Background

In partnership with the Johnson family, we are proud to offer the Maksym Johnson Memorial Musical Fellowship. This program will help nurture the growth of creative musical leaders by offering paid internship opportunities to college-age and early career professionals, and allows for a wide range of possible tracks, including education, conducting and vocal performance. Fellows will work closely with our Artistic Director in a supportive environment, and will have access to master classes with guest composers and conductors.

Description

The Musical Fellows program will serve as a foundational career experience for future music educators, conductors, and professional vocal artists. The fellows will work directly with the artistic staff of the Lehigh Valley Chorale including the Artistic Director, Assistant Conductor, and Collaborative Pianist. Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in masterclasses and clinics with professional musicians in their respective disciplines throughout the duration of the fellowship. 

This is a paid hourly fellowship.

Tracks

All fellows will work directly with the music leadership of the Lehigh Valley Chorale including Artistic Director Nick Sienkiewicz, Assistant Conductor Lauren Murphy, Collaborative Pianist Kimberly Poloni, and featured guest artists and clinicians. 

All fellows are required to attend weekly rehearsals and participate as a singing member of the ensemble.

1. Music Education

Bi-weekly lessons with a focus on rehearsal techniques, music education, and social psychology. Elements of conducting will also be incorporated into these lessons at the student’s request. 

Opportunity to lead at segments of rehearsals on assigned works, with footage and feedback given after each instance. 

Clinics and opportunities to shadow local artists focused on K-12 Music Education.

2. Conducting

Bi-weekly lessons with a focus on score preparation and conducting gestures. Although the focus will be primarily choral in nature, opportunities to work with instrumentalists may be available depending on the season. 

Opportunity to lead a portion of a larger work, or a single piece during the duration of the fellowship. 

Clinics and opportunities to work with local conductors and ensemble leaders.

3. Vocal Arts

Bi-weekly lessons focused on foundational vocal techniques, and specifically, ensemble singing. These lessons will likely be from a combination of instructors. 

Opportunities to sing in LVC’s auditioned chamber ensemble, along with solo opportunities throughout the season. 

Clinics and opportunities to work with local professional vocalists based on the fellow’s interest and specificity.

Term and Compensation

This is a paid internship opportunity and has been budgeted at $15 an hour for in-rehearsal time and an additional 1 hour of outside preparation per week. 

Fall Term: 21 rehearsal hours, 6 performance hours, 11 hours of preparation (total compensation for Fall: $570)

Spring Term: 30 rehearsal hours, 6 performance hours, 15 hours of preparation (total compensation for Spring: $765)

Any work assigned outside of the weekly allotment will be compensated at $15/hour.

Requirements

  1. Be an adult aged 18-25 that is currently pursuing a musical career. This includes high school students (at least age 18), undergraduate or graduate students, and early career professionals (post-grad).

  2. Be local to the Lehigh Valley and have reliable transportation to and from rehearsals, concerts, and other assignment commitments.

Responsibilities

Along with the significant educational component of this fellowship, the fellow may be assigned to other leadership opportunities as they arise which could include

  1. Running sectional rehearsals 

  2. Communicating markings/notes from rehearsals with members 

  3. Serving as group leaders for our yearly retreat

Questions about the program? Email fellowship@lvchorale.org.