The Wilmington Children’s Chorus (WCC) is accepting applications for its inaugural Daniel L. Ridout Jr. Teaching Fellowship with the aim to provide practical professional experience and mentorship to BIPOC music education and choral conducting professionals who are at the beginning of their career.
The Wilmington Children’s Chorus is dedicated to ensuring all children, regardless of their socioeconomic status, have access to high-quality musical education. The only tuition-free community children’s chorus in the nation, our mission is to empower young people to change their world through music. WCC gives our youth the opportunity and tools to excel while infusing Wilmington’s neighborhoods with music. Known throughout the region for their artistry and excellence in education, WCC involves over 500 singers, ages 1-18, in five Performing Choirs, three Neighborhood Choirs, the Early Learner’s Music Program, and many summer programs.
Daniel L. Ridout, Jr. (1929-2013) believed that music is humanity’s great connector. A local educator, composer, and choral director, Ridout was known throughout Delaware as an accomplished musician with a deep knowledge of Negro Spirituals. He taught at Elbert-Palmer Elementary School, Stubbs Early Education Center, Stanton Middle School, and A.I. duPont High School for many years. Although he passed away in 2013, Ridout’s legacy lives on in his family, his compositions, and the many students he impacted throughout his career.
Fellowship Details
This position (full-time/exempt) will be a member of the Wilmington Children’s Chorus staff for the 2023-2024 concert season (August 1, 2023 – July 31, 2024).
Salary range: $40,000 to $50,000
Benefits: Medical, vision, dental, and 401(k)
Work Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Important Dates:
- Application Deadline: March 5, 2023 by 11:59 p.m.
- Semi-finalists must be available for a virtual interview on either March 18 or 25, 2023.
- Finalists must be available for an in-person interview and rehearsal audition on April 22, 2023 in Wilmington, DE. (Transportation and lodging provided for those who live outside the area.)
Fellowship Opportunities:
- Collaboratively teach and conduct WCC’s Performing Choirs in rehearsal and performance in this in-depth opportunity for experiential learning and professional growth.
- Work with WCC’s Neighborhood Choirs and Early Learner’s Music Program in local community centers.
- Mentorship and Professional Development with WCC staff.
- Career Enrichment experiences with area arts professionals.
- Build your skill and confidence in a supportive, high-quality musical and educational environment.
Eligibility:
The applicant must be a person of color in the beginning stages of their career. This may include individuals who fit the following circumstances:
- Recently out of college or graduate school (no more than 5 years).
- About to graduate college with a music-related degree.
- Recently begun a career in music education or conducting (up to 3 years of experience).
- An older professional pursuing a career change to music education or conducting.
- WCC will also consider applicants who do not have a music/music education degree but possess significant lived experience in the field.
The ideal applicant will have a desire to excel, as well as some training and experience, in the following areas:
- Teaching and conducting developmentally appropriate repertoire, supporting optimal vocal production, fostering musicianship skills, and inspiring excellence in youth ages 8-18. (Candidates may specialize in a particular age range, but should anticipate working with all Performing Choirs.)
- Facilitating intercultural understanding through music.
- Keyboarding skills to effectively conduct a rehearsal.
- Thinking creatively and being able to work both independently and proactively.
- Honing interpersonal/communication skills to be an effective team member among an artistic staff and to be a resource to choristers and their families.
Questions? Contact Artistic Director, Kimberly Doucette, at KDoucette@WilmingtonChildrensChorus.org
