Full Name: Joseph Schuldhaus

E-Mail Address:joe@schuldha.us

Choir:Salt Spring Singers Choral Society

Contact Person:Joseph Schuldhaus

Contact E-Mail:joe@schuldha.us

Choir Director Position - Salt Spring Singers

About Salt Spring Singers

The Salt Spring Singers Choral Society is a vibrant community choir continually operating for over 50 years and dedicated to promoting choral singing, vocal technique, and choral musicianship on Salt Spring Island. Our mission is to provide residents with opportunities to sing together under skilled direction, perform for the community, and support vocal music education throughout the region.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Choir Director to lead our Spring 2026 season from January 3, 2026 to May 3, 2026. This contract would be extended through mutual agreement. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled conductor to work with an established community choir and help accomplish our artistic and educational mission.

Key Responsibilities

Program Development & Planning

Design, develop, and execute the Spring Concert program to support the choir's developmental, community, and financial goals

Select vocal and instrumental music for concert programs in consultation with our Music Librarian

Advise the Board on concert themes well in advance

Submit proposals for guest soloists and instrumental performers for Board approval

Rehearsal Leadership

Conduct weekly SATB rehearsals on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Provide planned rehearsal schedules by the Friday preceding each Tuesday rehearsal

Lead two one-hour sectional rehearsals each week (Soprano/Alto and Tenor/Bass sections)

Monitor each section's progress and liaise with Section Leaders as needed

Organize a mid-term workshop (on one Saturday in March – 10:00 to 2:00 PM)

Performance & Events

Oversee and conduct concert performances including both vocal and instrumental accompaniment

Conduct technical and dress rehearsal at the concert venue

Ensure concert program sequence is finalized at least 4 weeks prior to performance

Professional Collaboration

Work closely with the Concert Producer and production team

Attend Board meetings when requested to provide professional advice and guidance

Coordinate with our accompanist and Music Librarian

Arrange for qualified substitutes when unable to conduct rehearsals or performances

What We Provide

Competitive compensation $2,200 per month

All music and concert venue costs covered

Appropriate rehearsal venue rental and setup

Professional accompanist for rehearsals, workshops, and concerts

Dedicated Music Librarian support

Concert production team

Active membership in the B.C. Choral Federation

Ideal Candidate

We are looking for a skilled conductor who:

Has experience directing SATB choirs

Demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills

Can work collaboratively with volunteers and board members

Is committed to community engagement and music education

Has the ability to develop singers' vocal technique and musicianship

Can plan and execute concert programs effectively

Schedule

Contract Period: January 3, 2026 - May 3, 2026 and to be extended thereafter by mutual agreement.

Weekly Rehearsals: Tuesday evenings, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sectional Rehearsals: Two 1-hour sessions per week (schedule flexible)

Concert Preparation: Technical/dress rehearsal

Spring Concert: Evening of May 2nd and afternoon of May 3rd 2026

Compensation

Monthly salary of $2,200 (paid in arrears on the first Tuesday of each month)

Payment schedule: February 3, March 3, April 1, and May 5, 2026

Total contract value: $8,800

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit:

Resume highlighting relevant conducting and choral experience

Cover letter outlining your vision for community choral music

References from previous choral work

Any recordings or videos of your conducting (optional but welcomed)

Be prepared to conduct a rehearsal in the Fall of 2025

Application Deadline: October 15, 2025

Contact Information: President: Jean Brouard

Jean Brouard <jean.brouard17@gmail.com>

The Salt Spring Singers is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all community members. We encourage applications from conductors of all backgrounds who share our passion for choral music and community engagement.