Position Title: Musical Director

Location: Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Organization: Encore! Handbell Ensemble

About Us 

Encore! Handbell Ensemble is a community handbell ensemble that provides quality musical performances, promotes the appreciation of handbell music, and aspires to build a distinguished reputation in the art of handbell ringing. Encore! is made up of dedicated musicians from communities throughout Northeast Wisconsin, performing on 5 octaves of handbells and handchimes. Concerts showcase a wide variety of music including sacred, secular, traditional, classical, and modern handbell compositions and arrangements.

The ensemble regularly performs music between levels 2 and 4. The ensemble typically is made up of 12-15 members. Encore! maintains an intern program for handbell ringers who either lack experience with handbells or need additional time to develop musical technique or rhythms. 

Job Description

As the Handbell Director, you will be responsible for leading and directing our handbell ensemble in rehearsals and performances. You will work with ensemble members to develop their musical skills and enhance their overall musical experience. Encore! Handbell Ensemble regularly performs a series of concerts in late November/early December, as well as late April/early May. Rehearsals are presently on Thursday evenings in Oshkosh, WI, and occasionally on Sunday afternoons as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct regular rehearsals for the handbell ensemble.

• Select appropriate music repertoire and program coherently themed concerts.

• Provide timely instruction and guidance to ensemble members on handbell techniques, musical interpretation, artistic direction, and performance skills.  

• Be present as a non-voting member of the Board of Directors of the organization and provide a director’s report. Board meetings are held monthly. 

• Collaborate with the Encore! Board to coordinate performances. Concert performances outside of the traditional schedule are also encouraged.

• Assist with the recruitment and auditioning of new ensemble members.

• Promote the wider recognition of our ensemble throughout the community and as appropriate at the broader HMA Area 7 region.

• Set and maintain expectations for ringer preparation. 

• Assign positions to ringers, taking into consideration their skills, preferences, and the needs of the ensemble. Ringers are responsible for finding solutions to difficult passages.

• Write conductor’s notes that provide meaningful direction, clarity, and focus-areas; send the notes to the ensemble prior to the first rehearsal in a concert series. 

• Hold the ensemble responsible for adopting the conductors’ notes and applying feedback provided in rehearsals. 

• Assist board in the planning and implementing of our annual bells “Boot Camp” training session. 

• Work with the board to establish long-term goals for the organization.

• Provide Director’s report at annual meeting of the membership, traditionally held in March. 

Essential Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Music, Music Education, or related field, or alternatively, demonstrated mastery in handbell direction with another handbell ensemble.

• Demonstrated proficiency in conducting.

• Previous experience directing or coaching an ensemble (preferred handbells, will consider alternatives).

• Strong musical background with knowledge of music theory and notation.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to teach, motivate and inspire ensemble members to achieve musical excellence.

• Creative and innovative approach to programming and repertoire selection.

• Strong organizational and leadership abilities.

• Commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive musical community.

How to Apply

Please submit a brief résumé and/or cover letter, as well as any relevant portfolio materials (such as recordings, videos, or compositions/arrangements) to encorebells@gmail.com. Please include a brief statement outlining your experience with handbells. 

Compensation

Encore! Handbell Ensemble pays the director a stipend twice a year at the conclusion of each concert series. (December and May). The Musical Director role is an outside contractor, not an employee of the organization.