Wimbledon Choral Society : New Musical Director

Wimbledon Choral Society

Appointment of new Musical Director

*** The period for submitting applications for this post has now closed. Thank you to all of those who showed interest in this position and also to the many who sent in their applications. News of the successful applicant will be posted on this website in June 2008. ***

After thirty highly successful years in the role, Michael Ashcroft will be standing down as Musical Director of Wimbledon Choral Society. Under his direction the choir has evolved and developed into one of the region’s leading choirs, producing performances of a very high standard and in a variety of venues.

The Society is now seeking a suitable candidate to become its new Musical Director from September 2009.

This page consists of five sections. The first two describe the profile of the choir and the direction in which it seeks to proceed. The second two sections describe the role and requirements of the Musical Director with whom the Society wishes to work. The final section gives details on the application & selection process and the key dates involved.

Choir Profile

* With origins going back to 1880 Wimbledon Choral Society is a well-established and flourishing large mixed choir of 160+ members. The average age of the choir is considerably lower than some of its neighbouring peers, particularly in the upper voices. A significant number of new members have been attracted to the choir by its highly-acclaimed website www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk

* In the last 20 years concert venues have included the Royal Festival Hall, Fairfield Halls, the Royal College of Music, Cadogan Hall, the New Wimbledon Theatre, St John’s Waterloo and Guildford and Southwark Cathedrals.

* The choir performs a wide and diverse repertoire of choral music. In the past 10 years this has included such works as Elgar The Dream of Gerontius, Verdi Requiem, Berlioz Te Deum (these three in Guildford Cathedral), Jenkins The Armed Man, Walton Belshazzar’s Feast, Mozart (Great) Mass in C minor, Bernstein Chichester Psalms, Schubert Mass in A Flat, Stanford Songs of the Fleet and Howells Take Him, Earth, For Cherishing. The choir has also commissioned and performed new contemporary works, most recently one scored for choir, soloists and orchestra.

* There are three main concerts per season plus one at Christmas together with occasional workshops and invitations to other events. Since 2000, the choir has participated in the annual televised Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall. It appeared in Songs of Praise in 2005 & 2006 and recorded the theme music used for BBC Television’s coverage of the 1998 World Cup.

* All soloists and orchestra/ensemble players engaged are fully professional. In recent years the principal orchestras with whom the choir has performed are the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Queen’s Hall Orchestra and the New London Soloists Orchestra.

* Extra events planned in the 2007-2008 season include two versions of Handel’s Messiah, one as guests of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the second at the invitation of The Salvation Army.

* WCS welcomes the opportunity to work on joint ventures with other organisations, especially other choirs.

* Rehearsals take place on a Monday evening between 7.30-9.30pm in the centre of Wimbledon and the season runs between September and the end of May or early June.

* Although the Society receives no sponsorship or grants, it is financially secure and actively managed by an energetic and experienced committee.

* WCS has a growing reputation for the high quality of its performances as noted in the following quotes from audience members:

“A huge, stunningly powerful and exciting performance.”

“The Wimbledon Choral Society is a wholly excellent group; unanimity, balance and commitment are first-class.”

“This was a concert of real people making real music and a great joy to witness.”

“I have to admit that I have never heard a choir, anywhere, sing with such unity of purpose and I yearned to be part of it.”

Choir Direction

* WCS prides itself on being an open, welcoming, friendly and accessible group and is fortunate to have the excellent support of Ian Partridge CBE as its President.

* The choir is committed to continue striving for musical excellence.

* Whilst desiring to stay large in size, it does not wish to expand any further. However, the choir does want to achieve a better balance between the voices.

* The majority of members should have the opportunity to participate in the core seasonal programme usually made up of three main concerts plus one at Christmas.

* WCS would like to perform in other major venues.

* In keeping with the Society’s charitable objectives, it seeks to develop its repertoire in order to appeal to a wider audience and to broaden its membership base.

* It wishes to retain its pre-eminence among large choirs in the south-east, comparable to the large London choirs and to be the choir of choice for good singers in our community.

* The Society would wish to gain access to other sources of financial support in order to achieve these aims.

Role of the Musical Director

*
Overall responsibility for the musical integrity and quality of performances.

* Take all or the majority of rehearsals for events/concerts promoted by WCS in which the choir is participating and the Musical Director is the sole conductor in the actual public performance.

* Similarly, take all or the majority of rehearsals for events/concerts which may or may not be promoted by WCS but in which the choir is participating where the Musical Director is either not the conductor in the public performance or the conducting role is shared with another person.

* Take musical lead in other choral events organised by WCS as and when planned and promoted. Examples include workshops and come-and-sing events.

* Liaise and agree with the Assistant Musical Director, the Accompanist and the Executive Committee to ensure that all the musical leadership requirements of rehearsals and performances are covered.

* Plan all rehearsals to ensure the choir’s readiness for all events is achieved.

* Audition all new members to ensure they meet the standard agreed between the MD and the Society’s committee.

* Re-audition existing members periodically to ensure the musical quality of the choir is maintained.

* Advise on the vocal balance of the choir and whether any action needs to be taken.

* Work with the Society’s committee to select and plan the repertoire for the music programmes of future seasons, liaising with the Librarian on the availability of scores.

* Advise/recommend on replacement of Assistant Musical Director and Accompanist as and when these roles become vacant.

* Subject to the approval of the Society’s committee, recommend and appoint all professional musicians engaged in events in which WCS is responsible for such appointments.

* Audition potential soloists as may be necessary.

* Attend the Society’s committee meetings (6-7 per year, on evenings other than the usual rehearsal evening).

* Actively promote the choir.

Requirements of the Musical Director

Experience/Professional Skills

* Recognised professional musical training.

* Substantial experience in training and conducting medium-to-large mixed choirs for public performances.

* Substantial experience in conducting professional orchestras, both ensemble and full-sized.

* Must have conducted a varied repertoire of choral music.

* Can draw on experience and knowledge to recommend suitable and balanced music programmes, players and soloists.

* Desirable to have good keyboard and vocal training skills.

Personal

* Be enthusiastic and adaptable.

* Have patience to put in the detailed work during rehearsals to bring singers of varying sight-reading ability up to concert standard.

* Be committed to working with the Society’s committee to improve and maintain high standards whilst respecting the choir’s mission and diverse membership base.

* Be sensitive to any matters relating to discrimination and equality of opportunity.

* Be punctual, reliable and well-organised.

* Have a good sense of humour.

* Demonstrate strong communication skills.

* Be willing to compromise when proposing music programmes.

* Must feel comfortable working with and engaging with all forces in a performance.

* Have clear ability to make a positive impact on a large group of people and inspire their enthusiasm for the unfamiliar and difficult as well as well-known choral music.

* Be willing to make a strong commitment to WCS and to participate in occasional social events.

Application & Selection Process

How to Apply

*** The period for submitting applications for this post has now closed. ***
The successful candidate will be expected to commence in his/her new position from the start of the 2009-2010 season in September 2009 although discussions with the Society’s committee to plan the season’s music programme will have taken place prior to that.

The closing date for applications is 8th February 2008.

Contents of Application

The application must contain all of the following items:

* Candidate’s name, address, telephone no(s), email address, date of birth (optional), relevant qualifications

* Current appointment(s) with dates

* Choirs & orchestras with whom the candidate has worked – in which capacity, dates, works performed & conducted, programmes, venues

* Suggestion for the 2009/2010 season for Wimbledon Choral Society

* What you would wish the choir to have achieved after 5 years

* Contact details of two referees - one of whom can cover your musical abilities, the other with whom you have worked on managing a choir

* A covering letter to include:
+ How you found out about this vacancy
+ Reason for applying for the position of Musical Director for Wimbledon Choral Society
+ Availability for the audition date (see below) if successful on reaching the audition short-list
+ Expectations of remuneration
+ Any other relevant information or conditions

Terms

The terms of the contract and the remuneration package will be discussed at the interview if the applicant succeeds in being selected for that stage. The practice in operation currently for remuneration is based on hourly rehearsal charges and fixed concert fees.

Dates

8th February 2008 Closing date for applications

31st March 2008 Provisional short-list selected

1st-31st May 2008 Interviews for short-listed candidates

31st May 2008 Final short-list selected

14th June 2008 Audition for final candidates consisting of a Sing-Day with the full choir

15th July 2008 Appointment of new Musical Director

Sept 2008 – June 2009 Final season of current Musical Director

7th September 2009 First rehearsals for 2009-2010 season with new Musical Director

Interviews

These will take place in the Wimbledon area during May 2008. The interview panel will consist of the Society’s President, Ian Partridge CBE, the Chairman and two other members of the choir.

If you have any queries regarding the post or application process then please contact us either by email or by letter using the addresses shown in the Application section above.

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Choir Profile
*	With origins going back to 1880 Wimbledon Choral Society is a well-established and flourishing large mixed choir of 160+ members. The average age of the choir is considerably lower than some of its neighbouring peers, particularly in the upper voices. A significant number of new members have been attracted to the choir by its highly-acclaimed website www.wimbledon-choral.org.uk
*	In the last 20 years concert venues have included the Royal Festival Hall, Fairfield Halls, the Royal College of Music, Cadogan Hall, the New Wimbledon Theatre, St John’s Waterloo and Guildford and Southwark Cathedrals.
*	The choir performs a wide and diverse repertoire of choral music. In the past 10 years this has included such works as Elgar The Dream of Gerontius, Verdi Requiem, Berlioz Te Deum (these three in Guildford Cathedral), Jenkins The Armed Man, Walton Belshazzar’s Feast, Mozart (Great) Mass in C minor, Bernstein Chichester Psalms, Schubert Mass in A Flat, Stanford Songs of the Fleet and Howells Take Him, Earth, For Cherishing. The choir has also commissioned and performed new contemporary works, most recently one scored for choir, soloists and orchestra.
*	There are three main concerts per season plus one at Christmas together with occasional workshops and invitations to other events. Since 2000, the choir has participated in the annual televised Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall. It appeared in Songs of Praise in 2005 & 2006 and recorded the theme music used for BBC Television’s coverage of the 1998 World Cup.
*	All soloists and orchestra/ensemble players engaged are fully professional. In recent years the principal orchestras with whom the choir has performed are the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, the New Queen’s Hall Orchestra and the New London Soloists Orchestra.
*	Extra events planned in the 2007-2008 season include two versions of Handel’s Messiah, one as guests of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the second at the invitation of The Salvation Army.
*	WCS welcomes the opportunity to work on joint ventures with other organisations, especially other choirs.
*	Rehearsals take place on a Monday evening between 7.30-9.30pm in the centre of Wimbledon and the season runs between September and the end of May or early June.
*	Although the Society receives no sponsorship or grants, it is financially secure and actively managed by an energetic and experienced committee.
*	WCS has a growing reputation for the high quality of its performances as noted in the following quotes from audience members:
		“A huge, stunningly powerful and exciting performance.”
		“The Wimbledon Choral Society is a wholly excellent group; unanimity, balance and commitment are first-class.”
		“This was a concert of real people making real music and a great joy to witness.”
		“I have to admit that I have never heard a choir, anywhere, sing with such unity of purpose and I yearned to be part of it.”

Choir Direction
*	WCS prides itself on being an open, welcoming, friendly and accessible group and is fortunate to have the excellent support of Ian Partridge CBE as its President.
*	The choir is committed to continue striving for musical excellence.
*	Whilst desiring to stay large in size, it does not wish to expand any further. However, the choir does want to achieve a better balance between the voices.
*	The majority of members should have the opportunity to participate in the core seasonal programme usually made up of three main concerts plus one at Christmas.
*	WCS would like to perform in other major venues.
*	In keeping with the Society’s charitable objectives, it seeks to develop its repertoire in order to appeal to a wider audience and to broaden its membership base.
*	It wishes to retain its pre-eminence among large choirs in the south-east, comparable to the large London choirs and to be the choir of choice for good singers in our community.
*	The Society would wish to gain access to other sources of financial support in order to achieve these aims.

Role of the Musical Director
*	Overall responsibility for the musical integrity and quality of performances.
*	Take all or the majority of rehearsals for events/concerts promoted by WCS in which the choir is participating and the Musical Director is the sole conductor in the actual public performance.
*	Similarly, take all or the majority of rehearsals for events/concerts which may or may not be promoted by WCS but in which the choir is participating where the Musical Director is either not the conductor in the public performance or the conducting role is shared with another person.
*	Take musical lead in other choral events organised by WCS as and when planned and promoted. Examples include workshops and come-and-sing events.
*	Liaise and agree with the Assistant Musical Director, the Accompanist and the Executive Committee to ensure that all the musical leadership requirements of rehearsals and performances are covered.
*	Plan all rehearsals to ensure the choir’s readiness for all events is achieved.
*	Audition all new members to ensure they meet the standard agreed between the MD and the Society’s committee.
*	Re-audition existing members periodically to ensure the musical quality of the choir is maintained.
*	Advise on the vocal balance of the choir and whether any action needs to be taken.
*	Work with the Society’s committee to select and plan the repertoire for the music programmes of future seasons, liaising with the Librarian on the availability of scores.
*	Advise/recommend on replacement of Assistant Musical Director and Accompanist as and when these roles become vacant.
*	Subject to the approval of the Society’s committee, recommend and appoint all professional musicians engaged in events in which WCS is responsible for such appointments.
*	Audition potential soloists as may be necessary.
*	Attend the Society’s committee meetings (6-7 per year, on evenings other than the usual rehearsal evening).
*	Actively promote the choir.

Requirements of the Musical Director
	Experience/Professional Skills
	*	Recognised professional musical training.
	*	Substantial experience in training and conducting medium-to-large mixed choirs for public performances.
	*	Substantial experience in conducting professional orchestras, both ensemble and full-sized.
	*	Must have conducted a varied repertoire of choral music.
	*	Can draw on experience and knowledge to recommend suitable and balanced music programmes, players and soloists.
	*	Desirable to have good keyboard and vocal training skills.
	Personal
	*	Be enthusiastic and adaptable.
	*	Have patience to put in the detailed work during rehearsals to bring singers of varying sight-reading ability up to concert standard.
	*	Be committed to working with the Society’s committee to improve and maintain high standards whilst respecting the choir’s mission and diverse membership base.
	*	Be sensitive to any matters relating to discrimination and equality of opportunity.
	*	Be punctual, reliable and well-organised.
	*	Have a good sense of humour.
	*	Demonstrate strong communication skills.
	*	Be willing to compromise when proposing music programmes.
	*	Must feel comfortable working with and engaging with all forces in a performance.
	*	Have clear ability to make a positive impact on a large group of people and inspire their enthusiasm for the unfamiliar and difficult as well as well-known choral music.
	*	Be willing to make a strong commitment to WCS and to participate in occasional social events.

Application & Selection Process
	How to Apply
		* The period for submitting applications for this post has now closed. * The successful candidate will be expected to commence in his/her new position from the start of the 2009-2010 season in September 2009 although discussions with the Society’s committee to plan the season’s music programme will have taken place prior to that.
		The closing date for applications is 8th February 2008.
	Contents of Application
		The application must contain all of the following items:
		*	Candidate’s name, address, telephone no(s), email address, date of birth (optional), relevant qualifications
		*	Current appointment(s) with dates
		*	Choirs & orchestras with whom the candidate has worked – in which capacity, dates, works performed & conducted, programmes, venues
		*	Suggestion for the 2009/2010 season for Wimbledon Choral Society
		*	What you would wish the choir to have achieved after 5 years
		*	Contact details of two referees - one of whom can cover your musical abilities, the other with whom you have worked on managing a choir
		*	A covering letter to include: + How you found out about this vacancy + Reason for applying for the position of Musical Director for Wimbledon Choral Society + Availability for the audition date (see below) if successful on reaching the audition short-list + Expectations of remuneration + Any other relevant information or conditions
	Terms
		The terms of the contract and the remuneration package will be discussed at the interview if the applicant succeeds in being selected for that stage. The practice in operation currently for remuneration is based on hourly rehearsal charges and fixed concert fees.
	Dates
			8th February 2008	Closing date for applications
			31st March 2008	Provisional short-list selected
			1st-31st May 2008	Interviews for short-listed candidates
			31st May 2008	Final short-list selected
			14th June 2008	Audition for final candidates consisting of a Sing-Day with the full choir
			15th July 2008	Appointment of new Musical Director
			Sept 2008 – June 2009	Final season of current Musical Director
			7th September 2009	First rehearsals for 2009-2010 season with new Musical Director
	Interviews
		These will take place in the Wimbledon area during May 2008. The interview panel will consist of the Society’s President, Ian Partridge CBE, the Chairman and two other members of the choir.