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Musical Director, Louth Choral Society

  •  East Midlands
  •  Under £10K
  •  Part time
  •  Closes October 14, 2024
  •  Clare Fry
  •  chair@louthchoral.co.uk
  • #Music

Description

Job Summary

The Louth Choral Society are looking for a dynamic, energetic and experienced Musical Director to start in January 2025. The Louth Choral Society is a mixed voice, auditioned adult choir (SATB) of around 45 experienced and enthusiastic singers.

Job Description

The choir has been in existence since the 1830s and performs a wide variety of choral music, both sacred and secular, from the 16th Century to the present day. We aim to achieve high standards of performance and hold three concerts per year, one of which is usually accompanied by professional musicians and soloists, and we also join in a community Carol Concert in December. Our home venue is in the magnificent Church of St James in Louth, although we have also performed in other town churches around Lincolnshire. We rehearse on Mondays at the Salvation Army (13 Church Street, Louth LN11 9BS) from 7.30-9.30 pm during term times and we have an excellent accompanist who plays at the rehearsals and concerts.

The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, driven and focused and have:

  • an interest in exploring with the choir a variety of genres from medieval times to the present day;
  • proven experience in choral conducting and a strong knowledge of vocal techniques and choral repertoire, and be able to maintain high standards by encouraging and developing choir members' vocal skills and musicality;
  • proficient keyboard and vocal skills to assist in rehearsals for sectional work and be able to audition new members for their suitability;
  • an interest and expertise in putting together appropriate and diverse repertoire that engages and challenges the choir and draws in a sizeable local audience;
  • excellent communication and organisational skills and be prepared to work closely with the choir committee to support the programme and choir development;
  • the ability to plan and communicate a rehearsal schedule for each concert;
  • a good sense of humour and a positive and motivational approach to rehearsals.

Job Requirements

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate should have a musical degree, have taken courses in orchestration and conducting and have had experience in directing a choir. You should be able to:

  • Read sheet music and play the piano.
  • Rewrite the music to fit different performances together in an ensemble.
  • Sing and be musically proficient.
  • Demonstrate strong leadership and people management skills and be confident to conduct performers.
  • Show clear and productive communication skills.
  • Coordinate, schedule and manage concerts effectively to ensure rehearsals and performances run smoothly.
  • Pay attention to the small issues and problems and have strong observational skills to identify areas for improvement so that performances are of a high standard.
  • Take overall charge for the musical performance, ensuring that members know the music thoroughly and that you supervise and communicate the musical interpretation to the singers and orchestra.

Job Responsibilities

Key responsibilities:

1. To choose works in agreement with the Society and in consultation with the Assistant Musical Director.

2. To effect the musical training of the Society in those works and to prepare and direct weekly evening and, on occasion, day rehearsals. A minimum of 35 evening rehearsals per year during term time take place on Monday evenings (7.30-9.30pm) at the Salvation Army in Louth and is accompanied by an excellent pianist. A rehearsal schedule needs to be prepared for each concert.

3. To conduct the Society and other performers at such concerts as shall be decided by the Committee in consultation with the Musical Director, usually three times per annum.

4. To ensure that the highest possible musical standards are achieved both at rehearsals and concerts, consistent with the Society's musical and financial resources.

5. To arrange for the audition of prospective Society members and to make recommendation to the Committee in the light of such auditions.

Useful Links

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter explaining why you would like to be considered for the job, together with your CV and two references. Applications should be sent by email to Clare Fry at [email protected]. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview in Louth and to lead part of a rehearsal. The closing date for applications is 5pm on 14th October. Invitations to interviews will be confirmed by 21st October. Interviews will be held in the last week of October/ beginning of November. It is envisaged that the post holder would begin in January 2025.

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