Choral Director
The Syracuse Gay & Lesbian Chorus (SGLC) seeks a paid, part-time Choral Director to lead our vibrant and growing community chorus beginning in September 2026.
SGLC is an all-inclusive chorus singing with pride since 1991. Our members include LGBTQ+ singers, volunteers, and allies who believe in the power of music to foster connection, celebrate identity, and strengthen community. For 35 years, we have created a welcoming and affirming musical home in Central New York where individuals can grow artistically, express themselves authentically, and contribute to meaningful choral performance experiences.
We are proud of our long history of talented, creative, compassionate, and organized artistic leadership, and we are excited to welcome our next Choral Director.
This position is open to applicants of all sexual orientations and gender identities. We seek a Director who is enthusiastic about leading a queer chorus and who is comfortable serving either as an openly LGBTQ+ leader or as a visible and affirming ally to the LGBTQ+ community.
Position Overview
The Choral Director serves as the artistic leader of the Chorus and is responsible for guiding the musical growth, performance preparation, and overall artistic vision of SGLC. The ideal candidate will combine strong musicianship with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills and will foster an inclusive, encouraging, and engaging rehearsal environment for singers of varying musical backgrounds.
Qualifications
Well-qualified candidates will possess:
- A degree in Music, Conducting, Music Education, Vocal Performance, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)
- A minimum of three (3) years of choral conducting experience
- Experience working with SATB ensembles
- Strong rehearsal planning and conducting skills
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational abilities
- A collaborative and inclusive approach to community music-making
- Experience working with volunteer or community-based ensembles is preferred
Responsibilities
The Choral Director will:
- Plan and conduct weekly rehearsals; arrange qualified substitutes for planned absences
- Conduct concerts, public performances, and special events
- Collaborate with the Board of Directors and committees on artistic planning and programming
- Select repertoire appropriate for a non-auditioned SATB chorus
- Assist singers in identifying the vocal section most comfortable for their range
- Communicate regularly regarding rehearsal schedules, music, performance preparation, and season planning
- Coordinate and supervise accompanists and additional musicians as needed
- Maintain rehearsal resources, including learning tracks via YouTube or similar platforms
- Seek out opportunities for collaboration
- Attend and report at regular monthly Board meetings
- Support a welcoming, affirming, and inclusive environment for all members
- Perform other duties as mutually agreed upon with the Board
About the Chorus
SGLC is a non-auditioned chorus that warmly welcomes new members during the first three weeks of each season. We value musical excellence while prioritizing accessibility, belonging, and community engagement.
Our primary performances include:
- A winter concert presented in December or January
- A Pride concert presented in June
Rehearsals are held Mondays from 7:00 PM–9:15 PM at Plymouth Congregational Church, 232 E. Onondaga St., Syracuse.
Compensation and Application Information
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience; salary information is available upon request.
Applications currently under review. Position start date: September 2026
To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume or CV, and list of references to: search@syrglc.org
Questions may also be directed to that address.
