The Santa Fe Desert Chorale is a non-profit performing arts organization based in Santa Fe, NM. Our mission is to excite, engage, and inspire diverse audiences with the beauty and power of great choral music. Hearts in Harmony is a weekly, hour-long community singing workshop offered to guests at the Life Link Clubhouse. It allows participants of all backgrounds and musical experience levels to pick up a song book and join together in singing. This social-service program brings the healing power of music to those experiencing homelessness, substance abuse disorders, and life transitions. This innovative, joyful program first launched in 2017 at the Interfaith Community Shelter and moved to The Life Link Clubhouse in 2024. We seek an additional song leader to co-lead our Hearts in Harmony Community Sing Program, allowing us to fortify our current program and expand the program to other locations.

About the Santa Fe Desert Chorale

Founded in 1982 by Lawrence “Larry” Bandfield, Santa Fe Desert Chorale is one of the longest-running professional music organizations in New Mexico, as well as one of the most distinguished American professional chamber choirs. “The Santa Fe Desert Chorale [is] a top-notch, 24-voice group… comprising the crème de la crème of professional choral singers from coast to coast” (Dallas Morning News).

Duties/Responsibilities

• Plan, select, and execute the music to be used at each session in collaboration with Co-Leader
• By confidently singing, lead group singing sessions
• Set up space prior to each session and clean up afterwards (requires lifting and moving keyboard)
• Recruit and encourage guests to participate in the weekly program
• Establish relationships with guests, facility staff, and volunteers
• Integrate story-telling and group sharing into rehearsals when possible and appropriate

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Music education, music therapy, and group/communal singing experience
• Knowledge of and facility singing a wide range of rock and pop music, musical theater, etc.
  • Flexibility in rehearsal and repertoire management
  • Understanding of rote-learning and call-and-response teaching practices
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage and work effectively with wide range of people and personalities
• Punctuality and reliable transportation to and from venue
• Ability to lift and move up to 30lbs

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience with marginalized communities
• Spanish-language ability

Attributes

• General flexibility and patience
• Sense of humor and warm personality
• Commitment to teamwork and collaboration
• Ability to foster dignity, joy, and a safe space for participation

Reporting Structure

• Report to Executive Director of the Santa Fe Desert Chorale (SFDC)
• Work in collaboration with SFDC’s Community Engagement Manager and the current Hearts in Harmony co-leader (pianist)
• Work in partnership with staff and volunteers at the Life Link Clubhouse

Start Date: As soon as practical
Schedule: As-needed Wednesdays from 9:50 AM – 11:05 AM; schedule may fluctuate on semi-annual performance weeks; potential program expansion may result in changes to current schedule.
Compensation: $125 per session