• Secure music. Music is ordered by the choir librarian once the repertoire is determined by the conductor. The OFS also owns an extensive library of scores for over 400 choral arrangements.

• Recruit soloists and players. Depending on the nature of the concert, any soloists and/or players that are needed will be recruited by the conductor.  Negotiations and business arrangements will be completed by the board.

• Choir manager. The conductor will collaborate with the choir manage on all matters pertaining to non-musical items that need to be taken care of during the rehearsal.

• Board Meetings. Since this position also includes the title of Artistic Director, the conductor is expected to attend all board meetings and be willing to collaborate with the board in the artistic direction of the choir.

Requirements:

• Demonstrated success as a choral conductor, especially of classical music, with additional experience in orchestral conducting an asset.

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in music (or the equivalent) preferably with an emphasis in choral conducting.

• Strong musical skills including the ability to work with a variety of vocal ranges and skill levels.

• Excellent knowledge of classical music repertoire and styles and the ability to select appropriate pieces for a specific concert.

• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to motivate and guide choir members to achieve their best performance.

• Flexibility to work extra rehearsals, both evening and weekends during concert season.

To apply:

• Please send an resumé and brief expression of interest (cover letter) to president@ofsingers.ca