Conductor/Artistic Director Search

Finalist Information

The pool of applicants has been narrowed to three finalists. They are as follows: (listed in alphabetical order)

JOHN KENDALL BAILEY

John graduated from UC Berkeley as a music performance major. He is currently the director of the Voices of Musica Sacra in Walnut Creek and the Trinity Lyric Opera. For the past 18 years, John has conducted operas, orchestras, and choruses.  He teaches voice and has performed several baritone roles in operas and oratorios. John has 3 years’ experience lecturing at the university level in conducting.  He was a pre-performance lecturer for the San Francisco Opera from 1997-2002, and has been the lecturer for the Oakland East Bay Symphony since 2002.   John stated in his application materials, “I am passionate, energetic, and detailed in my approach to music-making, programming and working relationships.”

THOMAS SHEETS

Thomas received his Doctorate in Musical Arts from USC.  His most recent assignment was the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. He spent 10 years as the conductor of the Choral Union at University of Michigan. In addition, Thomas has worked as a conductor for three other community choruses, ranging from 55 voices to 150. He also served as an associate conductor for the William Hall Chorale in LA and the Master Chorale of Orange County. Thomas has taught conducting and choral literature at the university and community college level as well as conducting college-level choruses.  He is now on the Board of the Detroit Community Choir. On the topic of musical repertoire, Thomas wrote in his application, “humanity does not live by classical works alone, so the artistic mission of a community choir must include programs that appeal to diverse musical interests.”

MAGEN SOLOMON

Magen earned her doctorate in choral conducting from USC and has over 30 years of experience as a conductor, teacher and performing artist. She is currently in her fifteenth year as the director of the San Francisco Choral Artists.  She has been an Associate Professor for Choral Music at USC for the past six years.  She has also taught at the University of Santa Clara, UC Davis, and eight other colleges and universities. For 12 seasons, Magen conducted the Oakland Symphony Chorus, building it from a chorus of 60 to 150.  She conducted the San Francisco Girls’ Chorus for a season as well.  She currently edits the Research Column for the American Choral Directors’ Association (ACDA) Choral Journal.  “My mission would be to involve as many committed singers as possible in making music,” said Magen in her application.

Position Announcement

NOTE: Applications are no longer being accepted. The position description is here for reference purposes only.

The Stockton Chorale is seeking a conductor/artistic director for an auditioned community chorale of approximately 100 voices. Qualifications for this position and the duties and responsibilities are listed below.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Formal music education (advanced music degree preferred).
• Broad and thorough background in music history, choral music and conducting.
• Minimum of 5 years as a choral director.
• Experienced in conducting instrumental groups as accompaniment for choral performances.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly.
• Able to teach and create a positive learning experience.
• Able to work as a collaborative member of a non-profit organization with a volunteer Board of Directors. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the annual musical programming process of the Chorale with the Artistic Committee:

• Prepare concert programs that represent a balance among musical styles and present to the Board for approval.
• Determine instrumentation needs for orchestra or accompaniment.
• Hire musicians and soloists.
• Work within the Annual Budget approved by the Board.

• Rehearse the full Chorale weekly during the concert season and additional rehearsals as needed during performance weeks.
• Oversee music staff and consult on repertoire of the Master Chorale and Youth Chorale.
• Conduct all concert performances.
• Coordinate and audition new members for the Chorale in September and January and as needed.
• Periodically re-audition all singers.
• Coordinate and plan programs with the Stockton Symphony Orchestra or other groups (e.g., Stockton Opera Association) as contracted by the Board.
• Work with the General Manager to coordinate necessary communications with the members of the Chorale and Board of Directors.
• Recommend to the Board of Directors other musical staff, including, but not limited to, the assistant conductor, conductor of the Master Chorale, conductor of the Stockton Youth Chorale, Chorale accompanists, and other performing groups associated with the Stockton Chorale.
• Serve as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors and attend monthly meetings, and special meetings as needed.
• Prepare and present a Music Director’s Report at the monthly meetings of the Board of Directors.
• With approval of the Board, accept speaking engagements and attend functions from time to time on behalf of the Chorale.

The term of employment is subject to the terms of a contract, renewable annually.

For more information about the Stockton Chorale, please visit our "About the Chorale" page.

Interested applicants should include the following items in their application:

• Resume, including musical education, instrumental experience, conducting/artistic director experience, composing and/or arranging experience, and current references
• Three concert programs in the past 18 months demonstrating the variety of music performed
• An artistic vision for an auditioned community chorale of 100 members.
• CD audio and/or DVD video recordings of past concerts (if available); (Materials may be in physical or digital [preferred] formats)

Mail completed application to:

The Stockton Chorale
Re: Conductor/Artistic Director Search
P.O. Box 7711
Stockton, CA  95267-0711

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:  February 16, 2010