Description
Women’s Antique Vocal Ensemble (WAVE)
wavewomen.org
Search for Artistic Director, Winter 2026
We are an auditioned women’s chamber chorus which has been part of the Bay Area early
music community for 25 years. Our current artistic director is retiring at the end of our 2026
spring concert set, and we seek a dedicated and enthusiastic director for our fall 2026 season
and potentially beyond. We invite candidates to apply.
WAVE’s goal is to promote music of the medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods (although
our repertoire is not solely limited to these periods) and to further the advancement of music for
and by women through research and performance. We perform a cappella and with a variety of
period instruments.
The Artistic Director will select repertoire, conduct both the singers and guest performers,
audition members, and collaborate closely with the Board.
Rehearsals are held Tuesday evenings in Kensington, CA from 7:00-9:00pm
The group performs in two concert sets: winter and spring
Specific dates determined by availability of artistic director, venues, and guest
instrumentalists.
Compensation is $9500 to $11,000 base salary per year, depending on experience.
Requirements
Knowledge of early music
Experience directing choirs
Knowledge of vocal technique and how to help choir members to improve
Ability to promote an internal culture of civility, respect, and community
Excellent written and spoken communication skills
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to lead a well-planned and productive rehearsal
Preferred
Familiarity with music notation software
Experience with a cappella, chamber chorus
General Responsibilities
Auditions new singers
Selects, procures, and distributes electronic scores of selected music before the
beginning of each set
Attends Board meetings as needed
Presents artistic programming vision for upcoming sets to the Board ahead of season Sets the program and schedule for the concert year (two sets per year), subject to Board
approval
Provides reports and updates to the Board and/or group, as needed
Prepares singers for additional performances as they arise
Rehearsal Responsibilities
Rehearses and prepares singers for concerts, including weekly Tuesday night
rehearsals, Saturday retreats (1 per set), dress rehearsals, and any other special
rehearsals as need is determined
Teaches music and proper text pronunciation
Provides audio and text pronunciation guides for rehearsal aids as needed
Communicates regularly with singers regarding rehearsal notes and preparation
Determines a singer’s eligibility for participation in performance if missing more than
three rehearsals
Works with guest performers as appropriate
Clearly communicates expectations to the singers
Concert Responsibilities
Conducts choir in performance
Selects guest performers
Creates a standing arrangement
Determines and coordinates stage movements (entrances and exits, bows, placement
changes)
Writes program notes and concert synopsis
Provides text and translations for printing in the program
Key details about the application process:
Application deadline has been extended to March 2, 2026
To apply, please send the following to wavewomensing@gmail.com
Resume
Cover letter stating your interest in the position and explaining how your skills and
experience combine to make you an excellent candidate
Any additional materials you choose
In the subject line put “Director Search”
Application Deadline: March 2, 2026
Interviews and conducting auditions will be in March and early April. More specifics will be
announced shortly after the application deadline.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Requirements
Requirements
Knowledge of early music
Experience directing choirs
Knowledge of vocal technique and how to help choir members to improve
Ability to promote an internal culture of civility, respect, and community
Excellent written and spoken communication skills
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to lead a well-planned and productive rehearsal
Preferred
Familiarity with music notation software
Experience with a cappella, chamber chorus