Music Director - Coquetdale Chamber Choir

Sound and Music; Rothbury; Remote; GBP 3,600 - 4,400; Part time

Job summary

Coquetdale Chamber Choir is seeking a Music Director to lead the choir on a self-employed basis, developing membership, repertoire and audience while upholding the choir's reputation as Northumberland’s leading a cappella ensemble.

Remuneration is £110 per 2-hour rehearsal, with appointment subject to references, a DBS check and a contract. The MD will work with the committee on artistic direction and performances.

Qualifications

• A knowledgeable and experienced musician with an excellent musical ear.
• Wide knowledge of choral music and music generally.
• Knowledge of vocal technique.
• Proven competence as a choral conductor and evidence of conducting a cappella groups.
• Proven leadership of a small singing group and ability to work with a committee.

Responsibilities

• Take weekly rehearsals – roughly 36 per year.
• Prepare and direct concerts – 6-8 per year.
• Work collaboratively with the committee on repertoire – new and existing.
• Inspire and lead the choir to higher musical achievement.
• Contribute to expanding membership and audiences; create an inviting choir.
• Hold auditions/voice tests as required.

Skills

Choral conductor

Vocal technique

Choral repertoire

Leadership

Musical ear

Job description

Job Description

Purpose of the job: To take the Coquetdale Chamber Choir forward under new leadership, developing membership, repertoire and audience and maintain its reputation as one of Northumberland’s leading a cappella choirs.

Duties

• Taking weekly rehearsals -c 36 p.a
• Taking c 36 weekly rehearsals p.a.
• Preparing choir for, and conducting, performances, c 7-8 p.a.
• Ensuring the highest possible standard consistent with available resources
• Working with the committee on artistic direction and repertoire
• Auditioning prospective members,(as required).

Availability and Special Requirements

Taking choir rehearsals, currently, Tuesdays 7.30-9.30pm in Rothbury, Northumberland, for concerts and choral training days/workshops (some flexibility here)

Satisfactory references and DBS check.

Qualities needed for this position

There are three main essential qualities:

• A knowledgeable and experienced musician with:
  • a) An excellent musical ear
  • b) Wide knowledge of choral music and music generally
  • c) Knowledge of vocal technique
• Proven competence as a choral conductor and evidence of successfully conductor a Capella group(s)
• Proven leadership of a small singing group
  • a) Enthusiasm and ambition for the choir, challenging it with a vision for the future
  • b) Works collaboratively with a committee
  • d) Creates a good rapport with singers

Engagement details

The Music Director (MD) of Coquetdale Chamber Choir (CCC) is engaged on a self-employed basis and is therefore expected to account for their own income tax and Class 4 National Insurance contributions.

Remuneration: £110 per 2hr session, incl. expenses. Appointment: subject to satisfactory references, DBS check and contract.

Job Requirements

• Experience of and expertise: in choral music
• leading a Cappella singers (would be an advantage)
• developing repertoire
• preparing for and directing performances
• inspirational leadership
• good team player

Job Responsibilities

• take weekly rehearsals – roughly 36 p.a.
• Prepare and direct concerts – 6-8 p.a.
• Work collaboratively with the committee on repertoire – new as well as the existing one
• Inspire and lead the choir to challenge their musical capabilities, individually and collectively – the choir comprises competent singers who are keen to be taken in new directions/higher achievement
• Contribute to the expansion of the membership and audiences through own connections as well as by creating an attractive and encouraging choir that welcomes all comers
• Hold auditions/voice tests as required