The Trenton Children’s Chorus (TCC) began its formal search for an Artistic Director as the organization prepares for the retirement of Patricia ‘Patty’ Thel. Candidates should love children, love music, and love connecting communities through music. You can find more information about the TCC, the job responsibilities, and the application process, at: Trenton Children’s Chorus Artistic Director – ACDA Job Posting, some information from which is posted here.
The TCC empowers the academic, social, and spiritual lives of children through artistry in music. It provides exceptional social and personal opportunities to the young people it serves in the greater Trenton, New Jersey area, regardless of each child’s financial situation. Founded in 1989 as an outreach project of two churches in Princeton NJ, Nassau Presbyterian Church and Trinity Episcopal Church, TCC began as an entirely volunteer-run organization. Today, TCC offers choral music education, drumming and keyboard instruction, performance opportunities, music theory instruction, tutoring, homework assistance, SAT prep, college application help, and summer camp scholarships. TCC tuition is determined on a sliding scale and no child is ever denied participation because of limited resources.
TCC is known to be one of the best children’s choruses in the country and has performed at the White House, the United Nations, the National Cathedral, and Princeton University; for the swearing-in ceremony of former Congressman Rush Holt, and for the inauguration of Governor Chris Christie; in concert with Bobby McFerrin and Dave Brubeck; and for corporate, community, church, and private events in the greater Trenton area.
The Artistic Director (AD) is the dynamic creative leader of TCC, defining and building its artistic identity and nurturing the artistic, academic, emotional, and social development of its choristers through the collaborative development of a coherent and engaging curriculum. The AD also serves as a spokesperson for TCC and plays a key role in promoting the organization locally, nationally, and internationally while building and developing audiences, participants, and donors. In partnership with the Executive Director, the AD is responsible for achieving the mission of TCC and reports directly to the Board of Trustees. Key functions and responsibilities include:
Artistic Leadership
- Provide artistic vision and leadership to achieve TCC’s mission and future growth
- Provide oversight of artistic staff and their delivery of program excellence
- Inspire artistic staff to achieve their full potential and that of their students
- In partnership with the artistic staff, develop and maintain comprehensive curriculum and choral literature for all programs
- Oversee Tuesday and Thursday choral rehearsals, direct warm-up of all choirs, and conduct the Chorale and Intermediate Choirs for rehearsals and performances
- Identify and pursue appropriate performance and enrichment opportunities for choristers at all levels
- Set the performance schedule for the year during the summer months in coordination with the Executive Director
- Provide outside venues, with at least one collaborative, for choirs other than winter and spring concerts or concerts that are “in-house”
- Develop and maintain a choral library and any instruments or materials which are essential to a music organization
Community Outreach
- Identify and cultivate collaborative community partnerships in support of the strategic plan and audience development and recruitment goals
- Maintain relationships with other choir directors outside of TCC to plan collaborative events
- Work with the Executive Director and Development Director to identify and nurture donors
- Actively participate in public and donor events, serving as an ambassador for TCC
Youth and Family Development
- Engage with students and parents to ensure participants are reaching not only artistic but also academic and social growth goals
- Establish trust with students and mentor them as they develop life skills through their participation with TCC
- Work with the Choir Manager to identify any issues with families such as academic or behavioral problems and helping seek solutions
- Work with the Learning Academy Director to identify any students that may need academic support or support for behavioral issues
- Maintain relationships with alumni
Salary and Application Procedure: Competitive salary, commensurate with experience. Send questions, letter of interest, and a CV or resume to HR@trentonchildrenschorus.org. Applications are due March 2, 2020.
