Conducting Apprenticeship
with Alan Harler
Apply by August 15To apply, request an application by e-mailing |
The Conducting Apprenticeship Program provides gifted conductors with education in adult chorus leadership rarely obtained through graduate conducting programs. This program provides learning experiences that complement the education obtained through traditional degree programs. In addition to the possibility of conducting, this experience includes learning about:
- season repertoire planning;
- long range artistic and organizational planning;
- an overview of fund raising; and
- other administrative necessities.
Description of Responsibilities
Artistic responsibilities:
Be prepared to conduct occasional sectional rehearsals and warm ups; assist with seating arrangements, score markings and preparation of rehearsal tapes for singers; sing with the chorus when not otherwise assigned; observe auditions and reassessments; assist with concert production; other duties as assigned. (Note: Mendelssohn Club rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings from 7:30-10 p.m. and on occasional Saturdays)
Organizational responsibilities:
Attend occasional Mendelssohn Club Chorus Management Council meetings (about four times a year, on the second Tuesday of a month), and meet the mentors described below and others in order to gain broad familiarity with the range of issues in chorus leadership and management.
The Mentors
The Apprentice will be associated with mentors for artistic matters (normally the Artistic Director and Associate Conductor), and for organizational matters. The mentors will help provide a coherent understanding of how the multiple areas of activity for the chorus director fit together and ensure that the program is meeting both the educational needs of the Apprentice and the artistic and organizational support needs of Mendelssohn Club. In addition to mentors, there are many individuals with special expertise who can be available for the Apprentice to learn more about a particular aspect of chorus administration. Within this structure, the Apprentice should take considerable initiative and integrate her/himself into the artistic and operations aspects of the chorus.The Selection Process
A Selection Committee will review all applications and will invite a small number of applicants, based on qualifications, for interviews and auditions. The audition consists of conducting Mendelssohn Club for approximately 10 minutes at a Wednesday evening rehearsal in early September. Repertoire to be conducted in the audition will be assigned by Alan Harler. Criteria for selection include:
- strong artistic background appropriate to choral conducting
- initiative and energy
- interpersonal skills
- leadership ability
- organizational skills such as persistence, practicality, vision, and reliability
Remuneration
The annual stipend for the Apprenticeship is $1,000. The Apprentice should expect to spend an average of 4-6 hours per week on this project (including rehearsals and administrative participation).
If you have any questions regarding the application process or need more information, please leave a message at (215) 735-9922.
Application Procedure
Request an application by e-mailing
Completed applications are due by August 15
Jen Loux, former conducting apprentice, shares her thoughts about the experience:
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Jen Loux 2001-2003 |
"In our colleges and conservatories and beyond, we focus on honing our craft as musicians, and rightly so. However, while success in the real world requires many other skills, we don't typically spend much time with the practical side of the profession until thrown into a sink-or-swim situation. In the Mendelssohn Club apprentice program, I was offered a behind-the-scenes look at the inner-workings of the board of directors, marketing strategies, donor development, grant-writing, performing logistics -- i.e. the "everything else" without which the music would never happen. I would highly recommend this program for anyone who conducts or hopes to conduct a volunteer or professional chorus."
2009-10 Apprentice Conductors
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Other recent apprenticeship recipients:
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 Yu-Chung Johnny Ku 2003-2004 |
Bryce Hayes
