Musical Director

Normally our concerts are held within 40 miles of Matlock, although we have performed abroad and in the Albert Hall.  Before lockdown we usually performed three or four concerts a year, with one or two Christmas concerts.  Sometimes we are commissioned  to sing to fundraise for a charity and/or to 'donate' our services to a charity for a concert they are organising.

Scope and specific responsibilities of the MD role

• To plan, prepare and take weekly rehearsals, around 45 in a year plus the occasional week-end day long rehearsal (max. two per annum)
• The MD must be willing and able to work in close partnership with the elected Choir Trustees who make up most of the Choir Committee.  The MD will be invited to attend relevant parts of committee meetings ex-officio in an advisory capacity. [N.B. The MD is not a Trustee.]  The Committee has the overall responsibility for the running of the choir in line with its charitable objectives.
• The MD is responsible for enhancing and developing the musical/choral aspects of the Choir and undertake the role of conductor of the Choir at concerts/public performances. 
• The MD is expected to encourage individuals / small groups (eg drum players etc) to sing or perform alongside the rest of the choir.

Skills & Experience of MD

The MD must:

• Have good teaching and communication skills, both musically and generally
• Be experienced in leading mixed choirs of a wide range of musical experience and abilities, including many who cannot read music
• Be able to relate to and teach a wide range of music types/genre

• Be willing and able to continue some of the Choir’s existing back catalogue – at least during the initial period.
• Be able to work in partnership with the Choir committee
• Be able to operate in a way to make rehearsals enjoyable
• Make suggestions to the Committee about the future development & direction of the choir
• Advise the committee on the capacity of the choir to perform in any concert, given the numbers promising to attend and sing.

It  would be helpful (but not essential)  if the MD could also:

• compose / arrange songs for the choir to sing, subject to the Copyright Policy.
• provide sound files of music to be rehearsed
• continue to support the strong tradition of African and international songs in the repertoire

Person Specification

• Good communicator
• Friendly, confident and supportive
• Well-organised and resourceful
• Enthusiastic and committed, able to inspire people to song well
• Dynamic and ‘can do’ attitude
• Sense of humour (essential!) and committed to equality

In Summary  ....... We are looking for someone who loves singing as much as we do and wants to help us have fun and make better music.

Payment:

• The MD is not employed, but is a self employed contractor with a contract to provide a service
• Payment is made per rehearsal or (at a higher rate) per concert performance

Applications:

• Please visit our website www.fishpondchoir.com to find out mroe about us  and email wjcchurchill@gmail.com in the first instance for an application pack.
• We hope to shortlist in late May/ early June and hold interviews in mid June
• Auditions for final round candidates will be held in June/ July with a starting date at a mutually agreed time, but by September at the latest.