Five Valley Chorus, Sweet Adelines International
Chorus Director, Missoula Montana
Five Valley Chorus is seeking a dynamic, passionate Chorus Director to provide education and training for its members in singing four-part harmony in the barbershop style. The Chorus Director is critical to the success of the chorus and would lead weekly rehearsals as well as various performances in Missoula, MT and surrounding areas. The Chorus Director would also prepare the chorus for, and direct the chorus in, the annual regional Sweet Adelines competition in Spokane, Washington.
The Chorus Director will be joining a highly involved Leadership team that handles “behind the scenes” functioning of the chorus. In addition to strong administrative leadership, FVC currently has an experienced Assistant Director and Section Leaders in all four parts.
We are seeking an experienced vocal director who has the knowledge and skills to analyze, coach, direct, and perform with a chorus that already has a robust music program. To recognize and pursue opportunities for growth; and to bring a passion for (or willingness to develop the passion for) the barbershop art form.
This year-round position is a fulfilling and fun way to give back to the community, be engaged in producing music, and connect with like-minded singers on a weekly basis.
Compensation: Fees for service to be negotiated. See the Chorus Director Job Description below for additional details.
Application deadline: January 15, 2026, or until position is filled.
FVC intends to interview Director candidates and hold Auditions during the next several months, with a goal of having the Chorus Director in place by March/April 2026.
Please respond to this Craig's List post and contact names and email addresses will be provided to you to submit a cover letter, resume and references. Thank you.
Five Valley Chorus, Sweet Adelines International
Chorus Director Job Description
Job Title: Chorus Director
Reports To: Management Team, Five Valley Chorus
Primary Purpose: This Chorus Director Job Description (“Job Description”) outlines the roles and responsibilities of the Chorus Director as established by the Five Valley Chorus (the “Chorus”) of Sweet Adelines International (“SAI”), based in Missoula, Montana. The Chorus is comprised of 25+ dedicated singers who are passionate about performing a cappella, four-part harmony music in the barbershop style. They all share a close bond through the love of music, performance and competition. (See the next page for the Chorus Mission Statement.) It is understood that the Chorus Director (“Director”) is critical to the successful functioning of the Chorus. The Director is primarily responsible for carrying out one of the purposes for which Sweet Adelines International (SAI) was founded: “Providing education and training for its members in singing four-part harmony, barbershop style.”
Major Responsibilities and Duties of the Director:
Provide education and vocal skills training for all members in singing four-part harmony, barbershop style;
Plan and lead all rehearsals and performances;
Facilitate the development of music leadership in the Chorus;
Establish and maintain a Chorus Music Team, which will require selecting and appointing assistant director(s), section leaders and other vocal leaders;
Select all Chorus music in collaboration with the Music Team;
Develop and teach an interpretive plan for all Chorus music;
Approve the visual plan for all Chorus music;
Develop programs and opportunities through which Chorus members receive feedback regarding their vocal and visual skills;
Represent the Music Team as a member of the Management Team of the Chorus (“Management Team”);
Audition prospective members as set forth in the Chorus Standing Rules and SAI Policy
Lead and participate in SAI competitions;
Participate in SAI and regional educational events; and
Participate in the Directors Certification Program (“DCP”) within two years of being appointed by the Chorus.
Desired Qualifications, Experience and Skills:
A passion for the barbershop art form (or a willingness to develop a passion for it);
Preferred bachelor’s degree in music education;
Preferred SAI Certified Director;
3-5 years of barbershop singing and/or directing (director, associate director, assistant director, etc.); or alternatively, 3-5 years of choral directing
Excellent communicator;
Strong leadership skills;
Inspiring, patient and non-judgmental
Excellent skills in analyzing, directing and performing music;
The artistic vision to lead, maintain, and grow an already vibrant choral music program;
The administrative skills to contribute to the successful “behind the scenes” functioning of the Chorus.
Compensation
To be negotiated, depending on experience. The Director will be an independent contractor and not an employee; accordingly, compensation paid to the Director will be considered “fees for services” rather than wages.
Chorus Mission Statement
The Five Valley Chorus is a family of joyful women bonded together by their love of singing and performing four-part a cappella harmony while providing opportunities for growth and education for women of all ages.
