Musical Director - Job Description

 

What we can offer:

  • In the range of £4,000 per annum
  • 2-hour rehearsals per week during term time
  • 3-4 performances per annum
  • The post would suit someone wishing to combine this with another job or role elsewhere.

 

Application process:

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 chair@louthchoral.co.uk. 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.

 

Job Specification

 

Summary:

We are seeking a talented, enthusiastic and committed Musical Director to lead the Louth Choral Society. The Louth Choral Society is a mixed voice, auditioned adult choir (SATB) of around 45 experienced singers. The choir has been in existence since the 1830s and our home venue is in the magnificent Church of St James, Louth. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional musical skills with 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 the choir members' vocal skills and musicality. The position requires someone with a passion to explore with the choir a variety of music, both sacred and secular, from the 16th Century to the present day. The post would necessitate proficient keyboard and vocal skills to assist in rehearsals for sectional work and be able to audition new members for their suitability. You would have an interest and expertise in putting together appropriate and diverse repertoire that engages and challenges the choir and draws in a sizeable local audience. In order to carry out this role effectively, it is necessary to have excellent communication and organisational skills and be prepared to work closely with the choir committee to support the programme and choir development. You would be responsible for planning and communicating a rehearsal schedule for each concert. It is important to have a good sense of humour and have an ability to foster a rich and welcoming musical environment that is both positive and motivational.

 

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.
  6. To make recommendations to the Committee for the engagement of soloists and other performers needed for concerts and to audition them if necessary.
  7. To provide precise details of the necessary musical resources, soloists and players, to enable the Committee to budget for, and to arrange, the following year's concerts.
  8. To help organise/participate in other activities which could include recordings, tours and other singing engagements as required and agreed with the Committee.
  9. To provide all the details reasonably required for producing programmes and publicity material.
  10. To give a written annual report at the Society's AGM.
  11. To attend meetings of the Committee at their invitation and at least once per term.

 

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.