Music Director
South
Organisation: One Voice Choir, Fordingbridge
Introduction
One Voice was formed in 2012 by our conductor, William Shering, for people who want to enjoy singing. Sadly, William has decided that it is time to retire from One Voice, and so we are seeking a new Music Director from September 2025. One Voice has about 40 members and we sing SATB arrangements of a wide variety of musical styles. Members are not auditioned, but many can read music, and all aim to sing to a high standard. The singers come from all walks of life and have very different musical backgrounds. Some people have never sung before, or not since they were at school, whereas others have long experience of singing in a variety of choirs and are excellent sight readers. What we have in common is a love of singing together, making a joyful noise and feeling the power of the music. There are also many laughs along the way! We enjoy singing in our regular concerts. We meet in school terms on Monday evenings 7.30pm - 9.00pm in Avonway Community Centre in Fordingbridge and perform about 5 concerts each year. We like to sing songs from all eras of popular music and also a cappella folk songs. We even occasionally venture into opera choruses. We are, however, open to be led in new directions by our new Music Director - recent suggestions from members include spirituals, Gilbert and Sullivan and musical show songs. A list of some of our recent pieces is included in an appendix, where there is also a link to a YouTube video of a song in our Christmas Concert.
Music Director’s Role
Our MD will plan and lead Monday evening rehearsals, taking into account the history of the choir and the hopes and preferences of members. They will also plan, rehearse and lead our concerts. We perform for various occasions in St Thomas’ Church in Salisbury, in St Mary’s Church in Fordingbridge, and occasionally other venues such as Cranbourne Earth House in Summer 2025. The current MD, and his wife, administer the finances and bookings of the choir. We recognise that a new MD may not wish to be so administratively involved, and that the time may have come for the choir members to take responsibility for these functions. We are open to either model of administration, and this will be discussed at interviews. At present we sing either unaccompanied or with a backing track. We would like to explore the possibility of appointing an accompanist, and we have budgeted an appropriate amount for payment. If we decide to go forward with this, it would be part of the MD’s role to recruit and work with this person.
The qualities we are looking for in an MD include:
* Extensive experience of taking rehearsals for different types of choirs, including adult choirs.
* Proven track record for improving the quality of a choir and promoting high standards of performance.
* Ability to teach vocal techniques.
* Ability to engage with and encourage choir members to develop their singing and ensemble skills.
* Knowledge and experience of planning concert repertoires to provide variety and challenges which will enthuse choir members and audiences.
* Good communication skills and friendly and sympathetic demeanour.
* The ability to arrange pieces to fit the choir’s competence would be an advantage.
* Be prepared to consider programme suggestions from choir members.
Application Process
Interested musicians are asked to submit an application by 9th May. This should include a full CV stating musical qualifications, and conducting and other apposite experience; a letter of application outlining why you are interested in this post and the skills you would bring to it; and the details of two relevant people who we can contact for references. Interviews, and auditions with the whole choir, will be held in early June, and the successful candidate will take up the post early in September. Telephone enquiries are welcome - call David Brindley on 07926 078063. Applications should be sent to davidbrindley3@gmail.com.
Remuneration
The MD will be assumed to be a self-employed position. Fees will be negotiable. #J-18808-Ljbffr