Applications for the 2026-2027 apprenticeship are open

The Opportunity

This is a full-season apprenticeship built around immersive, hands-on experience. The Apprentice will prepare and conduct sectional and full ensemble rehearsals, work closely with Music Director Stephen Spinelli in structured one-on-one mentorship sessions, and observe artistic planning and interpretive decision-making from the inside. The Apprentice will lead, grow, and leave the season a stronger, more confident conductor.

Dr. Spinelli brings an extraordinary professional background to this mentorship. Co-founder of ONEcomposer, Grammy Award winner, and a conductor deeply committed to expanding the choral canon, he is a generous and rigorous mentor whose career reflects the kind of artistry and advocacy the Back Bay Chorale stands for.
The Back Bay Chorale itself is a 120-voice auditioned volunteer chorus that recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, with an ambitious concert calendar. Highlights included a landmark production of Carmina Burana at Symphony Hall in May 2026. 

Responsibilities

Over the course of the 2026-27 season the Apprentice will prepare the full repertoire to a professional standard, conduct assigned portions of rehearsals and sectionals, participate in mentorship sessions and supplemental professional development opportunities, and engage as a full artistic and professional presence within the organization. The selected candidate will also be given select opportunities to conduct the ensemble in performance. Occasional keyboard support and organizational collaboration with the Music Director and Executive Director are also part of the role.

Qualifications

The Back Bay Chorale welcomes applications from graduate students in choral conducting, recent graduates, and early-career professionals who are serious about their development and ready to commit to a full season. Strong score study skills, advanced keyboard proficiency, excellent communication, and the professional reliability and collegiality that a volunteer ensemble both deserves and thrives on are essential. 

Why This Apprenticeship

Podium experience is essential to the start of a conducting career. Mentored experience with a skilled ensemble is among the most valuable foundations a conducting career can have. The Back Bay Chorale Conducting Apprenticeship was established precisely to address that gap, offering emerging conductors a structured, supported, and artistically serious path into the profession. Faculty and educators are warmly encouraged to share this opportunity with graduate students and emerging professionals in their networks.

To Apply

A cover letter, resume, and any relevant video of conducting should be submitted to  apprentice26 AT bbcboston.org. Any further questions about this opportunity and process should also be directed to this address.