Musical Director & Conductor

Musical Director Job Description

Responsible to Cheltenham Choral Society Committee

Charity No 287756

About us

Cheltenham Choral Society (CCS) was founded in 1938 by Morgan Islwyn Jones. The choir currently has 70 members. We perform three/four concerts per year, as well as occasional less formal musical activities, such as carol singing and lunchtime recitals. Recent performances include Rossini ‘Petite Messe Solennelle’, Faure ‘Requiem’, Karl Jenkins ‘The Peacemakers’, Handel ‘Messiah’ and Bach ‘St John Passion’ (in German).

We aim for high musical standards but also recognise the value of singing as an enjoyable social activity. We have a commitment to supporting local charities and to providing opportunities to perform for young singers and musicians.

We rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 – 9.30 at St Andrews United Reformed Church, Montpellier Street, Cheltenham GL50 1SP.

Job Description

Purpose

To direct and develop choral music, provide overall artistic vision and direction and develop the musical training of the members

Key Responsibilities

Prepare the choir at rehearsals in works chosen with the agreement of the CCS Committee

Conduct the choir and other performers at concerts

Support and develop the musical skills of the choir members

Ensure that the highest possible musical standards are achieved both at rehearsals and concerts, consistent with CCS’s musical and financial resources.

Advise on works to be performed within a timeframe and budget as discussed with the Committee

Make recommendations to the Committee for the engagement of musicians/players needed for concerts

Advise and assist the Committee in the artistic direction of CCS

Promote the good name and reputation of the Society

Other responsibilities

Provide a suitable substitute conductor if unable to attend a rehearsal

Conduct rehearsals for the choir, musicians and soloists in the afternoon before a concert

Attend Committee meetings in an advisory capacity, as requested by the Committee

Provide a performance report at the AGM

Occasionally undertake additional duties, eg recording sessions, one-off singing events, as agreed with the Committee

Professional and Personal Specification

You will be

• A professional musician with appropriate qualifications, ability and experience of conducting a mixed voice choir
• Enthusiastic, approachable and responsive to members of the Society
• Prepared to collaborate with other choirs/conductors as required, eg for the performance of larger works

You will have

• Experience of orchestral conducting
• Experience of voice training and development of skills for amateur singers of mixed ability
• Good keyboard skills
• A wide knowledge of the choral repertoire
• The ability to motivate and inspire

Application Process

A letter of application plus a full CV should be sent to Nikki Stephens, Secretary CCS at info@cheltchoral.org

The letter should outline your suitability for the post, and the CV should include your qualifications and experience, and the details of someone we could contact to provide a reference for you.

Applications close on 31 July 2023

Start date will be mid-November 2023 or this could be delayed to January 2024 for the right candidate

Interviews and auditions for short-listed candidates will take place on Wednesday evenings during September 2023. This will involve a rehearsal with the choir, including familiar works and teaching something new.

Remuneration and fees will be discussed at the interview and are guided by recommendations made by Making Music and the musicians’ union, and the contract will be based on the Making Music template.

We look forward to receiving your application.