Our organization
Young Musicians Chorus was founded primarily for children who, as a result of having instrumental training, are eager for a choral experience that moves at a pace and depth appropriate to their more-developed musical level. We do this in ~1/3 the rehearsal time of other organizations who sing comparable repertoire. And we do it in an atmosphere that is playful, informal, yet seriously focused and musically effective. The kids love being at YMC, sing well, and have gone on to critical acclaim (YMC took home silver in the contemporary division of the most recent Golden Gate International Children’s Choral Festival). Except for the entry-level ensemble, we sing either a cappella or student accompanied.
We normally have three levels: A Musicum (~7-10), B Musicum (~11 - 14), and Collegium Musicum (~12 - 17).
Retention in the upper groups is very high. Almost all of our recruitment is through word of mouth. Because we are not a long-standing institution, with (for now) only one director, there is great flexibility in what we do and how we do it. We hold to the unconventional idea that laughter and seriousness are not opposites; by building trust and connection, they are mutually supportive.
Growth
We are looking for a Kodály-style music theory teacher. We are also looking for a music class teacher for younger kids.
This past fall, all but two members of our Collegium Musicum ensemble – who had sung together for an average of 7 years, and some for 13 years – left for college. YMC had already secured the space for the no-longer extant group, so a free, optional theory class was offered in that time slot. It has gone very well. We would like to continue offering the theory class.
However, A Musicum has exploded to 37 students, so it is time to return to having three choral ensembles. YMC’s one director will no longer be able to teach a theory class during the third time slot. Moreover, it would be good to have more than one level of theory class. There has also long been a demand for a pre-A Musicum group.
Job description Some or all of the following on Saturdays, starting as late as September, but possibly right away:
1) 9:30 – 10:15 Run a Kodály-style music class for children 5-6 years old
2) 10:30 – 11:30 Monitor a brief snack and then run a Kodály-style theory class for children who are in A Musicum (~7-10 years old)
3) Noon – 1:00 Monitor a brief snack and then run a Kodály-style theory class for children who are in B Musicum (~11 -13 years old)
4) 1:30 – 2:30 Monitor a brief snack and then run a Kodály-style theory class for children who are in Collegium Musicum (~11 - 16 years old)
What we offer
• Compensation – $65 per class
• Flexibility – If there are a few days you can’t make it, that’s ok, so long as we have adequate time to notify the parents. If you can teach some but not all of these classes, let’s discuss which ones you’d like to do.
• Support – Within reason, YMC will pay for needed supplies.
• Community – These are really nice, enthusiastic folks. :-) Located at cheerful St. Albans on the Berkeley/Albany border.
Whom we seek
YMC is looking for someone who is Kodály-trained, effective, organized-but-flexible, and above all: intuitive. We take very seriously Kodály’s maxim: “Teach music and singing at school in such a way that it is not a torture but a joy.” The goal is that the kids become better musicians, but these classes must always be something they enjoy. We seek someone sensitive enough to notice when connection is waning and flexible enough to then make a shift. Lastly: it is important that this be fun for the teacher, too! We want this to be a gig that leaves you filled with happy endorphins. Contact: info@YMChorus.org