Musical Director

Dear Applicant.

 This is us!

 We are a friendly, amateur, non-auditioned mixed-voice (SATB) choir of around 50 singers and have charitable status. Our choir was formed 40 years ago this coming year and we are keen to celebrate our 40th anniversary in style! We have a team of hard working and dedicated committee members to help the choir achieve its aims (and to work with you to help you to achieve yours!). We are proud to be a community choir and are pleased to work with, and for, the community when appropriate. We have thoroughly enjoyed working with young adults and primary school choirs (for example, in Carter’s Benedicite and Carmina Burana).

Our fund raising team help us raise sufficient to employ experienced orchestral players and soloists from time to time. We currently perform two main concerts per year (Spring and Autumn), and two lighter ones at Christmas and in June. These can include both sacred and secular works. We have a regular first rate accompanist and currently rehearse on Monday evenings (although this is negotiable) In fact, everything is up for discussion and we will welcome your ideas and input as to the way forward.

That was us.

Now please read the formal bit below and then tell us about you.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR Vacancy Type:  Conductor/Music Director Application deadline: 26th October 2024 Description of Vacancy:  Stanborough Chorus seek to recruit an experienced, enthusiastic Musical Director who shares our love of great choral music and will bring their own energy, inspiration, and creativity to the choir. About the Role/Responsibilities:

• In consultation with the committee, programme, plan, and schedule appropriate repertoire in a timely manner, within the allocated budget.

• Liaise with accompanist as necessary.

• Draw up appropriate rehearsal schedules.

• Prepare for and lead rehearsals, coaching the vocal and musical development of the choir as appropriate.

• Work with the Concert Support Secretary to recruit orchestra, instrumentalists and soloists as required to support the choir’s concerts and negotiate their payments within allocated budget

• Prepare for and conduct the choir and hired musicians in dress-rehearsals and performances (concerts).

• Liaise with the concert manager as appropriate.

• Advise committee and concert manager on viable concert venues.

• Attend committee meetings when invited.

• Prepare MD’s report for AGM.

• Prepare concert feedback for choir. • Undertake other duties commensurate to the role, as required.

Essential Criteria 

1. Talented musician with an established record of choral and orchestral direction.

2. Excellent communication skills and a positive approach.

3. Can teach music effectively to a mixed group (from non-music readers to the very experienced).

4. Can connect with, encourage, and challenge the choir in a positive, supportive, and enjoyable way.  

Desirable Criteria 

 1. Experience working with choirs at a high standard.

2. Experience in organisation and planning of events. Salary / Honorarium: Will be paid as per agreed contract How to apply: Please send your CV and supporting statement detailing your skills and experience and why you are interested in the role, along with details of 2 referees to the chair.  We will only approach your referees if you are shortlisted. Closing date is 26th October 2024. Shortlisted candidates will be informed by email from the chair and will be asked:

 • To attend an informal interview with the recruitment panel

 • To lead a choir rehearsal warm-up and teach a piece of music unknown to the choir

• To attend an informal interview with the recruitment panel • To lead a choir rehearsal warm-up and teach a piece of music unknown to the choir (maximum half an hour) date and time to be mutually agreed.

Subject to satisfactory references, the successful applicant will then be informed by the panel and expected to take up the post from 1st January 2025 in readiness for start of rehearsals starting 6 th January 2025. The appointment will be subject to a probationary period of one yea