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Background
Formed in 1923, we now have over 70 singing choristers delivering high quality entertainment for local, national and international audiences.
Our repertoire ranges from traditional male voice choir numbers, the classics, popular hymns, gospel songs, G & S and jazz standards, to songs from West End and Hollywood shows and by Robbie Williams, the Beatles, Westlife and the like.
In recent years, the choir has performed in a variety of prestigious venues including Magdalen College, Oxford, Cornwall’s Eden Project, the Guildhall in the City of London (in front of Prince and Princess Michael of Kent), the Miss World Awards Dinner at the London’s Grosvenor House Hotel, Llandaff Cathedral and the Millennium Centre in Cardiff, Peterborough Cathedral, London’s Hilton Hotel and London’s Royal Albert Hall as part of the London Welsh Festival of Male Choirs. As recently as September we sang at London’s Mansion House to help raise funds for the 2012 Paralympics.
Since 2006, we have been brilliantly served as Accompanist by Michael McMillan ARCM FRSM. Michael has decided to take some other opportunities from the start of next year, so we are seeking his replacement.
Outline of Role
The duties/responsibilities of the Accompanist are principally to accompany the Choir on the piano or keyboard at its regular weekly rehearsals, currently held in central High Wycombe, and at its various concerts, plus other occasional events such as competitions – both locally and further afield, as may be programmed from time to time.
In undertaking these duties and responsibilities the Accompanist will have a close working liaison with the musical director Louise Langley LRAM.
Person Profile
The ideal candidate will be musically well qualified, with experience in a similar role, and the flexibility to handle challenging changes, and the personality to be able to empathise with Choir members and various audiences. Commitment to the Choir is essential.
Reporting
The successful candidate would report on a day to day basis to the Musical Director but would be ultimately responsible to the Choir Chairman and Choir Executive Committee on behalf of Choir members.
Hours
The Choir rehearses every Wednesday evening at the Wesley Methodist Church, Priory Road, High Wycombe, HP13 6SE from 7.30 to 9.30pm. We break from about mid July to the end of August and again from mid December to the beginning of January.
The Choir performs approximately 8-10 Concerts a year, normally on a Saturday evening between 7.30 to 10.00pm. Occasionally, before big concerts such as our Annual Concert held in the Swan Theatre in early May, we schedule some extra rehearsals. Total rehearsals, allowing for the breaks, should not exceed 52 a year.
Honorarium
To be agreed. *
Expenses
Accompanist coach travel, when necessary for away Concerts, is normally free, as is the cost of accommodation if an overnight stay is required. Loss of income, due to having to cancel other paid engagements for an away concert, is negotiable. Provision of Choir concert uniform will be the subject of separate discussion with the successful candidate.
Start date
1st January 2012
* Negotiable, based upon experience, qualifications, availability for Choir rehearsals and Concerts, and commitment
Interested candidates please telephone Louise Langley on 01494 443445 and/or e-mail a CV/résumé to her on md@wycombeorpheus.org.uk
Closing date for applications: 21 October 2011
Nothing in this document may be construed as a formal offer of employment or engagement