The Mystic Chorale is seeking applications and nominations for the position of Music Director. This creative position would begin in 2027.

The mission of the Mystic Chorale is to make music a participatory experience, promoting singing as an act of compassion while exploring through song the musically rich and diverse cultures that abound in this world.

About the Mystic Chorale

The Mystic Chorale is a non-auditioned adult chorus founded in 1989 with the guiding principles that everyone can learn to sing and that by encouraging audience participation in our concerts, we create a shared musical experience connecting the chorale and the audience. The repertoire includes a broad range of styles from jazz, pop, folk, gospel and world music traditions.

For many years, the Chorale has run three separate fall, winter and spring seasons. In any one season the Chorale attracts between 150 - 200 singers with a wide range of singing experience and  musical skills such as the ability to read music and the ability to independently learn music.  Singers audition for soloist positions.

The Chorale rehearses each Tuesday for an 8-10 week season with two evenings of sectional rehearsal and a dress/technical rehearsal. Rehearsals are held in Arlington, MA, and concerts are held in various venues in metro Boston. We perform one or two concerts per season.

The Music Director

The Music Director is responsible for promoting the mission, vision and values of the Mystic Chorale. The ideal candidate is an experienced choral conductor, a compassionate teacher, an energetic leader who is warm and engaging, and an imaginative community builder. The Music Director reports to the Board of Directors and works closely with the Programming and Publicity Committees, the Administrative Director, and a large cohort of committed volunteers.

Specific roles and responsibilities:

• In collaboration with the programming committee, develops season theme, title and dates for the season
• Selects repertoire, writes arrangements or suggests octavos to purchase within the scope of the seasonal budget
• Selects rehearsal accompanist (as needed), concert band musicians, guest artists; negotiates fees and deliverables
• Creates/provides practice materials for the chorale for the beginning of the season.
• Every effort should be made to use or write arrangements that are clear and accessible to a wide range of musical abilities
• Conducts weekly rehearsals, auditions and selects soloists. Teaches vocal parts for each section remembering that not all singers read music
• Mentors singers and soloists creating opportunities for them to improve skills
• Writes arrangements for the concert band and conduct concert band rehearsal
• Conducts dress rehearsal and season concert(s)
• Fosters a positive and respectful environment at all rehearsals and performances
• Collaborates with the publicity team on video projects, media interviews and PR material
• While traveling is not required, there may be occasional opportunities for touring with 40-60 singers from the membership

Candidate Qualifications

• Minimum of five years’ experience conducting choruses similar in size and style to the Mystic Chorale
• Experience in all aspects of planning, rehearsing, and conducting choral music concert performances including development of arrangements when necessary
• Instructional skills in the use of best practices in vocal production and vocal techniques.
• Extensive knowledge of choral music literature and ability to incorporate a wide variety of jazz, pop, folk and world music traditions into each season’s repertoire.
• Ability to teach, motivate and inspire chorale members, and to attract and retain musical talent
• Commitment to support the growth and development of the Mystic Chorale and its efforts to engage the community in choral singing
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with the Board and Programming Committee and as a member of a team
• Flexibility, good humor, adaptability, and a passion for excellence
• Commitment to and ability to nurture a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

To apply

Please send an email with resume to president@mysticchorale.org.