Island Song Choral Director

Location: Saanich Peninsula, BC
Position Type: Part-time, Seasonal
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
Start Date: December 2025
Compensation: See below for details

Are you an enthusiastic choral leader with a passion for community-based music making, vocal education, and collaborative artistry? Island Song Choir, a non-audition women’s pop choir on the Saanich Peninsula, is seeking a Choral Director to guide our vibrant, inclusive, joyful and supportive ensemble through regular rehearsals and performances.

Scope of Work

The Choral Director will take the musical lead in shaping the sound, expression, and cohesion of the choir. Working closely with singers and the leadership team, the Choral Director will:

Plan and conduct weekly rehearsals
Teach and refine repertoire with attention to dynamics, artistic interpretation, and emotional expression
Provide coaching on vocal techniques
Conduct seasonal performances, including a final concert each session

Key Responsibilities

Rehearsal Planning and Conducting: Develop a rehearsal schedule and plan engaging and effective rehearsals to teach repertoire and refine the choir’s musical performance. Conduct rehearsals to guide singers in vocal technique, interpretation, and overall musical expression. Conduct concert performances to ensure that singers can successfully showcase their hard work and musical accomplishment.
Musical Direction: Provide artistic direction to the choir, shaping the interpretation of musical pieces while honouring and supporting each arranger’s vision and intent, and ensuring a cohesive and expressive performance. Provide input into the selection of themes and repertoire, which are finalized by the leadership team.
Vocal Coaching: Offer in-rehearsal vocal coaching to choir members and sections, addressing issues related to pitch, tone, diction, and expressiveness.
Auditions: Conduct assessments of new members’ vocal range and place them in the appropriate section as needed. Conduct small group workshops during regular rehearsals and provide feedback to groups. Conduct and evaluate solo and small group auditions during regular rehearsals, select soloists, and approve small groups for performances.
Education and Training: Provide ongoing musical education and training to choir members, helping them develop their vocal skills and musical knowledge. Opportunity to hold optional workshops on sight-reading, music theory, and arranging (additional compensation applies).
Cultivate a Positive Learning Environment: Foster a positive and inclusive atmosphere within the choir, encouraging teamwork, camaraderie, and a shared passion for music. Provide a safe space for members to take risks and grow musically.
Collaboration: Collaborate with arrangers, accompanists, instrumentalists, and guest artists to enhance the overall musical experience and presentation. Collaborate with leadership team members to ensure the faithful execution of the choir’s mission and vision.

Compensation

Regular Season: Paid weekly upon attendance

Weekly Rehearsals: $200 each ($250 without accompanist)
Dress/Tech Rehearsals: $200 each
Concerts: $300 each

Additional compensation available for optional educational workshops.

Ideal Candidate Will Have:

Prior experience conducting choirs of varied skill levels
Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills
Ability to foster a supportive, welcoming environment for all singers
Passion for community music and creative expression

To Apply:

Please send a letter of interest to info@islandsongchoir.ca. Your letter should include information about your background, musical abilities, and relevant experience working with choirs or in music direction.

Timeline:

Interviews will take place in July. Selected candidates will be invited to guest direct 1–3 rehearsals during our Fall Season, beginning September 11, 2025. This will give candidates a chance to demonstrate their teaching and conducting approach and get a sense of our choir community.

The final candidate will be notified in late November and will officially begin leading the choir no later than the December 4 rehearsal to refine and polish our repertoire with attention to dynamics and expression, culminating in directing our Winter Concert at Mary Winspear Centre on Sunday, January 18, 2026.

Join us in creating meaningful musical moments and building community through song.