Musical Director

Milton Keynes Youth Choir is looking to recruit a new Musical Director, to start in February 2025, as our wonderful MD Craig McLeish is stepping down.

MKYC is a small but mighty (20-25 strong) SSA youth choir with a regular accompanist. The choir provides an opportunity for children from all backgrounds to experience and participate in many genres of music. Founded in 1997, it is open to all singers with unbroken voices from ages 8 to 18.

The choir organises its own regular concerts, and often participates in other musical events in the city; from singing with Milton Keynes Chorale (in Handel’s Messiah in 2022 and Britten’s St Nicholas later this year) to performing at the flag raising ceremony for Armed Forces Day in 2023. This autumn the choir is singing in the Living Archive’s 40th Anniversary concert. As well as a regular Christmas concert (our main fundraiser) we normally sing carols in a central MK location.

You can see recent videos of the choir in performance on our Facebook page and website:

https://www.facebook.com/mkyouthchoir

https://www.mkyc.org.uk

The main choir meets every Tuesday from 5.45 to 7pm, with a separate rehearsal for Seniors (Year 9 and up, known as MK Youth Chorale) from 7-7.30pm. Rehearsals take place at Christ Church, Stantonbury Campus, MK14 6BN.

The ideal candidate will be flexible, energetic, and able to guide and engage our enthusiastic singers, developing a varied choral repertoire which features different genres. We are looking for someone who can provide guidance in vocal techniques, encouraging and developing choir members' vocal skills and musicality as well as maintaining high performance standards. The ideal candidate will be able to produce their own musical arrangements when required. We are also looking for:

• excellent communication and organisational skills, with willingness to work closely with the choir committee (a group of parents) to support the programme and the choir’s development.
• a good sense of humour and a positive and motivational approach to rehearsals.

The successful candidate will need their own transport.

Competitive rates will be paid for rehearsals and for concerts, based on experience.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to take a section of a rehearsal following an interview.

Closing date: 5pm on Friday 8th November 2024.

To apply, or for more information, contact Claire Corkill at mkyc.chair@hotmail.co.uk.