Description

Position Type: Contractor, part-time
Start Date: Immediate opening (negotiated start upon hire agreement)
Compensation: $7K-$10K (annualized) - Depending on qualifications and experience

Driftless Pride Choir is a recently-formed mixed-voice (SATB), self-auditioned, volunteer ensemble of adult LGBTQ+ and Allied singers in the “Driftless Region,” where Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa come together. We aspire to develop an eclectic repertoire of music that creates connections of acceptance, belonging, and community in ways that entertain, educate, delight, comfort, and challenge. We are an organizational member of GALA Choruses and Chorus America. We affirm ourselves as "a kindred space for Queer and Allied voices." 

We seeking a visionary director who shares our passion and is eager to join us for our inaugural season and beyond. The selected candidate will be committed to growing our ensemble musically and supporting us as we expand our visibility and strengthen our impact within the Driftless Region. 

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit community arts organization. We have an active group of over 20 founding members with a growing list of others expressing interest in joining. DPC recently began rehearsals under an interim director for its September 5, 2026, debut appearance. Preparations for our inaugural season await a new leader. 

Position Overview:

• Musical Leadership: Provide overall music leadership along with vision and direction for DPC.
• Season & Program Planning: Develop the repertoire for concerts and performances at community events.  In this inaugural season, all plans are pending engagement of the Director; DPC aspires to two concerts during its inaugural season. DPC leadership understands the many factors that will influence planning for a newly-formed ensemble; time-frames and outcomes for programming will be adjusted as needed.
• Rehearsals & Performances: Supervise and lead all weekly rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and concerts. DPC anticipates invitations and opportunities to perform sets at community events and will discuss these with candidates during the final selection process.
• Artistic Personnel Selection and Direction: Advise the DPC Board on the engagement of necessary artistic personnel such as the primary accompanist, instrumentalists, and guest soloists for performances. Provide artistic direction for those musicians.
• Organizational Development: Advise and collaborate with the Board of Directors and DPC volunteers on fundraising, marketing, and communications. 

 Time Commitment

• Rehearsals: Weekly 2-hour (6:00 to 8:00 PM) Sunday rehearsals in La Crosse, WI.
• Concerts and dress rehearsals: As scheduled.
• Board meetings: Monthly, via Zoom (though frequency of attendance may vary).

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Requirements

Qualifications

• Conducting Experience: Sufficient experience to demonstrate capacity for conducting community choral ensembles. The candidate’s ability to establish rapport and provide leadership to self-auditioned singers with wide ranges of  musicianship will outweigh length or depth of experience. 
• Musical Breadth: Familiarity with the choral repertoire for Queer & Allied ensembles. Ability to creatively source an eclectic variety of music that supports the mission of DPC and expands its repertoire.
• Technical and Instructional Proficiency: Knowledge of both vocal and instrumental performance elements and the ability to convey that knowledge to self-auditioned volunteer singers. 
• Artistic Drive: A deep-seated passion for music that promotes inclusion, acceptance, and community while building musicianship and choral excellence.

 Skills and Competencies

• Communication: Strong interpersonal skills that foster a positive environment and attract, inspire, and retain  a diverse group of singers. The capacity to engage with volunteer singers, professionals, and the public in a respectful and affirming manner.
• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively with DPC organizational and committee leaders and volunteers. 
• Organization: The capability to manage the complexities of a performance season.

 Education

• Minimum Requirement: Significant training in music, conducting, music education, or a related field, sufficient to demonstrate choral direction competency.
• Preferred:       Bachelor’s degree in music, conducting, music education, or a related field.

Application Process and Deadline

Application Deadline: August 28, 2026 (or open until filled)

• Submit applications to Search Committee: leadership@driftlesspridechoir.org
• Applications will be reviewed as received. The Search Committee will contact applicants for next steps.
• Finalists will be invited to conduct DPC members in an audition rehearsal.
• Questions can be addressed to leadership@driftlesspridechoir.org.

Applications Should Include:

• Cover letter providing a statement of interest, including:
  • Your strengths as a conductor, musician, and music director;
  • What you will be able to contribute to DPC, specifically;
  • What you hope to gain from your experience as DPC director.
• Résumé or Curriculum Vitae
• A list of past conducting experiences including:
  • Name and location of group;
  • Type and size of group;
  • How long you served as their director;
  • Types of music performed;
  • Materials to provide documentation of your experience (e.g., PDFs of concert programs, links to video recordings, etc.).
• Three professional references
  • Names and contact information of references;
  • At least one reference from someone who has sung as a member of a group under your direction.