Mechanics Hall 321 Main Street Worcester, MA 01608
Website Email Date Posted:
September 15, 2026
Region:
Central Massachusetts Category:
Education/Instruction Type:
Part-Time Choir Director Description:
Many Voices Youth Singers (MVYS) |
Mechanics Hall Location:
Worcester, MA Position:
Part-Time, Contract Reports to: Education & Outreach Manager, Mechanics Hall
ABOUT MANY VOICES YOUTH SINGERS
Many Voices Youth Singers (MVYS) is Mechanics Hall's free youth choir serving students in grades 4-8 throughout Worcester County . A tuition-free, no-audition program , MVYS welcomes young people of all musical backgrounds and abilities and reflects the rich cultural and ethnic diversity of the Worcester community. Approximately 80-120 students participate each year. MVYS offers one fall and one spring session, each culminating in a performance at Mechanics Hall. Throughout the year, the choir also performs at community celebrations and events, providing students with opportunities to share their music beyond the concert stage. MVYS is built on the belief that every young person should have access to high-quality music education and the opportunity to experience the joy, confidence, creativity, and sense of community that come from making music together.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Mechanics Hall seeks an energetic, dynamic, and inspiring Choir Director to provide the musical and educational leadership for Many Voices Youth Singers. The ideal candidate is a strong musician and experienced educator who understands the unique needs of students in grades 4-8 and can create an engaging, supportive environment for a large and diverse ensemble. The Choir Director should be passionate about music education, culturally responsive teaching, and expanding access to the arts. This is an opportunity for a creative musical leader to shape a distinctive youth choir experience while working as part of a supportive team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead all scheduled MVYS rehearsals and performances for the fall and spring sessions. Develop engaging, age-appropriate rehearsal plans and provide instruction in vocal technique, musicianship, music literacy, ensemble skills, and performance. Select and teach approximately 5-7 songs per session , balancing contemporary, traditional, popular, and culturally diverse repertoire. Incorporate music that reflects the cultures, languages, experiences, and interests of MVYS students. The program typically includes at least two selections per session featuring lyrics in languages other than English . Explore creative repertoire, including contemporary and popular music arranged for children's voices. Prepare students for culminating fall and spring concerts as well as community performances throughout the year. Foster a positive, inclusive rehearsal environment in which students of varying musical abilities and backgrounds feel welcomed, challenged, and successful. Collaborate with MVYS support teachers, who assist with musical instruction, rehearsal management, and students' social-emotional needs. Work with parent volunteers and Mechanics Hall staff to ensure rehearsals and performances are organized and successful. Coordinate with Mechanics Hall staff regarding schedules, performances, repertoire, musicians, and program logistics. Assist with identifying and coordinating accompanists and other musicians as needed. Create or adapt arrangements for the choir and accompanying musicians when possible. Communicate effectively and professionally with students, families, staff, musicians, and community partners. Serve as an enthusiastic advocate for youth arts education and the mission of Mechanics Hall.
REHEARSALS & PERFORMANCES
(2026-2027) Unless otherwise noted, rehearsals take place at Mechanics Hall from 5:30pm to 7:30pm. Fall Semester Monday, October 12, 2026 | Rehearsal | 5:30-7:30 PM Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Worcester Railers, DCU Center | Community Performance Monday, October 19, 2026 | Rehearsal | 5:30-7:30 PM Monday, October 26, 2026 | Rehearsal | 5:30-7:30 PM Monday, November 2, 2026 | Rehearsal | 5:30-7:30 PM Wednesday, November 4, 2026 | Dress Rehearsal | 5:30-7:30 PM Sunday, November 8, 2026 | Fall Concert 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Rehearsal/Call Time:
1:30pm Mechanics Hall Friday, December 4, 2026 | Festival of Lights | Community Performance 4:30pm Worcester City Hall Spring Semester Monday, March 1, 2027 | Rehearsal | 5:30-7:30 PM Monday, March 8, 2027 | Rehearsal | 5:30-7:30 PM Monday, March 15, 2027 | Rehearsal | 5:30-7:30 PM Monday, March 22, 2027 | Rehearsal | 5:30-7:30 PM Wednesday, March 31, 2027 | Dress Rehearsal | 5:30-7:30 PM Sunday, April 4, 2027 | Spring Concert 4:00pm to 5:00pm
Rehearsal/Call Time:
1:30pm Mechanics Hall Week of May 7, 2027 | TBD | Keys Across America Concert at Mechanics Hall Schedule subject to change.
OUR MUSICAL APPROACH MVYS
believes young people should experience a wide range of music and have opportunities to see themselves and the world around them reflected in what they sing. The choir's repertoire intentionally moves beyond traditional children's choral music and may include contemporary and popular songs adapted for young voices, music from different cultures and traditions, and selections in languages other than English. Past repertoire has included The Greatest, MLK, Fix You, I'll Be There, Akatonbo, Never Give Up, What About Us, Be the Change, Wake Me Up, and Golden . The Choir Director should be excited by the opportunity to think creatively about repertoire and to introduce students to music that is musically challenging, culturally meaningful, relevant, and fun.
Qualifications:
QUALIFICATIONS
Required Degree or significant formal training in music, music education, choral conducting, or a related field . Demonstrated experience directing or teaching choirs, preferably students in grades 4-8 . Strong knowledge of vocal and choral pedagogy. Excellent musical, conducting, and teaching skills. Experience working with students of varied musical abilities and backgrounds. Strong classroom/rehearsal management, organizational, and leadership skills. Ability to create an energetic, positive, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to commit to all scheduled rehearsals and performances for both the fall and spring sessions. Preferred Master's degree in music education, choral conducting, or a related field. Experience leading large, diverse youth ensembles. Experience with culturally responsive music education. Ability to create or adapt choral arrangements. Experience working with accompanists, instrumentalists, or other musicians. Experience sourcing and coordinating musicians for performances.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
Above all, we are looking for an energetic, dynamic educator and musical leader who genuinely loves working with young people and believes in the transformative power of the arts.
The successful candidate will be:
An inspiring teacher who can engage students with different levels of musical experience. A confident and accomplished musician with strong choral leadership skills. Knowledgeable about age-appropriate vocal development and pedagogy. Creative and open-minded in selecting and teaching repertoire. Organized, dependable, and able to manage the details of a large ensemble and multiple performances. A collaborative leader who values the contributions of support teachers, volunteers, families, and staff. A champion for access to the arts who is committed to making every student feel that they belong. Someone who values diverse perspectives and can serve as a positive role model for the young people MVYS serves.
How To Apply:
Please submit: A cover letter describing your interest in leading Many Voices Youth Singers and your approach to working with students in grades 4-8. Resume/CV. Brief description of your choral and music education experience. Contact information for three professional references. Optional links to recordings or videos demonstrating your conducting, teaching, or musical work. Applications should be submitted to jobs@mechanicshall.org with the subject line MVYS Choir Director . Mechanics Hall is committed to providing meaningful access to the arts and fostering an inclusive environment for students, artists, staff, and community members. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.
Apply by:
October 01, 2026
Salary:
$4,000 / About this
Organization:
Mechanics Hall is an historic, multi-functional performance hall in the heart of downtown Worcester. Known worldwide among the great concert halls, it is a cultural cornerstone in Central MA beloved by the community. Back to Search Results Other listings by this Org Home