Solihull Choral Society is an ambitious and sociable group of around 70 amateur singers that
come together through the year to prepare and perform four high-quality concerts in venues in
Solihull and further afield. Though broadly classical in outlook, the choir is proud of the range of
repertoire that it presents and recent concerts have included partnerships with Sinfonia of
Birmingham, Musical and Amicable Society and composer Alexander L’Estrange, as well as a
range of outstanding vocal soloists. Rehearsals take place each Wednesday evening 7.30pm –
9.30pm (usually in Solihull School), and are broadly in line with state school terms.
The choir is seeking its next Accompanist to support the Director of Music in leading each
rehearsal, with the potential for the right candidate to also perform in concerts where
appropriate.
Responsibilities:
The Accompanist takes responsibility for the following duties:
- Under the direction of the Music Director, provide a professional level of piano
accompaniment for all weekly SCS rehearsals. - Providing a professional level of piano accompaniment for Saturday workshops /
rehearsals (on non-concert days). There are generally up to three of these a year, with
plenty of notice given. - Confidently and professionally lead sectional rehearsals when required, directing from
the piano. - To play piano parts in concerts when the need arises. There is no requirement for the
successful candidate to be an organist, but it may be an advantage; in this case, the
Accompanist may well also be asked to play the organ in concerts. - For the right candidate, the opportunity exists for the Accompanist to lead full choir
rehearsals in the absence of the Music Director. In these cases, a stand-in accompanist will be engaged if required. - Professional and Personal Specification
The Accompanist will meet the following criteria:
- A skilled pianist / organist and a sensitive accompanist.
- Strong sight-reading and score-reading abilities, as well as able to prepare fully in advance of each rehearsal. While rehearsal schedules are usually published in advance, concert preparation may well require occasional departures from it.
- Fluent in reading short score and open score, SATB (plus div.).
- Able to work as part of a team as well as take initiative when appropriate; they are encouraged to be an ‘energy in the room’ during rehearsals and to support the Music Director creatively. • Approachable, with good interpersonal skills and a keenness to interact with members of SCS.
- Able to work well and collaboratively with the Music Director to facilitate rehearsals and enable singers to give of their best.Conditions
- Remunerations and fees for rehearsals and performances are commensurate with experience and expertise and are reviewed annually in the light of professional recommendations.
- Payment is by bank transfer, following the receipt of an invoice.• The committee understands that occasional rehearsals may need to be missed. The accompanist is asked to find a suitable deputy, in discussion with the Music Director.
- The normal notice period is one term both on the part of the appointee and of the Choir Committee.
- The appointment is subject to confirmation following a one term probationary period.Any queries about the role should be addressed to director@solihullchoral.org.uk
If you wish to apply for the role, please send a CV and covering letter stating any relevant experience to director@solihullchoral.org.uk as soon as possible, and by the end of September. Potential Accompanists will be invited to accompany a rehearsal during the Autumn Term.