Choir Leader

APPLICATIONS MUST BE MADE VIA THE SCHOOL WEBSITE (application form and supporting statement).

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced conductor or choir leader who has a passion for choral singing with ages 11-18. 

All 200 students sing in various choirs. This role provides an exciting opportunity to lead part of a new chapter in the history of the Purcell School, bringing together students of classical, jazz, pop and commercial disciplines in a programme of singing that is fun and of a very high standard, and that also supports the development of their aural and general musicianship skills. 

You will have sung in, and led, choirs in a wide range of styles, including the traditional English and European choral music repertoire; you will probably also have some experience of working with backing singers or session singers, in Musical Theatre, with a folk group, in close harmony settings, or in music from other musical cultures. You will be comfortable working from sheet music in a range of languages and also by ear in more improvised or devised work. 

Over the course of several 40- or 60-minute sessions every Thursday you will work with a junior choir (years 7 and 8), two middle school SATB choirs (years 9-11) and also with the whole 6th form of 90 voices. There will be some TA support, but you will be experienced and confident in front of groups of students of different ages. Further opportunities may also present themselves over the course of the school year.

You will work closely with the Director of Music and Head of Academic Music, but will have considerable autonomy in proposing programmes and devising projects. You will be part of a large team of instrumental, voice and composition teachers who have an unrivalled level of expertise and experience as performers and pedagogues. 

The Purcell School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

JOB TITLE: Choir Leader

All members of staff are ultimately answerable to the Principal.

Your line manager will be the Head of Academic Music.

All music teaching staff report to the Director of Music.

This job specification sets out the principal duties of the post at the time of drafting.

Specific responsibilities are as follows:

Responsibilities include:

• Attending the Purcell School every week during term time (33-34 weeks a year)
• Conducting weekly rehearsals with Junior Choir, Middle School Choirs, 6th form Choirs
• Proposing programmes, both of repertoire for concerts and identifying more general aims for development
• Taking responsibility for developing the quality and range of singing experiences for Purcell students
• In consultation with colleagues, planning performance opportunities in school and occasionally outside school
• There may be an opportunity also to teach individual and/or small group lessons, incorporating elements of general musicianship, such as ear training and theory
• Develop relationships with schools, local authority music services and others, and promote and recommend gifted and talented students to The Purcell School.
• You should have the ability to develop and maintain warm, respectful and valued rapport with young people, whilst understanding the professional boundaries that must exist between staff and students.
• You should provide a positive role model, demonstrating self-motivation and mature interpersonal skills. 

This is a permanent part-time position to start as soon as possible.

The hourly rate is £43.99.

Children of staff are not eligible to be educated at the School except through the normal admissions and audition process. This post is subject to a probationary period. All posts are subject to regular appraisal. Lunch can be taken free of charge at School during term time.

HOW TO APPLY

If you wish to apply, please complete the School’s Application Form (available on our website) and send it with a supporting Personal Statement. Please do not send a separate Curriculum Vitae.

Please note that candidates should be available on Thursdays 9.00-3.40.

Closing date for applications is 9am, Friday 30 August. 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview and audition at the school on 11th or 12th September. Personal statements should outline your experience, subject knowledge and evidence of your achievements. The Personal Statement is your opportunity to tell us how your skills and experience can contribute to an outstanding student experience. Candidates will be required to bring evidence of identity, right to work in the UK and qualifications to the interview.

Applications should be made to the Director of Music, Paul Hoskins and sent by email to: recruitment@purcell-school.org 

We will review applications as they are received. Please note that the School reserves the right to appoint a candidate or withdraw the post before the closing date for applications.