The award winning Kinder Choirs(formerly the Kinder Children's Choirs of the High Peak) are seeking a new Children's Musical Director from September/October 2018. The organisation has been one of the major success stories in the cultural life of Derbyshire since their formation in 1991 by their founder Joyce Ellis MBE. During this time the choirs have gained a national and international profile with successes in major competitions and festivals, including twice winners of the Llangollen International Eisteddfod, major concert engagements, appearances on TV and radio, and in European tours. They perform regularly in cathedrals and national concert halls, as well as all over Derbyshire. The Choirs are a registered charity and have a board of trustees.
We hope to have someone in situ by September or shortly after. The successful candidate will be a dynamic professional musician with experience and an understanding of young developing voices, vocal health and classical technique; someone with energy and enthusiasm, able to invigorate the organisation and inspire a high standard of performance. The post involves liaising with the Founder Director who is responsible for the overall running of the choirs, and an ability to work collaboratively.
An enhanced DBS clearance together with personal and professional references will be required.
Musical Director job description: The annual timetable runs from September to August. The Musical Director will be expected to liaise with the Founder Director, the Administrator and the Trust of the organisation. For children there is no audition necessary to join and there is no preclusion for reasons of cost, with busaries being available on a confidential basis when there is need. The choirs rehearse weekly on Monday and Tuesday evenings for 8 hours during the Derbyshire Schools' term. In November and May/June there are often Sunday afternoon rehearsals in preparation for Christmas and the annual summer concert in Buxton Opera House. Over the year the choirs take part in a variety of concerts (both self promotions and outside invitations), occasional professional performances, competitions, tours and residential events. Choice of repertoire and programme planning is discussed with the Founder Director. The repertoire will reflect the skills and development of the individual choirs; it must aim to provide challenge, variety and enjoyment, and also consider the enjoyment of the audience. There will be a requirement for the successful candidate to be active within the High Peak community, seeking exciting opportunities and initiatives for recruitment and the development of the choirs. There will be related administration and communications needed as part of the role.
The fee is negotiable and will reflect the experience and calibre of the candidate. There may be an opportunity for the right person to develop their role within the organisation.
For a full specification of the position, more about the choirs and details of how to apply please contact joyce.ellis001@gmail.com
