Press Release September 29, 2009

September 29, 2009 Coastal Chorale P. O. Box 1131, Foley AL 36536

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR FOR THE COASTAL CHORALE

Purpose of the Coastal Chorale:

The purpose of the Coastal Chorale is to foster, develop and promote high-quality choral entertainment for the enjoyment, education, and enhancement of both performers and listeners in and around Baldwin County, Alabama.

Chorale Profile:

Founded in the spring of 2001, the Coastal Chorale held its premiere performance the first weekend of August 2001, playing to three enthusiastic, sold-out crowds. The Chorale electrified the 700 audience members with familiar favorites, which has become the trademark of this talented group of musicians.

The group originally intended to perform just that one summer show, but due to the tremendous response from Baldwin County communities and the media, the membership enthusiastically and unanimously voted to become a bona fide musical organization. More auditions were held, and 38 members began rehearsing for the premiere Christmas Show that drew 1,000 excited patrons over Thanksgiving weekend. Next, the Chorale took their previous Summer Show “on the road” with the Snowbird Serenade in Gulf Shores, drawing more than 1,300 local residents and snowbirds that first year. Two short years later, the numbers reflected the tremendous growth in the organization, with 59 singers, 2,300 enthusiastic attendees at Snowbird Serenade 2004 and nearly 6,000 audience members annually. In 2009, the Chorale performed for a sold-out Snowbird Serenade crowd of 2800 attendees.

Members come today from all over Baldwin County and beyond. The membership includes talented vocal musicians from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores to Bay Minette and from the Eastern Shore eastward to Lillian. Almost all communities in Baldwin County are represented by at least one Chorale member. The group has also had auditionees from Pensacola, Mobile and as far away as Atmore. The Coastal Chorale is truly an organization for the area.

The Coastal Chorale concept was formed with two main goals in mind. The first is to provide Baldwin County’s talented vocalists with a musical challenge as they join with other singers of like ability. Giving life to this goal, the Chorale consists of skilled musicians who desire the excitement of group achievement. The second goal—to excite audiences through the great sounds of familiar songs from the past and present—is apparent in the eclectic musical format that features everything from Bach to Broadway and spirituals to pop.

Three ideals correlate with these goals: to perform the finest in choral literature of all styles, to perform at the highest possible level of excellence, and to produce a thrilling show of top-notch entertainment value for residents of Baldwin County and beyond.

The first show of the performance year is the Christmas show. Next is a Snowbird Serenade—an encore presentation of the previous summer show—presented in Gulf Shores near the end of February. The fun-filled finish to the season is the annual Summer Show presented the first weekend in August.

A board was established to implement a solid foundation, deal with the development and financial matters of the organization, and to ensure the group’s longevity. And donations to The Choral Society, the financial arm of the group, will guarantee that “top quality” remains a focus of the Coastal Chorale.

A tradition of excellence has been established.

Profile of Artistic Director

· Makes chorale rehearsals and concerts a positive experience for singers, accompanist, guest artists and the audience.

· Has the ability to inspire, retain and attract qualified singers, all of whom contribute their own unique talents, viewpoints and ideas.

· Knows and understands how singers learn music and is able to develop vocal skills while leading rehearsals that are both productive and enjoyable.

· Embraces and promotes an internal culture of camaraderie, civility and respect.

· Clearly communicates expectations and has the patience to achieve them.

· Brings the necessary commitment, enthusiasm and motivational skills required to build both the number of Coastal Chorale members as well as the size of the audience.

· Values and appreciates the supporters, donors, patrons and volunteers who permit the Coastal Chorale to perform.

General Qualifications of the Artistic Director

· Degree in music or equivalent experience is required.

· Demonstrated experience in leading a mixed-voice, volunteer chorus with a wide range of musicianship and vocal skills.

· Experience conducting a varied repertoire of choral music.

· Experience conducting orchestras and other instrumental groups of varying sizes and types.

· Demonstrated success with planning concerts that inspire and entertain both singers and audiences.

· Can demonstrate creative and innovative ideas for programming, rehearsing and managing.

· Singing ability sufficient to demonstrate expectations.

· Interacts well with audiences of all ages.

· Advanced piano keyboard skills are preferred.

· Basic understanding of the administrative function of a successful independent music program.

· Ability to work as part of a team.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Duties & Responsibilities:

· Provides overall responsibility for the musical integrity and quality of performances.

· Conducts the Coastal Chorale members and other performers at concerts.

· Plans and leads the Coastal Chorale in regular Monday rehearsals as well as other scheduled rehearsals to insure the group’s readiness for all events, including warm-ups at the beginning of rehearsals and performances.

· Inspires, retains, and attracts singers; making appropriate efforts to expand the chorus.

· Recommends pianist with approval of Board.

· Responds to requests for information from prospective and current members.

· Makes appropriate efforts to increase patronage.

· Works to improve members’ ability to perform choral music.

· Actively solicits and auditions Coastal Chorale members for solos in concerts. Provides adequate notice of solo opportunities and presents music far enough in advance for candidates to prepare their audition.

· Supervises the duties of any person hired or contracted to provide musical and/or technical services to Coastal Chorale, including guest artists and accompanying musicians.

· Selects and plans the repertoire for each concert with the assistance of the Board of Directors designee.

· Provides the Board of Directors with plans for instrumental musicians needed for each concert. Works with the Board to hire appropriate musical assistance for each concert.

· At the beginning of each season, provides a comprehensive concert plan, including concert themes, special musical or technical requirements, and soloist requirements.

· Supports outreach opportunities approved by the Board.

· Provides regular reports to the Board meetings, participating in such meetings as necessary.

Compensation:

The Artistic Director is a part-time position, with an expected rehearsal and appearance commitment consistent with
three programs usually within a normal chorale calendar year (October 1 – September 30), each of which includes

three to five performances. The salary is $4,000.00 per program with an additional incentive of $1.00 per ticket sold.

The Artistic Director will be a contractor. No benefits are included. There is no relocation allowance.

Application Procedure:

Applicants must submit the items listed below via email by 4:00 p.m. (Central Time) on October 19, 2009. The email address is coastalchorale@gmail.com.

·        Letter stating your interest in the position, including a statement explaining how your skills and experience combine to make you an excellent candidate.

·        Resume or CV.

·        Three professional references.

Timeline:

Interviews will be conducted no later than October 26, 2009.

Notification of candidates invited to prepare an audition sent on or before October 27, 2009.

In-person audition with members of the Coastal Chorale will be held between October 26, 2009 and November 15, 2009.

Appointment of the new Artistic Director will be made by November 16, 2009.

New Artistic Director will hold auditions for new Coastal Chorale members on May 10, 2010.

The first Coastal Chorale rehearsal for the 2010-2011 year will be on Tuesday, June 1, 2010.

2010-2011 Coastal Chorale program performance Master Calendar:

1.            Summer Show 2010: July 30 – August 1

2.        Christmas Show 2010: December 3 - 5

3.        Snowbird Serenade 2011:   February 24 – 27