Conductor – VYC KIDS Ensembles

Organization:
Vancouver Youth Choir

Deadline:
July 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Organization Description:
Founded in 2013 by Artistic Director Carrie Tennant, the Vancouver Youth Choir (VYC) offers young people aged 5–24 a vibrant, creative space to explore and develop their artistry. VYC has quickly grown into one of Canada’s most celebrated youth choral organizations, currently serving over 650 children and youth across 13 performing ensembles, as well as through our innovative outreach initiatives—including the Indigenous Music Education Program (IMEP).

At VYC, we believe in inclusive art-making, fostering excellence in young artists, and cultivating a strong sense of belonging through music.

Why Join VYC?
We work hard, support one another, and create transformative musical experiences that empower young people as artists and young citizens.

We Offer:

  • A supportive, creative, and collaborative team culture

  • Competitive compensation

  • Flexible working hours and locations (where possible)

  • Mentorship, professional development, and opportunities for growth

  • The chance to be part of one of Canada’s most exciting and fast-growing youth arts organizations

Website:
http://vancouveryouthchoir.com

Job Description:
We're Growing! To meet increasing demand, VYC is expanding our VYC KIDS program and seeking a passionate and skilled conductor to lead three ensembles of children in Grades 3–4. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic, forward-thinking team at an exciting moment of organizational growth, with the potential for the position to expand over time.

The VYC KIDS ensembles provide children in Grades 3 and 4 with an accessible and joyful introduction to choral singing. Through playful, imaginative rehearsals, singers explore foundational vocal technique and music literacy in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Rehearsal Schedule:

  • VYC KIDS WEST – Mondays, 4:25–5:45 PM

  • VYC KIDS EAST 1 – Wednesdays, 4:25–5:45 PM

  • VYC KIDS EAST 2 – Wednesdays, 6:10–7:30 PM

Rehearsals run weekly from mid-September to mid-December and mid-January to mid-May. Additional evening or weekend hours may be required for performances and special events.

Hours & Flexibility:

  • 13–15 hours/week total (including rehearsals and administrative work)

  • On non-rehearsal weeks, the role includes approximately 13–15 hours of planning and admin

  • Flexibility for non-rehearsal hours

Compensation:
This position offers an annual compensation of $27,000, based on an average of 13–15 hours of work per week. This amount includes both rehearsal/podium hours and administrative responsibilities.

Additional compensation may be available for special projects or expanded duties, depending on organizational needs and the candidate’s interests.

The Vancouver Youth Choir is committed to supporting both employees and contractors through mentorship, artistic collaboration, and access to professional development opportunities. As the organization continues to grow, there is potential for this role to expand in scope and compensation in future seasons.

Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Artistic Director, the VYC KIDS Conductor will:

  • Rehearse and direct three VYC KIDS ensembles

  • Plan engaging, developmentally appropriate rehearsals and select repertoire (in collaboration with the Artistic Director)

  • Implement VYC’s music literacy curriculum in partnership with other artistic staff

  • Communicate regularly with families via weekly email bulletins

  • Collaborate with VYC’s administrative team on production and logistics

  • Manage attendance and parent volunteers

  • Participate in seasonal auditions and singer assessments (January, May, June–August)

  • Actively contribute to the artistic and educational vision of VYC

Qualifications:

Who We're Looking For:

  • Experience in choral conducting/music education with children/youth

  • Post-secondary education in music, or equivalent professional experience

  • Strong understanding of vocal technique, particularly for young voices

  • Ability to model healthy and expressive singing

  • Familiarity with age-appropriate choral repertoire

  • Knowledge of music literacy pedagogy and strategies

  • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills

  • A collaborative and enthusiastic approach to working with young singers and families

Assets:

  • Passion for equity in the arts, and experience with inclusive art-making practices

  • Interest in creative, innovative approaches to music education

  • Resourceful self-starter with a strong work ethic

How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and qualifications to:
📧 hr@vancouveryouthchoir.com
Subject line: “VYC KIDS Conductor Application”
Application Deadline: July 23, 2025

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Vancouver Youth Choir is an equity-seeking and inclusive organization. We believe that diversity in lived experiences, perspectives, and identities strengthens our work and our community. We strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, people of colour, 2SLGBTQIA+, disabled, neurodivergent, or who have faced systemic barriers to access in the arts.

If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know—we are happy to support you.

Remuneration:
$27,000

Contact Name:
Aine Mahony

Contact Email:
hr@vancouveryouthchoir.com

Contact Phone:
(778) 871-0616

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