The Capitol Hill Chorale, under Artistic Director Frederick Binkholder, announced the Paul Drummond Conducting Fellowship, to support emerging talent in choral conducting in the Washington DC area. The 12-month fellowship offers Masters-candidate conducting students and those with choral equivalent leadership/management experience the opportunity to lead a large, auditioned chorus with a reputation for innovative programming while also gaining practical experience in the artistic and administrative functions of a community arts organization. Applications are open in the Fall, with the fellowship beginning in January and running though the December concert season.
The Paul Drummond Conducting Fellowship is open to individuals studying conducting at the Masters level or equivalent. The fellowship term runs from January through December and includes the title of Assistant Conductor, a $2,000 stipend, and waiver of performance dues and music fees as a member of the ensemble. The Assistant Conductor assists the Artistic Director in preparing the Chorale for performance, from rehearsal to stage management of performance. In addition to these main artistic duties, the AC collaborates with the section leaders, runs sectional rehearsals, and assists with auditions and voice checks. Non-artistic duties include attending board meetings, preparing program notes, participating in fundraising activities, and participating in community activities (i.e. pop-up concerts). The Assistant Conductor is expected to rehearse and conduct at least one selection in each concert during the regular season. The Fellowship concludes with a capstone project to include programming, rehearsing, promoting, and conducting a small ensemble concert under the umbrella of CHC.
During the season, the fellow will gain experience in leading the large ensemble through warm ups, rehearsals, and select performance opportunities, and will also participate in administrative functions such as board meetings and management tasks. Activities during the off-season/summer may include planning for upcoming seasons, assisting with auditions, organizing community "Summer sings", and participating in administrative functions.
The fellowship honors the memory and influence of Mr. Binkholder’s friend and mentor Dr. Paul Drummond.
The Paul Drummond Conducting Fellowship is open to any Master's-candidate or equivalent conducting student, individuals who have recently completed Master's studies in conducting (choral conducting preferred), or individuals with a minimum of 3 years organizing and conducting a musical organization such as a community ensemble, youth ensemble, church ensemble. Complete and submit the application along with samples of your recent conducting work and professional recommendations demonstrating skill and artistic ability. Download the application (Word doc). Send application packages to [email protected]. Applications must be submitted by October 31st. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.