Musical Director

 

Buckland & Betchworth Choral Society www.bbcsinfo.org.uk is looking to appoint a Musical Director for the start of January 2024. 

 

We are a mixed ability choral society based in Betchworth, Surrey.  The choir was founded 100 years ago and has around 45 adult members.  Each April, the choir competes in the Leith Hill Musical Festival www.lhmf.co.uk. In addition, it presents at least two further concerts a year. 

 

We sing a wide variety of classical choral music, both secular and religious.  Rehearsals are held in Betchworth Village Hall from 7.45pm to 9.45pm on Wednesday evenings.

 

We are looking to appoint a Musical Director who:

 

  • Should hold a recognised qualification in music (e.g. at diploma or degree level), ideally with a specialism in conducting or choral direction;
  • Has experience of working with choral groups, booking and working with professional instrumentalists and singers, and have a solid grasp of the choral repertoire, both modern and traditional;
  • Has an engaging personality, able to motivate and work with amateur singers of all levels of experience and ability;
  • Has good motivational skills, enabling the choir to grow in competence and ability.

 

Applications are invited for this remunerated position by 30th September 2023.

 

For further information about this position, please contact the BBCS chairman, Julie Hardy, either by email at chair@bbcsinfo.org or on 07866 164385


 

Musical Director Job Description


Buckland & Betchworth Choral Society (BBCS) is a thriving mixed ability community choir of around 45 members (SATB). The two villages of Buckland and Betchworth adjoin each other and are situated some three miles east of Dorking, Surrey.

 

Since the choir was founded 100 years ago, its main focus has been participation in the Leith Hill Musical Festival www.lhmf.co.uk that was inspired by Vaughan Williams and which takes place in April each year.  The Festival is partly a choral competition and part of the Musical Director’s duties is to prepare the choir to take part in the competition classes.  The Festival Director will lead our choir along with other local choirs in the evening performances.

 

In addition to preparing for the Festival, the choir normally performs an Autumn and a Christmas concert.  The latter is usually in aid of a local charity.  We have also previously participated in joint concerts with other choirs during Summer. 

 

The Festival will remain central to the choir’s existence as it is wedded to the ethos of encouraging singers of all abilities to make music together and compete in friendly rivalry.

 

The morale of the choir is currently very high, as evidenced by good attendance both at rehearsals and at our social events.

 

We have a very active Committee and the choir has charitable status.  Further information about the choir and its activities can be viewed at www.bbcsinfo.org.uk

 

Rehearsals are held on Wednesday evenings 7.45pm to 9.45pm in the Betchworth Village War Memorial Hall.