Since 1999, Women in Harmony has been under the direction of Catherine “Kitty” Beller-McKenna, who is known for her innovative programming, her wide-ranging musical interests embracing a variety of styles and cultures, and her ability to work with adult volunteer singers from a wide variety of musical backgrounds.  Kitty will retire at the end of June 2026. Women in Harmony is grateful for all she has brought to us and to our audiences; she will be deeply missed.  A search for Women in Harmony’s new Artistic Director is underway.

Position Summary
Women in Harmony, a long-standing, feminist chorus in Portland, Maine, is seeking an
experienced artistic director to start in the Fall of 2026. The AD will lead the chorus in all
aspects of chorus programming, conducting, and performing, including selecting appropriate
repertoire for our voicing and mission; planning and implementing weekly Tuesday rehearsals
from September to May; conducting at least two concerts a year; auditioning new members;
coaching vocal development; and motivating singers.

Who We Are
Established in 1993 in Portland, Maine, Women in Harmony is a vibrant feminist chorus of
approximately 60 singing members and several non-singing members. We are an affirming and
inclusive community that sings for social justice and the joy of making music together. Each
concert follows a theme that accords with our mission, and we partner with a community
organization aligned with that theme. Women in Harmony envisions a world where every voice
is equal and valued. Recognizing the power of music to bring people together, we work to build bridges of understanding, striving for unity among all people, regardless of age, sexual
orientation, race, sex, gender identity/expression, disability, economic background, color,
ethnicity, or national origin. We are passionate about musical excellence. We provide learning
opportunities for members with varying levels of musical expertise, and encourage all members
to expand their skills and grow musically within a supportive environment. We advocate for
political, social, and economic equality as a human right; actively promote the work of women
composers and performers; and support members who are lesbian, bisexual, queer identified,
heterosexual, or asexual, and are committed to fostering an environment that supports trans
and gender non-conforming people. For more information, visit www.wihmaine.org.

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming, respectful, and artistically enriching experience for all singers.
• Create an annual performance schedule that includes two primary concert seasons and  occasional additional performances (typically no more than one per year) to promote Women in Harmony’s mission and vision. 
• Select appropriate music for each season and work with the Music Library team to purchase and distribute the music.
• Obtain and/or create and disseminate practice tracks for all concert music.
• Collaborate with Board of Directors and Membership team leaders regarding concert and chorus details and logistics, including concert venue.
• Attend monthly Board of Directors meetings and present a report from the Artistic Director. 
• Plan rehearsals and communicate with chorus members regarding scheduled activities.
• Support and nurture singers in their musical growth by incorporating vocal and choral instruction in rehearsals.
• Audition, select, and coach small groups and soloists as needed prior to concerts.
• Communicate with accompanist and Section Leaders regarding music, rehearsal list and performance details.
• Direct Women in Harmony’s Outreach Ensemble (includes auditioning members and leading rehearsals). 
• Network with other arts organizations to increase the visibility of the chorus, provide enrichment opportunities for members, and promote social justice 
• Every four years, plan, prepare for, and lead a performance at the Sister Singers Network Festival.

Qualifications

• Degree in choral conducting preferred, or comparable degree in a related field
• At least 5 years conducting experience preferred
• Skills and interest in teaching and conducting singers with a wide range of musical abilities

Next Steps/Deadlines/Requirements

Submit cover letter, resume, names and contact information for 3 references, and relevant supporting materials.  Please include past concert programs and a video (or link to a video) of conducting experience (ideally from the front, i.e., the chorus’s viewpoint, rather than from the audience’s viewpoint). Send materials by January 31, 2026, to:

Women in Harmony Search Committee
P.O. Box 8042
Portland, Maine 04104
wihsearch@gmail.com