Music Director

Job Overview

Revels seeks an engaging, creative, and collaborative individual to join an established and evolving team of professionals to shape the music and musical offerings that are both the foundation and the language of Revels. The Revels Music Director is responsible for creating and upholding the Revels musical vision, working closely and in creative collaboration with the Revels Artistic Director, to whom this position reports. This role calls for curiosity and enthusiasm for multicultural music and traditions along with formal music training, wide-ranging musical tastes, a desire for creative collaboration, and a deep understanding of the core elements of Revels (which can be learned once in the role).

The Music Director is responsible for the selection, arrangement, and delivery of the musical program for Cambridge Revels performances, programs, and events throughout the year; creation, management, scheduling, and conducting of Revels choral groups; and direction and production of recordings and musical publications.

Job Responsibilities

Specific duties include:

• Create, direct, and evaluate the music program for Revels.
• Select, arrange, and/or compose the music for Revels events, recordings, performances, and publications.
• Recruit, audition, and select guest artists, tradition-bearers, vocal soloists, instrumental ensembles, and volunteer chorus members for The Christmas Revels and other performances and events.
• Lead and manage existing Revels choruses, including the rehearsals and performances of Revels Singers, the Youth Alumni Chorus, and the seasonal Christmas Revels volunteer adult and children’s choruses, as well as imagining and recommending opportunities for expanded choral activity.
• Actively collaborate with the Education Director on music selection for education and outreach programs.
• Write musical content and program notes for use online and for printed event programs, and ensure all musical notes, scores, and arrangements are archived in the national Revels Repository.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization’s mission and musical vision via speaking engagements, media interviews, written content, public and social appearances, and fundraising events, as appropriate.
• Actively pursue creative collaborations and partnerships with other arts and cultural organizations, community groups, artists, musicians, and others in support of the Revels mission.
• Provide musical support and guidance to Revels national affiliate companies, including preparation for and evaluation of the annual affiliate productions of The Christmas Revels.

Skills and Experience Required

• A sincere and proactive commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• A solid choral conducting background and proven record of success
• Demonstrated ability to arrange and score music
• Proven ability to motivate, inspire, and lead choruses of adults, children, and volunteers
• A passion for traditional world music and the role the arts can play in celebrating our shared humanity and building a more connected and harmonious society
• Interest and ability in creating new partnerships that explore musical traditions of diverse world cultures
• Ability to develop and sustain reciprocal, collaborative, and long-term relationships with a broad range of artists, performers, and cultural tradition-bearers
• Strong communication and organizational skills and facility with computers and office software
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of an extended team
• Experience producing printed scores using music notation software such as Finale or Sibelius
• Ideally, experience with audio recording, editing, and mixing using appropriate software
• Flexibility, comfort with ambiguity, and a well-developed sense of humor

Additional Details

• Salary range for full-time employment is $70K-$90K per year
• The Revels benefits package includes medical and dental insurance, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal days, and the ability to contribute to a pre-tax 403b retirement fund.
• Opportunity for a flexible work schedule. Some evening and weekend work is required
• Office Location: 80 Mt. Auburn Street, Watertown, MA 02472

Diversity Statement

Diversity is a fundamental element in Revels’ musical and theatrical productions. Through music, dance, and storytelling, we celebrate the seasonal and cultural traditions of our world, honoring and upholding the differences that make individuals and cultures truly unique while reminding us of the shared humanity that connects us all. This principle guides our organizational approach with events, educational programs, performers, audience, volunteers, partners, and staff. We offer an open, creative space that welcomes every person to help shape and take part in our distinctive community experiences.

About Revels

Revels, based in Watertown, MA, engages audiences across nine U.S. cities in theatrical and musical experiences that bring the world’s cultural traditions and celebrations to life. Since its founding in 1971, nearly two million people nationwide have joined in the song and dance of Revels’ seasonal celebrations. In-person programs include the flagship production The Christmas Revels, Revels RiverSing, Spring Sing, salons, harbor cruises, and pub sings, as well as a collaborative program with the Perkins School for the Blind and innovative educational programs for children. Revels offers online programs as part of its #RevelsConnects series, including Musical Connections, produced with the Mass Cultural Council’s Folk Arts and Tradition Program. Revels’ cast and backstage crew include a mix of auditioned professional and non-professional singers, dancers, and storytellers ranging from youngchildren to adults. Learn more about Revels at www.revels.org.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a statement of interest along with whatever materials they think would best communicate why they are the right person for the job. Additional materials may be requested. Send your materials to jobs@revels.org with the subject line: MUSIC DIRECTOR.

We look forward to hearing from you.