Surrey Music wishes to appoint a new part-time Musical Director for its thriving 140-strong community choir, Elmbridge Choir.
Based in Cobham in Surrey, Elmbridge Choir was formed in 2005 by its current Musical Director, Cliff van Tonder, as a way of enabling people from all backgrounds, whatever their circumstance, to experience for themselves the joy of choral singing. After 15 inspirational years of leading the choir, Cliff would like to hand over a new Musical Director to drive the choir forward, and is keen to hear from anyone who feels they have the necessary skill, passion and commitment.
As a non-audition community choir, Elmbridge Choir's members are of varying musical ability, and the new Musical Director will be expected to coach and encourage members to bring out the very best in themselves and the choir. Patience, a sense of fun and a commitment to Surrey Music's ethos of inclusivity and giving back to the community are more important than an armful of diplomas or years of conducting experience. This is a paid part-time position, the level of which will be negotiated with the right candidate.
The choir sings a wide range of songs, from pop and contemporary to songs from the musicals and more traditional 'choral' pieces. Rehearsals take place on a Tuesday evening in Cobham, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, and the choir performs mainly to backing tracks and occasionally to piano accompaniment. Ideally the new Musical Director would be able to accompany the choir on the keyboard for rehearsal. The choir performs two or three large charitable concerts each year, usually with its sister choirs, Elmbridge Ladies Choir and Surrey Rainbow Choir. The three choirs also enjoy a range of organised social events.
Surrey Music is managed by a dedicated team of members and leaders from all three choirs, headed by Cliff as Founder and CEO. The new Musical Director would be expected to work together with Cliff in repertoire planning, and to work closely with the management committee on performance planning and attend attending monthly 'virtual' meetings.
Ideally Cliff's successor would be in place for September 2020, or as soon as choirs are able to meet again safely and responsibly.
Surrey Music takes great pride in its sense of community and fellowship, and a warm welcome awaits! If you would like to be part of a well-respected, established, local musical society and have the enthusiasm to grow and nurture the choir as it continues on its exciting journey, please contact Cliff van Tonder on newmd@surreymusic.org or 07880 796623.
