Section Leader Job Description

By  GALA Expert 

 November 28, 2023 

  

 

Purpose: assist the Artistic Director and other artistic staff in the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Desirable qualities. The Section Leader should:

  • Be a skilled musician able to read music well (piano skills not required but useful).
  • Be able to attend most rehearsals.
  • Possess good interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Work in conjunction with other Section Leaders.
  • Be willing and able to represent SFGMC in a manner befitting its by-laws and mission as a member of its artistic staff.
  • Be willing and able to support the artistic director and other artistic staff in artistic decisions and other matters relating to the artistic health and growth of the chorus.Suggested duties include, but are not limited to:
  • Provide musical leadership for section (i.e. baritone SL provides musical leadership for baritones). Musical leadership may entail anything from answering questions such as “what songs were rehearsed last week?” to specific technical questions such as “what is the chord at measure 10?” In the event that the SL is not able to answer the question, he may confer with other artistic staff.
  • Organize and lead sectional rehearsals and arrange for an accompanist if necessary. If sectionals are held in the chorus office, the rehearsal room should be reserved in advance and a key for the office must be acquired. (NOTE: If there is more than one SL in a section, SLs should collaborate in order to utilize their particular skills to good effect.) Sectional rehearsals should be held at least twice per major concert, or as necessary. Attendance at sectional rehearsals is not mandatory for members, by highly recommended for those who need extra assistance or who have missed rehearsals. Please take attendance at sectional rehearsal.
  • Take careful note of details in rehearsal, such as phrasing, breathing, pronunciation etc., so that exact details can be communicated to members.
  • Effectively communicate with and advise Artistic Director and other artistic staff.
  • Be willing to take initiative in the absence of the Artistic Director (e.g. lead a warm-up).
  • From time to time conduct outreach or other performances as requested (negotiable according to your availability and/or abilities).
  • Attend meetings pertinent to artistic issues (e.g. production meetings)
  • Provide coaching for soloists or other individuals
  • Provide sight-reading assistance
  • Strive for personal artistic growth

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