Philadelphia Youth Choral Ensembles
Music Director, Commonwealth Youth Choir
Job Description
Philadelphia Youth Choral Ensembles (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 Music Director is responsible for overseeing the Commonwealth Youth Choir (CYC) program and its leveled ensembles and is critically important to 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 Music Director leads a culture of musical excellence, professionalism, collaboration, accountability, and inclusion amongst, and between, all singers in CYC. The Music Director is responsible for the conduct and safety of all choristers and must ensure CYC’s behaviors and activities are appropriate and aligned with guidelines established by the Executive Director and the Board of Directors.
This is a part-time position with main activities limited to 10 months of the year (late August – early June) and one international tour each summer (9-14 days). Hours are a combination of conducting and administrative tasks. Approximately 15-20 hours per week.
Artistic Performance Responsibilities
Develop the overall quality and signature sound of CYC
In coordination with Artistic directors and associate music directors, select musical repertoire to be performed each season by CYC and collaboratively with all PYCE choirs
Work with the Director of Education to implement the PYCE choral music education curriculum in CYC rehearsals
Determine the number and types of rehearsals required to learn each season’s musical repertoire
Design and determine staging to optimally present CYC both acoustically and visually
Conduct at least one ensemble at all CYC scheduled performances
Lead and represent CYC during rehearsals and performances of each concert season and tour
Artistic Administrative Responsibilities
Participate in auditions and recruitment efforts with the PYCE Artistic Directors
Select singers and designate each to the appropriate program and voice part
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
Maintain high levels of retention and help identify and address any retention issues
Notify administrative staff of any additions to the roster, drops, or movement between ensembles
Work with the PYCE Artistic Directors to maintain consistency across the organization where appropriate, including but not limited to singer handbooks, welcome packets, High Notes, etc.
Represent and advocate for PYCE as visible and active members of the greater Philadelphia performing arts community
Select performance venues and work with Executive Director to secure and schedule
Coordinate the hiring of instrumentalists for performances when necessary
Administrative
Oversee branch activities at our Chestnut Hill location on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings
Oversee/assist branch Choir Operations Assistant in setting up and breaking down for rehearsals, communicating with parents, and preparing materials for rehearsals for all divisions of CYC
Support PYCE’s operational mission and strategic priorities
Participate in grant applications as needed
Attend official PYCE non-performance functions (e.g., receptions, fundraising events, meetings)
Represent PYCE at various civic events and public appearances to assist in the general promotion and positive public image of PYCE
Develop a strong working relationship with community music educators for promotion of PYCE
Accompany the Executive Director and/or Advancement Director in donor relationship building activities as requested
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, mentor, and ability to develop musical staff
Prior experience with youth choir a plus
CYC 2025-2026 rehearsal schedule:
Tuesdays
Prelude and Sonata
(3-5th grade singers)
5:30 – 7:30 pm
Wednesdays
Musicianship and Choral Elements
5-6 pm
Harmonia and Cadenza
(5-12th grade singers)
6:15 – 8:30 pm
Saturdays
Sonata on 2nd and 4th Sat.
Harmonia and Cadenza on 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sat.
9:00 am – 12:15 pm
Rehearsal Location: First Presbyterian Church of Chestnut Hill, 8855 Germantown Ave, Phila. PA
*Please note, these are regular hours of rehearsals, conducting responsibilities are limited to Wednesdays and Saturdays, but oversight will require presence at occasional Tuesdays or concerts outside of regular rehearsals.
Salary Range: $15,000 – $25,000 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