CHORAL CONDUCTING OPPORTUNITY: 2026 APPRENTICE CONDUCTOR The National Youth Choir of Canada (NYCC) Conducting Apprenticeship is a biennial program, which affords an emerging conductor the opportunity to work with Canada’s celebrated National Youth Choir of Canada under the guidance of one of Canada’s preeminent choral conductors. Choral Canada is seeking to fill the position of Apprentice Conductor for the 2026 National Youth Choir of Canada. The 2026 program will take place in British Columbia and will culminate with the NYCC concert presented during the Podium Conference and Festival in Victoria (May 14-17, 2026), as well as a short tour preceding this concert. The 2026 choir will be under the direction of Dr. Julia Davids, the NYCC’s first-ever Apprentice Conductor. APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 2, 2025 ELIGIBILITY 1. Eligible to work in Canada. 2. Currently working or studying as a choral conductor or group leader 3. The successful applicant must not be older than 35 years as of the concluding date of the program (May 17, 2026). APPRENTICE CONDUCTOR PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS The Apprentice Conductor of the 2026 National Youth Choir of Canada will: * commit to participating in rehearsals with the choir in person from May 3-8, performing with the choir on tour in British Columbia from May 9-14, concluding at the Podium Festival in Victoria from May 14-17. * Participate in all workshops and online meetings prior to the start of the program. * All travel, food, and accommodations are provided for the duration of the NYCC rehearsal week and the tour. A complimentary Conference delegate pass and Festival pass to the PODIUM 2026 Choral Conference & Festival in Victoria, BC is included. The Conducting Apprenticeship also includes a partnership to work with Pro Coro Canada in a season subscription program under the mentorship of the ensemble’s conductor Michael Zaugg. The apprentice is hosted by Pro Coro Canada for an 8-10 day period in Edmonton, Alberta and will work with the professional choir in preparation to conduct a selection in a concert. The apprentice will also meet with choral leaders in Edmonton, observe a variety of other choral ensembles, and create professional connections. AWARD $4000 CAD award, paid upon completion of the program. This program is generously funded by The Sir Ernest MacMillan Memorial Foundation. SELECTION PROCESS: Choral Canada will establish a Selection Committee that includes the current NYCC Guest Conductor, a member of the NYCC Committee, a member of the Choral Canada Board of Directors, an external member of Choral Canada, and senior staff from Choral Canada. The Selection Committee will review all applications. Following review, the Selection Committee will select individuals for interview. The Selection Committee will then present its final selection to the NYCC Committee to be ratified by the Choral Canada Board of Directors. Selection will be based upon the individual’s application and the qualifications outlined above. All individuals who apply will be contacted directly regarding the outcome of the process. The successful applicant will be announced on or before June 30, 2025. ​Choral Canada is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility in all its work, and to being fair and equitable in practice. It strives to build diversity and inclusivity into its teams, committees, programs, and services, thereby fostering an organizational environment in which all people wishing to participate may flourish. LANGUAGE ​NYCC planning, meetings and rehearsals will be conducted in English. HOW TO APPLY 1. Complete the online application form. 2. Send all supporting materials via email to colin@choralcanada.org before June 2, 2025. If applying online is a barrier, please contact Choral Canada for alternative arrangements (written/oral applications) at 647-606-2467 or info@choralcanada.org. Application Questions: 1. Why do you want to work with the National Youth Choir of Canada? What do you hope to gain from this experience? Why do you believe you are the ideal candidate for this opportunity? (1250 characters maximum). 2. How would you support the Guest Conductor in building a culture of collaboration with 40 singers of diverse backgrounds and skill levels? (750 characters maximum). 3. Is there anything else you would like Choral Canada and the NYCC Committee to know as they consider your application? (750 characters maximum). Required Supporting Documents: 1. A detailed résumé/CV (PDF format) outlining your choral conducting education and experience. Save document with title “[Your Last Name] – Résumé”. 2. A list of repertoire that is representative of works you have studied, rehearsed and led in performance over your career. Categorize it by works studied, works rehearsed, and works conducted in performance. Repertoire that has been performed as an ensemble member may also be included but categorized separately as such. Save PDF document with title “[Your Last Name] – Works Conducted”. 3. ONE written letter of recommendation from someone who knows you and your work as a conductor/group leader. (PDF format) 4. The link(s) to your unlisted YouTube video(s) that includes video footage of your conducting, including the following: 1. 10-15 minute rehearsal showing your conducting and rehearsal technique. 2. 5-10 minute performance (can be different repertoire from that on the rehearsal recording) PLEASE NOTE: The total length of the video recording(s) should not exceed 25 minutes. 5. Details of works conducted in the provided YouTube videos. In a separate document, include the following information in PDF format. Save document with title “[Your Last Name] – Video Information”) 1. Track numbers with timing of each track, if applicable 2. The title and composer of each piece rehearsed and/or performed 3. The date(s) on which the rehearsal and performance were originally recorded 4. The name of the ensemble(s) and the recording venue(s) Helpful information on how to create and share unlisted YouTube videos can be found here: https://support.google.com/youtube/answer/157177?hl=en