Dartford Choral Society - Music Director from January 2025

Dartford Choral Society is a non-auditioned SATB choir of around 25 people (approximately 8 sopranos, 9 altos, 3 tenors and 5 basses) of mixed age and musical experience/ability, performing a varied repertoire of sacred and secular choral music.

The Society’s year runs from September to June, with rehearsals on Monday evenings and four concerts per year. We are seeking a music director/accompanist to take up the position in January 2025, from our current MD, who is retiring after 40 years’ service.

There is a modest remuneration for this post, in line with the Society’s limited financial resources, and the successful applicant will be self-employed.

Duties

• To conduct and accompany the choir at rehearsals.
• To conduct the choir at concerts, in most cases to include a preceding afternoon rehearsal.
• To develop and improve the quality of the existing choir.
• To actively assist in the recruitment of new members.
• To work in collaboration with the Committee and attend all Committee meetings.
• To select suitable music for each concert, in consultation with the Committee, taking into account the constraints of vocal resources and budget.
• To book a competent organ accompanist for each concert.
• To book professional soloists for concerts where the programme dictates, and, in certain circumstances, to select soloists from within the choir.

Required skills/qualities

• A recognised professional musical qualification.
• Experience of choral conducting and good knowledge of the choral repertoire.
• Experience of working with choirs of mixed abilities and ages, particularly those of more mature years.
• Ability to accompany rehearsals and direct from the piano.
• Good organisational skills and time management.
• Good communication skills.
• An engaging personality, enthusiasm and a sense of humour.

Application process

Applicants should complete the application form and email this together with a full CV and suggested music programme for the Spring, Summer and Autumn concerts in 2025 to publicity@dartfordchoral.org.uk.

The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 25th September 2024.

For further details about the Society, and a copy of this job advertisement please see our website at www.dartfordchoral.org.uk. Please contact our Chairman, Pat Everington (chairman@dartfordchoral.org.uk), with any queries or for further information about the vacancy.