Position Overview:
The Binghamton Downtown Singers, a dynamic and diverse community choir that has been performing and
enriching the cultural fabric of our city for over 40 years, is seeking a skilled and enthusiastic Interim Conductor
to lead the ensemble for the 2023-2024 season, with potential for a longer-term engagement. As the Interim
Conductor, you will have the opportunity to showcase your conducting skills and inspire our dedicated singers
to achieve artistic excellence while fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for singers of all
abilities and styles. This is a unique opportunity to work with an organization that is deeply rooted in the
community, with a strong belief in the transformative power of music and the importance of fostering a sense
of belonging through choral singing.
Responsibilities:
Conduct weekly rehearsals for the Binghamton Downtown Singers, held every Sunday from September to June,
from 7:00 pm to 9:15 pm at the Sarah Jane Johnson Church in Johnson City.
Teach and guide the choir members in vocal techniques, musicianship, and performance skills, accommodating
various learning styles and abilities, while being aware of the Mission of the DTS (see below).
Select and prepare repertoire for performances, ensuring a balanced program that appeals to a wide range of
musical tastes and showcases the choir’s abilities.
Collaborate with Pej Reitz, the hired accompanist, and the full orchestra for the annual Messiah performance,
with dress rehearsals scheduled on December 7-8 and the performance on December 9.
Organize and lead the annual Spring Concert, typically held on the first or second weekend of June, featuring
orchestra-accompanied choral works, although piano accompaniment may also be considered.
Maintain open communication with the Binghamton Downtown Singers board, providing updates on rehearsal
progress, repertoire choices, and any other relevant information.
Ensure a positive and nurturing environment, where singers feel supported, encouraged, and motivated to
achieve their full potential.
Qualifications:
Excellent interpersonal skills and a compassionate approach, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
Patience, understanding, and the ability to inspire individuals with diverse learning styles and abilities. Being
mindful of the fact that the DTS are a non-audition choir.
Demonstrated experience and expertise in conducting choirs/orchestras/ensembles of various sizes and
capabilities.
Proficiency in vocal instruction and the ability to effectively communicate and teach vocal techniques to singers
of all levels.
Strong knowledge and understanding of various music genres, with experience conducting a wide range of
musical styles.
Availability to commit to rehearsals, performances, and occasional meetings or events throughout the season.
Familiarity with the Binghamton Downtown Singers and their repertoire is a plus, but not required.
Application Process:
If you are interested in this position, please reach out to the current Associate Artistic Director, Peter Sicilian,
associatedirector@downtownsingers.org to express your interest and ask any questions you may have. In your
communication, please include your bio, resume, and cover letter detailing qualifications, experience, and
availability for an interview. The Associate Artistic Director will provide further details on payment, scheduling,
and any additional information needed.
If chosen as one of the final contenders, you will receive two complete rehearsals with the choir. During these
sessions, you will showcase your vocal warm-up skills and lead the preparation and teaching of four
movements from Handel’s Messiah. You will have the freedom to select three movements of distinct styles,
while the Artistic Staff will choose a common piece for all the final candidates. These activities are scheduled to
commence on September 10, 2023.
We understand the urgency of filling this position, so we encourage you to respond promptly. We appreciate
your time and consideration and look forward to finding the ideal candidate who shares our passion for music
and the Binghamton Downtown Singers.
Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and its responsibilities. It is
subject to change based on the needs of the organization and the agreement between the chosen candidate
and the Binghamton Downtown Singers.
Mission Statement of the DTS
www.downtownsingers.org
Our mission is to offer residents of the Greater Binghamton, NY area a chance to perform and enjoy high
quality choral works. We welcome all members of the community to either sing with us, without audition, or
to enjoy our concerts at little to no cost.
Our guiding philosophies to meet our mission include: The Binghamton Downtown singers welcomes any
singer, regardless of ability and without audition; the ability to read music is not required. We teach master
choral works in an inclusive environment and perform with a professional orchestra in order to foster a lifelong
love of singing. We seek to bring in audiences not typically exposed to this type of music through outreach and
strive to keep our ticket costs low. In addition, we will not turn away anyone due to lack of funds.