04/16/2026
Greetings from HCS president, Rika Clement.
After 25 years of great success, the Young People's Chorus Director, K. C. Conlan, is retiring and HYPC board is currently in the process of searching for a replacement.
Please see their official announcement below and share it with anyone you think might be interested in the position. Thank you!
HAMPSHIRE YOUNG PEOPLE’S CHORUS
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTION
Hampshire Young People’s Chorus (HYPC), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization based in
Amherst, Massachusetts, is searching for an innovative, community-minded choral artist to serve as its next Artistic Director. The Artistic Director is responsible for promoting and executing HYPC’s mission––to provide a joyful and welcoming musical home for children in and around Hampshire County. The Artistic Director will serve as the conductor for HYPC’s two ensembles. The season runs from September through May; weekly rehearsals are Tuesday afternoons/evenings.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Artistic Leadership
Select innovative, engaging, and age-appropriate music for singers that promotes
culturally rich and well-rounded musical experiences
Prepare and conduct rehearsals, performances, retreats, and tours
Collaborate with Collaborative Pianist and hire additional musicians, as needed
Outreach
Collaborate with local arts and other community organizations
Build and maintain connections with local music educators
Recruit and retain singers through visibility within the community
Board of Directors Partnership
Develop annual budget and strategic plan with the Board
Attend Board meetings and submit Artistic Director Report prior to each meeting
Hire and supervise Administrative Director in collaboration with the Board
Nurture donor relationships and support other fundraising efforts
Administration
Create rehearsal, event, and performance schedule in collaboration with Collaborative Pianist and Administrative Director
Serve as the public face of HYPC for internal and external communications
Identify grants and collaborate with the Administrative Director to submit grant
applications
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications
BA, BM, or advanced degree in music education or choral conducting or equivalent experience
Choral conducting experience with children of various ages and musical skills
Experience in managing and producing choral performances
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to create productive relationships with staff, singers, donors and partners
Ability to work with singers and their families
Ability to maintain and organize records
Access to a computer and high-speed internet for remote work and video conferencing
Preferred Qualifications
Training and experience in choral music education methods
Experience developing and managing budgets
Experience with fundraising
Proficient with web-based productivity tools and social media
COMPENSATION
Compensation is $7500 per season and includes all rehearsals, performances, retreats, tours, meetings, and rehearsal preparation. Compensation is contingent upon enrollment.
There are no benefits with this position. This position reports to the Hampshire Young People’s Chorus Board of Directors.
APPLICATION PROCESS
To apply, submit the following to Jeffers Engelhardt, Search Committee Chair, via email
([email protected]):
1. Resume
2. Cover letter, describing how this position connects to your goals as a choral artist
3. A link to video footage of a rehearsal approximately 25-30 minutes long and footage of a concert featuring 3-5 selections
Review of applications will begin on April 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.
Hiring of the Artistic Director is subject to approval by the Board of Directors.
