ABOUT BIG APPLE PERFORMING ARTS (BAPA)
Big Apple Performing Arts (BAPA) is the home of the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus (NYCGMC), the Youth Pride Chorus (YPC), and the Tonewall a cappella ensemble. Established in 1980, the NYCGMC is one of the first LGBTQ+ choirs and is a first-class, world-renowned New York institution and a pioneering voice for the LGBTQ+ community. It is comprised of nearly 300 talented volunteer singers of various ages, backgrounds, and experiences across a spectrum of genders, gender identities, sexual orientations,. NYCGMC has performed at a variety of settings, including concerts, festivals, conferences, weddings, memorial services, parties, fundraisers, as well as community, special, private, and corporate events. It has also made several appearances in Broadway events and on national television programs. In June 2022, the NYCGMC appeared on the 75th Annual Tony Awards.
The Youth Pride Chorus, established in 2003, is an LGBTQ+ affirming youth ensemble (ages 13-21) in collaboration with the NYC LGBTQ Center. Tonewall, established 2016, is the award-winning a cappella ensemble of the NYCGMC. Together, they are the performing groups of BAPA that affirm musical excellence, LGBTQ+ advocacy, acceptance, community, and belonging.
As an evolving organization, we are committed to positive systemic change that creates a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all staff and members. As a result of this, NYCGMC is looking for strong candidates who can weave DEI+B into their daily work, programming, production, music arrangements, and/or other necessary areas. We are a small but committed team who are passionate about music and its power to impact people of all ages and backgrounds.
Youth Pride Chorus Music Director
Job Description and Responsibilities
Reports to: Big Apple Performing Arts (BAPA) Artistic Director
Full Time/Part Time: Part time (15-20 hours per week)
Salary: $25,000
Benefits: None
The Youth Pride Chorus Music Director will lead a group of young people aged 13-22 in rehearsals to prepare them for two main-stage performances a year plus some smaller appearances that the chorus may be hired to do at the discretion of the BAPA leadership, the Director, and the availability of the singers. The Director must be a great musician who can teach young people how to sing together in a group setting. Furthermore, the Director understands the special nature of the chorus as it relates to the LGBTQ+ identity of its singers and will select repertoire that speaks to and affirms that experience. This role reports to the BAPA Artistic Director.
Qualifications
Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in music education or vocal performance with at least 3 years experience teaching vocal or choral music to young people
Proficiency on the piano to accompany all rehearsals and performances required
Ability to implement dynamic and engaging choral methods suited for multiple learners
Ability to implement vocal pedagogy for changing and growing voices
Punctual, reliable, and responsive
Self-sufficient and perseverant in pursuing long-term goals
Willing to submit to a background check
Ability to work in the United States
Responsibilities
Facilitate 3-hour weekly rehearsals (12 - 14 weeks per term)
Facilitate one all-day rehearsal per term
Facilitate all-day tech/dress rehearsal and performances
Facilitate special event performances or social opportunities
Recruit singers from NYC schools via in-person recruitment workshops and
presentations throughout the year (visiting 5 -10 schools coordinated with principals and
music teachers)
Attend weekly meetings with YPC staff and administrators
Coordinate production meetings with Production Team
Purchase, arrange songs, and/or commission repertoire
Orchestrate or commission orchestrations for accompanying band
Engage in rehearsal preparation and cycle mapping
We strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented groups to apply.
Interview Process
Candidates will be required to interview with the Artistic Director in stage 1 between May 15 and June 1, 2023. Candidates invited to stage 2 will be required to present a live demo rehearsal scheduled for June 8, 2023 with Youth Pride Chorus members. Candidates who reach stage 3 will be required to interview with representative(s) from the Executive Director and the Artistic Director.
All applicants must submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and three references to: employment@bapany.org by May 15, 2023.
BAPA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, nationality, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, BAPA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.