Concert Programming

Term from Choir Direction industry explained for recruiters

Concert Programming is the skill of selecting and arranging musical pieces for choir performances. It's like creating a well-balanced menu for a fine dining experience, but with music instead of food. This involves choosing songs that fit together thematically, considering the choir's abilities, audience preferences, and event requirements. Concert programmers need to understand various musical styles, historical periods, and how to create an engaging flow of music that keeps audiences interested while being achievable for the performers.

Examples in Resumes

Developed balanced Concert Programming for annual holiday performances featuring both traditional and contemporary works

Created innovative Concert Programs that increased audience attendance by 25%

Led Concert Programming committee for regional choral festival featuring 5 different choirs

Typical job title: "Choir Directors"

Also try searching for:

Choral Director Music Director Artistic Director Chorus Master Music Program Coordinator Repertoire Specialist Musical Director

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you approach programming a full concert season while maintaining artistic excellence and audience engagement?

Expected Answer: Should discuss balancing traditional and contemporary works, considering audience demographics, budget management, and long-term artistic vision. Should mention strategies for theme development and marketing appeal.

Q: How do you handle programming for diverse audiences while maintaining artistic integrity?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for incorporating multicultural repertoire, balancing popular and classical works, and strategies for educating audiences about unfamiliar music styles.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you select appropriate repertoire for your choir's skill level?

Expected Answer: Should discuss assessing choir capabilities, considering vocal ranges, musical complexity, and rehearsal time requirements. Should mention strategies for challenging singers while ensuring success.

Q: What factors do you consider when programming a holiday concert?

Expected Answer: Should address balance of sacred and secular music, traditional versus modern arrangements, audience expectations, and programming length considerations.

Junior Level Questions

Q: How do you organize music for a balanced concert program?

Expected Answer: Should explain basic principles of varying tempos, styles, and moods throughout a program, and understanding of appropriate concert length.

Q: What resources do you use to find new repertoire?

Expected Answer: Should mention music publisher websites, professional organizations, colleague recommendations, and choral reading sessions.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic repertoire selection
  • Understanding of voice types
  • Simple concert planning
  • Knowledge of standard choral works

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Thematic program development
  • Budget management
  • Advanced repertoire knowledge
  • Seasonal programming expertise

Senior (5+ years)

  • Full season programming
  • Large-scale event planning
  • Artist collaboration management
  • Innovation in programming concepts

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Limited knowledge of different musical styles and periods
  • No experience with budget management
  • Lack of understanding of audience engagement
  • Poor knowledge of voice types and capabilities
  • No experience with diverse musical traditions