Choral directors apprenticeship scheme

Brighton Early Music has set up an apprenticeship scheme in choral direction, with an emphasis on music composed before the 19th century. This is not primarily intended for first study conductors, but more for singers who have an interest in developing professional skills which include leading choirs or smaller vocal ensembles.

The scheme will be run by baroque expert, John Hancorn and former Tallis Scholar, Deborah Roberts. They both direct all of the festival’s vocal ensembles, from the no- auditioned Community Choir to the select Consort of Voices, and have spent many years working with regular and summer school choirs, as well as being singers and singing teachers.  They always place good vocal practice at the centre of their direction. 

The scheme will run from September 2011 until May 2012, but directing opportunities could well last longer.

We are looking for two people with:

·        experience of singing in a choir and an understanding of how the voice works;

·        ideally some experience of leading an ensemble and/or conducting;

·        passion to inspire other people and/or to work with amateurs;

·        excellent sight-reading skills;

·        a commitment to attend rehearsals in Brighton from September to May or June;

Keyboard skills - an advantage

Personal attributes:

·        Articulate AND patient;

·        Personable and able to be at ease in front of a group of mixed age and ability;

·        Enthusiastic, with a good sense of humour;

·        Adaptable and resourceful; willing to learn from others – including the singers themselves;

·        Self-motivated;

What the Apprentices will do:

·        Two young conductors will be selected for the scheme, following a shortlisting and a trial with The Community Choir on Saturday July 2nd between 12 – 4 pm

·        They will take it in turns to participate in rehearsals of the Community Choir. They will both observe and also learn by practising themselves to discover what produces the best results. Although it is a community choir, its aims match those of the festival itself, so the repertoire chosen is based around traditional and classical music rather than pop or show music. The choir is also learning to read musical notation and to sing in parts. There is a strong emphasis on vocal training and technique.

• They will also have a chance to work with the BREMF Consort of Voices on the finer details of directing polyphonic music. This is an expert amateur group that aims towards professional standards;

·        They will receive feedback at the end of each rehearsal session to discuss how it went, what they learned and what they would like to build upon in subsequent sessions; 

·        They will be able to lead sections of the rehearsals;   

·        They may act as a repetiteurs (accompanists) for some of the rehearsals to support John and Deborah;

·        They will work with John and Deborah to develop and lead effective warm up exercises;

·        They will have the opportunity to sit in on choral rehearsals with the BREMF Singers during the festival ·    

Travel costs of up to £20 will be paid for all of these sessions

Once they gain sufficient experience they will also:

• be given the chance to take whole or part of rehearsals with the Community Choir and receive a fee of up to £50
• be recommended for paid deputising work with other choirs in the area
• be given help and advice in applying for other choral posts, as well as advice on setting up their own choirs or vocal ensembles. There could be ongoing opportunities to remain involved with the BREMF choirs, and especially the Community Choir.

Apply here