Associate Music Director (PYCE)
PYCE is comprised of the Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale, the Philadelphia Girls Choir, and the Commonwealth Youth Choir. Each program contains multiple age-based ensembles, encompassing a holistic music education and performance experience for children ages 6-18.
Our Mission: Inspiring young singers through music education and world-class performances.
Our Vision: We envision a world where people cherish and support choral music, connect to a global community, and unite through singing.
Our Core Values:
- Artistry: We aspire to achieve excellence by meticulously attending to musicianship, guided by a deep appreciation for the origins and cultural significance of our repertoire selections.
- Community: We aim to cultivate a sense of belonging among all who perform and support our work, creating connections rooted in mutual respect, empathy, and shared passion.
- Learning: We foster a culture of continuous growth, embracing creativity and curiosity as essential tools in the pursuit of excellence.
- Access: We strive to remove barriers to participation by providing the supports necessary for success.
- Diversity: We commit to cultivating a community that attracts, honors, and reflects the richness of Greater Philadelphia.
General Statement of Responsibilities
The Associate Music Director is responsible for overseeing select ensembles within PYCE and is critically important for its success. This individual is passionately dedicated to carrying out the operational mission and strategic priorities of the parent organization – Philadelphia Youth Choral Ensembles (PYCE). The Associate Music Director leads a culture of musical excellence, professionalism, collaboration, accountability, and inclusion amongst, and between, all singers. The Associate Music Director is responsible for the conduct and safety of all choristers in their care and must ensure behaviors and activities are appropriate and aligned with guidelines established by the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.
We are currently seeking more than one Associate Music Director to direct one or more ensembles in our organization. This is a part-time position with main activities limited to 10 months of the year (late August – early June). Hours are a combination of conducting and administrative tasks. Approximately 5-7 hours per week depending on the number of ensembles directed.
Artistic Performance Responsibilities
Develop the overall quality and signature sound of one or more of the following ensembles:
- Prelude – Early Elementary-aged singers new to singing (Kodaly based curriculum) 3 rehearsal groups per week meeting once per week
- Anonymous – Select group of High School-aged advanced singers
- TTBB Ensemble – Middle/High School-aged changed voice (Tenor and Bass) singers
In coordination with Artistic directors and associate music directors, select musical repertoire to be performed each season collaboratively with all PYCE choirs
- Work with the Director of Education to implement the PYCE choral music education curriculum in rehearsals
- Determine the number and types of rehearsals required to learn each season’s musical repertoire
- Design and determine staging to optimally present ensembles both acoustically and visually
- Conduct ensemble(s) at scheduled performances
- Seek performing opportunities outside of regularly scheduled performances
Artistic Administrative Responsibilities
- Participate in auditions and recruitment efforts with the PYCE Artistic Directors where appropriate
- Conduct voice checks at the beginning and/or end of each season as appropriate
- Monitor attendance of singers to ensure high levels of participation and work with operations staff to follow up on absences as necessary
- Notify administrative staff of any additions to the roster, drops, or movement between ensembles
- Represent and advocate for PYCE as visible and active members of the greater Philadelphia performing arts community
Essential Qualifications
- Energetic, friendly, and professional demeanor; enjoys working with the children, parents, and meeting new people
- Bachelor’s degree in music or music related field required, Master’s degree a plus
- Excellent communication skills
- Punctual, professional, and reliable; ability to work and complete tasks independently
- Strong collaborator
- Prior experience with youth choir a plus
CYC 2025-2026 rehearsal schedule:
Tuesdays
Prelude
5:30 – 6:30 pm
TTBB
5:45 – 7:15 pm
Anonymous
7:30 – 9 pm
Wednesdays
Prelude
4:45 – 7:00 pm
Rehearsal Locations: First Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave, Phila. PA and 1336 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Salary Range: $7,000 – $13,000 with final annual compensation dependent on number of ensembles directed
PYCE encourages applications from all backgrounds and walks of life. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, veteran status or any other protected status covered by federal, state or local law.
To apply, please email resume and cover letter to mfrank@pycemusic.org