Santa Monica College Music Department invites applications for a part-time position as Conductor of the SMC Jazz Vocal Ensemble (Music 53 Course Outline of Record) to begin Fall semester 2024. We seek an energetic and inspirational candidate who will have a creative approach to program and concert design and a passion for teaching vocal jazz technique and styles in an ensemble context. We seek a diverse pool of candidates, who are experienced in and committed to cultivating inclusive and equitable learning spaces. Qualified candidates who do not possess a master degree are encouraged to apply under equivalency.

The position demands excellence in artistry, time management, communication, the ability to work with a wide range of singers, from beginning to advanced, and a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching and the mission of the college. The candidate will work with the SMC Music Department to create an environment that nurtures and develops the creativity, musical potential, and performance skills of the singers. 

Duties and Responsibilities 

• Prepare and lead one rehearsal per week, on Thursday evenings.  Rehearsals should contribute to the development of musical knowledge and understanding, including cultural and racial contexts, as well as vocal jazz technique and performance practice.

• Generate rehearsal schedules for students, guest artists, staff accompanists, and events support staff.

• Conduct one concert per semester (both Spring and Fall semesters) performed alternatingly at the Broad Stage and the Music Hall on the Santa Monica College Performing Arts Center campus. Concerts should reinforce singers understanding of concert etiquette and standard performance practices and encourage high standards of personal musicianship.

• Select repertoire that includes pieces from vocal jazz genres for large and small ensembles that are challenging yet appropriate for the technical ability of singers and accommodate possible flexibility of ensembles.

• Implement culturally responsive pedagogy and seek to embody an awareness of the impacts on individuals of shifting socio-political concerns.

• Coordinate and supervise auditions and lead any sectionals deemed appropriate for the ensemble.

• Coordinate with other departmental choral directors and the Music Department Chair and staff regarding needs for instruments, music, rehearsal equipment, rooms/venues, dates, programs, and production logistics.

• Prepare content for marketing materials and promotion. 

• Prepare content for the concert program and oversee its preparation.

• Maintain weekly attendance records according to SMC policy.

• Maintain office hours.

• Work outside assigned rehearsal times for dress rehearsals and performances.

 Other activities may include

• Active participation in student recruitment

• Audience building/outreach

• Coordination/collaboration with other SMC Music Department ensembles and/or developing cross-disciplinary initiatives with others in the Fine Arts departments

• Participation in conferences, festivals, and competition performances

• Develop and coordinate supplementary fundraising sources. 

• Bringing in guest artists specializing in vocal jazz.

• Assisting in maintaining a social media presence for the ensemble.

• Participating in department and college flex day activities.

• Master's in music OR

• Bachelor's in music AND Master's in humanities OR

• The equivalent.

• Graduate degree in music performance or equivalent knowledge and experience.

• Bachelors Degree (or higher) in vocal jazz performance or equivalent experience.

• Minimum of 3 years ensemble conducting experience.

• Previous experience working with students or amateur singers.

• High level of verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with students of different ages, levels of knowledge, and learning styles.

• Ability to arrange and simplify vocal parts as needed.

• Ability to create charts for instrumentalists, as needed.

• Ability to coach soloists singing alone or in a small group.

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