Accompanist

The role of Accompanist supports the role of Musical Director through playing the piano at weekly rehearsals, leading sectional rehearsals, and leading full rehearsals in the absence of the Musical Director.

Specific responsibilities are:

• Normally to accompany the choir from the piano at weekly rehearsals according to the published rehearsal schedule
• Ensuring adequate preparation of scores, including supporting the choral lines when needed
• Enabling rehearsals by thinking ahead and being prepared, following closely the direction of the rehearsal
• Accompanying in a sensitive and helpful manner, judging independently what will be of most benefit to the choir
• Following the direction of the Musical Director
• Leading sectional rehearsals when required, directing these from the piano
• Normally leading full rehearsals in the absence of the Music Director, following an agreed rehearsal plan and including vocal warm-ups. The Musical Director fee is paid on these occasions, and an accompanist will be provided
• In case of a necessary absence, booking a suitable deputy from an approved list
• Adhering to all DCU policies and practices

From time to time a keyboard accompanist or orchestral keyboard player is needed at concerts. These engagements may be offered to the DCU Accompanist depending on suitability. On these occasions a concert fee is payable.

Person specification

• A keyboard accompanist (pianist or organist) of the highest standard E
• Strong experience in accompanying choirs E
• Familiarity with the repertoire of larger-scale choral works D
• Well-developed facility in reading choral parts from score E
• Highly developed keyboard skills, including transposition and harmonisation D
• Ability to assimilate orchestral reductions effectively E
• Ability to combine playing choral parts and accompaniment in order to assist the choir in their learning stages E
• Good rehearsal accompaniment skills, anticipating the direction of a rehearsal E
• A generosity of approach, sympathetic to the needs of amateur musicians E
• Willingness to work as part of a team E
• Willingness to work flexibly, responding positively to unforeseen situations E
• Confidence in leading effective choral rehearsals from the piano D
• Confidence in leading effective choral rehearsals from the podium D
• Good knowledge of vocal technique, with the ability to communicate this effectively D
• A confident choral/orchestral conductor D
• Experience as a concert accompanist/orchestral keyboard player D
• Experience working with other high-level professional musicians D

E = Essential; D = Desirable

About the Choir

Derby Choral Union is Derby’s longest-running voluntary choir and has performed concerts every year since its formation in 1866. With over 80 members, we hold three concerts each year, performing choral works from the classical repertoire to the highest standards, including choral classics as well as more contemporary music.

Now in its 160th year, the choir is recognised as one of the foremost choirs in the East Midlands and continues to attract new members and audiences with innovative programmes of music, guided by our charismatic Musical Director, Paul Provost.

In addition to our regular season of three concerts, over the past 15 years we have enjoyed six successful overseas tours, the most recent being a concert exchange with the Marienkantorei choir of Osnabrück, Derby’s twin town in October 2018.

DCU Accompanist terms

This role is offered on a self-employed basis, remunerated at £32  per hour, reviewed annually. Rehearsals are normally two hours in duration, and take place on a Tuesday evening 7.30-9.30pm. The normal rehearsal venue is St John’s Church, Mickleover, although other venues in and around Derby may be used. The rehearsal period varies each year, depending on the programme of concerts, and the season usually runs from September to May or early June. A schedule of rehearsals is maintained and will be updated as far in advance as possible.

How to apply

Please send a CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the requirements for this role to the Secretary, Karen on karen@dcu.org.uk no later than Sunday 26 October. Please also give contact details of two referees whom you would be happy for us to contact in reference to this application. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to play for and lead a portion of rehearsal either on 4 or 11 November. Further details, including repertoire, will be notified in advance.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact the Chair, Antony, on antony@dcu.org.uk, or the Musical Director, Paul, on paul@dcu.org.uk