Prelude Conductor
Miami Children’s Chorus
Ensemble: Prelude, grades K–2 (ages 5–7)
Location: Coral Gables, Florida
Employment Type: Part-time employee
Compensation: $4,860 for 27 active program weeks
Anticipated Start Date: Between August 15 and August 29, 2026
End Date: May 2, 2027
Regular Schedule: Saturdays from 8:45–10:00 a.m. during active program weeks
Additional Commitments: Performances, additional rehearsals, and artistic planning meetings as scheduled
Reports to: Executive Artistic Director
Supervises: Assigned Teaching Assistant(s)
Position Summary
The Prelude Conductor leads weekly rehearsals for choristers in grades K–2 (ages 5–7), prepares the ensemble for performances, and supervises assigned Teaching Assistants. The Conductor plans developmentally appropriate instruction and selects repertoire in collaboration with and subject to the approval of the Executive Artistic Director. This role supports choristers’ foundational musical and artistic development while fostering a safe, positive, inclusive, and engaging ensemble environment. The Conductor also mentors Teaching Assistants by providing guidance, instructional opportunities, and constructive feedback.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Conducting and Rehearsal Leadership
Lead weekly Prelude rehearsals and prepare choristers for performances and events.
Provide engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction that supports foundational musical skills and artistic growth.
Maintain high artistic standards while fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive ensemble environment.
Maintain a safe environment during rehearsals and performances and follow all organizational safety and youth-protection protocols.
Conduct all performances featuring Prelude and provide support to other ensembles as needed.
Direct and coordinate the work of assigned Teaching Assistants during rehearsals and performances.
Chorister Development and Evaluation
Monitor chorister development and provide encouraging, age-appropriate feedback.
Assist with auditions, placement evaluations, and ensemble assignments as requested.
Communicate chorister progress, concerns, successes, and recommendations to the Executive Artistic Director.
Build positive relationships with choristers and families that support engagement and retention.
Artistic and Educational Planning
Select developmentally appropriate repertoire in collaboration with and subject to the approval of the Executive Artistic Director.
Contribute to seasonal goals, curriculum, and educational objectives.
Participate in artistic staff meetings and support organization-wide artistic initiatives and special projects.
Create appropriate opportunities for Teaching Assistants to support instruction, lead activities, and develop their teaching and conducting skills.
Communication and Professionalism
Maintain clear, timely, and professional communication with the Executive Artistic Director, artistic and administrative staff, choristers, and families.
Provide Teaching Assistants with clear expectations, ongoing guidance, and constructive feedback, and communicate significant concerns to the Executive Artistic Director.
Communicate proactively regarding scheduling conflicts, absences, chorister concerns, and other matters that may affect rehearsals or performances.
Coordinate with the administrative team to share relevant information with choristers and families.
Demonstrate reliability, preparedness, professionalism, and accountability.
Schedule and Location
This position includes 27 active program weeks consisting of rehearsals and performances. Weekly Saturday rehearsals are held in Coral Gables from 9:00–10:00 a.m. The Prelude Conductor is expected to arrive by 8:45 a.m. to prepare and be ready to begin rehearsal promptly at 9:00 a.m.
The Conductor is expected to conduct all performances featuring Prelude and may be asked to support additional performances throughout the season as needed.
Performance Expectations
Performance will be evaluated based on progress toward mutually established seasonal artistic and educational priorities and the effective fulfillment of the Prelude Conductor’s assigned responsibilities. Evaluation will take into account available staffing, funding, rehearsal and performance schedules, organizational resources, approved priorities, chorister needs, and factors outside the Conductor’s reasonable control.
Success in this role includes:
Effective fulfillment of the position’s responsibilities.
Consistent preparedness, reliability, and professionalism.
Progress toward established artistic and educational goals.
Positive and productive relationships with choristers, families, and staff.
Clear, timely, and proactive communication.
Effective collaboration with artistic and administrative staff.
Sound judgment, accountability, and follow-through.
Alignment with the organization’s mission, values, policies, and artistic standards.
General Statement
This job description describes the general nature of the position and is not intended to provide an exhaustive list of responsibilities. Responsibilities may evolve based on program and organizational needs. The Prelude Conductor may perform other duties reasonably related to the position, as assigned by the Executive Artistic Director.
