CHURCH OF ENGLAND St Mary-le-Tower Ipswich The Town and Civic Church of Ipswich, Suffolk Director of Music Job Description and Person Specification January 2015 The Incumbent and Parochial Church Council (PCC) are seeking a Director of Music to take up this post as soon as available. He or she will give committed and inspirational choral training to young people and adults and lead the continuing expansion of our well established choral tradition. The Director of Music is an integral member of the leadership team of St Mary-le-Tower. We are looking primarily for a choral director and trainer. Accomplished skills in playing the organ are very welcome but are not a fundamental requirement of the post. The Post offers: Committed support from the incumbent and PCC for a cathedral-style choral tradition currently including three choral services on Sundays. Realistic professional salary of 15,000-18,000 per annum for an average of 25 hrs per week. Supporting paid music staff comprising a professional organist who plays for all services and full choir practices. Choir assistants providing chorister welfare, general support, and management of the music library. Exciting current projects including establishing the newly acquired song school. A Choral Foundation for the ongoing support and development of the music of St Mary- le-tower. Commitment of the PCC to continuing the development of the recently established girls section, alongside the boys section and the section of altos, tenors and basses. Direct involvement in the mission and ministry of the church through membership and attendance at meetings of the ministry team. To apply for this position: Please write to the Associate Priest enclosing or attaching the following. A letter of application setting out your reasons for applying and your vision for the work. Details of three referees, one of whom should be your present employer, and another should be someone with whom you have recently worked, such as a close colleague. If possible one of your referees should be an experienced ordained priest in the Anglican Communion. A full curriculum vitae, in which any gaps in employment or study should be explained. 1
Applications must be received by Midnight on Monday 9 th February, and can be sent by post or electronically. Please send to the Associate Priest: The Revd Mary Sokanovic, Sideview, School Road, Coddenham, Ipswich IP6 9PS. mary.sokanovic@cofesuffolk.org Informal inquiries about this position are welcome. Please contact the Associate Priest, The Revd Mary Sokanovic, 01473 252829 or 07826 556186 in order to seek further information and any clarifications. An informal conversation with the Incumbent, Revd Canon Charles Jenkin can also be arranged. Appointment will be subject to a clear enhanced DBS disclosure and attendance at regular Level 2 Safeguarding training provided by the church. VISION FOR CHORAL MUSIC AT ST MARY-LE-TOWER The choral tradition of St Mary-le-Tower provides both the defining characteristic of our worship and the principal way in which we nurture young people in the Christian faith. We are a town centre church with a parish that has only a small residential population. The church therefore draws its congregation from all over Ipswich and beyond, to its cathedralstyle choral services. The music draws people for whom formal and choral worship is a strong attraction, and the choirs are also the principle way in which younger families are drawn to the life of our Church, and therefore a consistently high standard of music in worship is vital. The Incumbent and PCC are strongly committed to maintaining the church s choral tradition as a fundamental part of the mission and development strategy for the church. A Director of Music is therefore being sought who will be able to offer strong and committed musical and spiritual leadership in this key ministry. As well as being a member of the ministry team, The Director of Music is welcome to attend PCC meetings. A key policy for choral liturgy at St Mary-le-Tower, is that of having a single choir with a number of sections. It is also a key policy that the treble line is sung by young choristers in the main. A section of girl choristers was established in the autumn of 2013, in order to provide equal opportunities for girls and boys. Whilst boys and girls may occasionally sing together it is important that it is understood that there is no intention of establishing a regular mixed top line. As part of the equal opportunities policy of St Mary-le-Tower the new Director of Music, with the help of the PCC, will establish credible and appropriate opportunities for women to sing the liturgy as part of the range of choral singing offered at St Mary le Tower. This is of particular importance in considering the ongoing needs of the girls section as they mature and the general provision for women to sing and will need to be addressed in the first 18 months in post. The new Director of Music will help to encourage good congregational singing with an inspiring repertoire of hymns and occasional singing of simple Mass Settings. The current hymn book is New English Hymnal but it is accepted that this might now be reviewed. Currently, the PCC is actively working on an exciting major project to establish a new song school in a spacious, recently purchased parish centre adjacent to the church, which will much improve the choir s facilities. The Director of Music will be a key person in establishing this as an excellent space for choral training. In due course as part of the mission and outreach of the church there is an aspiration to engage in some creative ways of providing for Community music within the town centre utilising these facilities. 2
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES The Director of Music shall be responsible for: Provision of all music at church services, except where otherwise agreed with the vicar. Active recruitment to all sections of the church choir. Training, development and administration of the choir. Collegiate support and supervision of the Organist, Choir Assistants and any other music staff. In consultation with the organist and incumbent as appropriate, the care and use of the church s musical instruments. Oversight and administration of the church s concert programme alongside the concert committee. Ensuring good communication at all reasonable times by email and telephone. The welfare of all young people under 18 years in the church choirs while on church premises or on choir outings, with particular regard to safeguarding issues. In cooperation with the clergy, the spiritual as well as musical nurture in the Christian faith of the young people, including encouraging choristers towards Confirmation. Through membership of The Ministry Team and attendance at its meetings, ensuring that the music of St Mary-le-Tower at all times serves the overall mission of the Church and the vision of the PCC. Managing the musical life of the church at all times in ways which reflect the highest Christian standards of behaviour, love, inclusion and mutual respect. PRINCIPAL REGULAR DUTIES The principal regular duties of the Director of Music shall be: Directing the choir for services or arranging for suitably qualified deputies to do so. Occasionally playing the organ for services or arranging for suitable deputies to do so Choosing all choral music in consultation with the clergy and organist, ensuring the repertoire stretches all sections of the choir appropriately, thus maintaining commitment and interest for all sections. The Director of Music will be expected to accommodate the reasonable requests of the clergy. Conducting all choir rehearsals and chorister training as required, or arranging for suitably qualified deputies to do so. Conducting ongoing recruitment for all sections of the church choir by proactive engagement through regular visits to schools, working diplomatically with local schools and clergy, and holding open and introductory sessions for young people and adults. Building contacts with local organisations including employers, educational establishment such as the University and other Choral Societies Arranging an attractive and high quality programme of Tuesday lunchtime concerts and looking after the performers. Arranging choirs and music for special services as requested, including midweek funerals and similar services when a full choir is required. 3
Terms and Conditions Remuneration Basic Salary: 15,000-18,000 per annum, dependant on experience and qualifications, this salary expects an average of 25 hrs per week, approximately one half of which is direct contact time. These working times are inclusive of authorised time that may be taken as professional leave without reduction in basic salary (see Appendix of current Terms of Professional Leave). Additional fees may be generated by concerts and Chamber Choir rehearsals. It has been customary for the Director of Music to conduct the Tower Chamber Choir. This commitment if undertaken is normally for three concerts each year with six rehearsals per concert. The salary level includes remuneration for: Directing the Regular and Festival Services listed below, Directing for special services that are arranged in the place of normal Sunday services, Arranging and administering the successful lunchtime concert series, Occasional other events by negotiation with the incumbent and in support of the PCC. Routine Services and Rehearsals Currently, the regular timetable for the choir of Boys, Girls and ATB is as follows. In general, the boys sing on Sunday morning and the girls in the evening, and vice versa on alternate weeks. Sundays 9.00am Choir rehearsal 9.30am Choral Matins (BCP Office only) 10.30am Choral Eucharist (CW) 5.30pm Choir rehearsal 6.30pm Choral Evensong (BCP) Mondays 5.30pm (-7pm) Chorister practice (girls) and short Choral Evening Prayers Tuesdays 5.30pm (-7pm) Chorister practice (boys) and short Choral Evening Prayers Wednesdays 4.30pm Flexible support for chorister tuition individually or in small groups Fridays 5.30pm Chorister Practice. 6.30pm Chorister practice. 7.15pm Full choir practice 8.00pm (-9pm) ATB practice Regular Festival Services Currently Include Advent Sunday: Advent Carol Service (6.30pm) Christmas Eve: Principal Christmas carol service (7pm) [No Christmas midnight service] Christmas Day: Festival Eucharist (10.30am) Ash Wednesday: Penitential Eucharist Maundy Thursday: Celebration of the Last Supper Good Friday Devotion: 12n 3pm, Organ (3 hours), Choir (1.5 hours) Easter Day: Sunrise Service (6am plus breakfast!) Ascension Day: Parish Eucharist IpArt Festival (June/July): Orchestral Mass Annual Civic Service: Choral Evensong 4
All Souls Day: Requiem Mass Occasional other Festival Services may be required The annual Choral Foundation Concert Holidays Holiday entitlement is 4 weeks per year, including 4 Sundays. It is expected that the Director of Music will normally take 50% of their holiday entitlement when the choir is also on holiday. The PCC will pay for deputies at agreed rates for four Sundays per year including necessary weekday rehearsals. When the choir is on holiday, Matins and Evensong do not take place. The current arrangement is that the choir is on holiday for the Sundays following Christmas and Easter and for the last Sunday in July and for the whole of August. Professional Leave This leave may be taken subject to agreed conditions. The current agreement is appended and could be subject to adjustment for a new DoM if necessary. The Incumbent and PCC will support and encourage, with negotiation, opportunities for continued professional development. Other Remunerated Music Staff Organist and Assistant Director of Music: who plays at all choral services and assists generally in the running of the music department. Choir Assistants: there are currently two choir assistants in post, a minimum of one to be present so that professional staff are not alone with groups of choristers, to assist with administration of chorister attendance and welfare, and to be music librarian and to prepare sheet music for use by the choir. The Director of Music will assist with recruitment of appropriate Choir assistants as necessary. Administrative Support and Voluntary Help A group of chorister parents assists with chorister welfare. A Concerts Committee supports the concert programme. A church publicity officer assists with publicity and public relations. The church s lay pastoral team can assist with pastoral issues. The church office provides copying and publicity design facilities. Other Choir Activities It is important that all sections of the choir and especially the boys and girls sections find enjoyment in singing and it is important that the Director of Music can engender a sense of fun in learning the music and also through occasional extra curricular activities. In addition to singing the services, the Choir has benefited greatly from touring. There has been an annual choir tour since 2001 and these have included foreign tours as well as tours to various parts of England. In 2009, the Choir sang in St Peter's Basilica and the church of S. Maria Maggiore, Rome. Tours in England have included concerts or services in many cathedrals. 5
It is hoped that the Director of Music will be prepared to continue the tradition of an annual choir tour, which are self-funding with some charitable grant aid. The choir have also recorded performances in recent years. Organ and Piano The church organ is a large three-manual and pedal instrument, originally built by 'Father' Willis and now maintained by Peter De Vile. Full details can be found on the National Pipe Organ Register (www.npor.org.uk) at St Mary-le-Tower Ipswich Organ. The church also possesses a fine Bechstein grand piano.. CONCERTS St Mary-le-Tower Church is the most active promoter of classical music in Ipswich. There is a well established successful programme of regular lunchtime concerts, and this is an important part of St Mary-le-Tower s town centre presence. The concerts consistently draw audiences of around 100 people, and in this way the church makes a particular and unique contribution to the musical life of the town centre. The Director of Music arranges and administers the lunchtime concert series, supported by a Concerts Committee. The current concert programme comprises a series of 25 weekly concerts on Tuesday lunchtimes from May to October and a shorter series of 5 concerts in the run up to Christmas. Many of these are organ recitals but there is also a wide variety of other instrumental soloists and ensembles. The lunchtime concert programme is financially self-sustaining and is able to generate essential funds to support the choral tradition at St Mary-le-Tower. Tower Chamber Choir was formed in 2001 and continues to bring together a number of talented singers from the local area providing the opportunity for those who wish to sing a more complex repertoire. This includes liturgical settings; for example St Matthews Passion on Good Friday and the Orchestral Mass as part of the IpArt festival in July. There may be scope to develop further concert opportunities by negotiation with the Incumbent and PCC, always ensuring that priority is given to the provision of excellent music for all acts of worship for which the choir sings, as the primary focus of the Choir at St Maryle-Tower. EXISTING CHORAL TRAINING PROGRAMME Choral training of young people lies at the heart of the work of the Director of Music and the PCC is seeking to recruit an inspirational musician with real passion and outstanding talent for this work. In order to the meet the demands of the complex musical repertoire covered in the choral services, the rehearsal and training of choristers takes up a large part of the Director of Music's time. Boys and girls are recruited from across the town and beyond, and from a wide variety of schools both state and independent. The Choir has its own structured training programme, taking beginners from whatever point they start at to the development of good vocal technique and an ability, through aural skills and music reading, to learn complex music quickly. 6
As the young people proceed through our own programme, so they aim increasingly at external awards, including the singing exams of the ABRSM, the St Edmundsbury diocese Bishop's Award and the Gold Award of the RSCM. Choristers from St Mary-le-Tower have for many years achieved successful and outstanding results in all of these exams. Many boys have stayed on in the Choir when their voice breaks and have continued as Choral Scholars. Singing as altos, tenors and basses, they play a significant part in maintaining the lower parts of the choir. There have been periods when they have been able to sing a very creditable 'Men's Voices' Evensong on their own. Several have developed as solo singers. Many have gone on to sing in University and Cathedral Choirs elsewhere. Two recent members of the choral scholar team, who are also organists, have held Organ Scholarships at Royal Holloway University of London and Worcester College, Oxford. The Choral Foundation A new Choral Foundation was established in 2013 to maintain, develop and promote choral music in the Anglican tradition at St Mary-le-Tower Ipswich for the long term. Its purpose is to hold and administer grants and donations in a way that gives high confidence to charitable and individual donors that these funds will be used for this purpose only. The Foundation is therefore separate from the PCC, with the incumbent being ex officio a trustee and the PCC having the right to appoint one of the trustees. The Director of Music is invited to attend part of most meetings of the trustees on a regular basis. A 10 year programme of fundraising has begun with the aim of raising 40,000 per year including the creation of a substantial endowment fund. In its first year, the Foundation received more than this annual amount, and there is already a significant sum of regular annual donations. Trustees administer both an endowment fund and a revenue fund to support the life of the choir, and it is intended that in time the Foundation will be able to make a significant contribution to music staff salaries. The Foundation was set up at a time when the choir of St Mary-le-Tower was a choir of boys and men and the decision to start a girls section was also in clear view. Thus funds are being received and held both to maintain this historic tradition and also to enable careful development. As a way of keeping in touch with its supporters and celebrating the continuing choral tradition at St Mary-le-Tower, an annual Foundation Concert is organised by the Trustees of the Foundation in conjunction with the Director of Music, and the Director of Music is expected to give this event warm and enthusiastic support. 7 Continued.
PERSON SPECIFICATION Proven ability as Church Choir Director or Trainer of adults and children Church Choir Director with DipCHD or equivalent qualification Substantial experience in choosing appropriate music for a range of church services and a range of abilities. Proven maturity and professionalism in relating well to colleagues, senior and junior and a proven ability to work both as part of a team and independently Strong commitment to equal opportunities Experienced singing teacher Proven ability to inspire children and young people to sing Good experience in directing choirs of both genders and all ages Willingness to embrace a variety of liturgical styles Experience of managing choir tours and outings safely and enjoyably Sufficient keyboard skills to accompany chorister training and simple services Commitment to Christian standards of behaviour and mutual respect Willingness to be involved in and to be supportive of the general life of the church Personal commitment to the Christian faith and secure understanding of Christian faith and practice Proven ability to be well organised and plan ahead and communicate effectively Proven administrative competence with good IT skills Experience of conducting fundraising for musical events and projects Essential Desirable Draft terms for Professional Leave (Director of Music, 31st July 2014): 1. The Director of Music be permitted 28 days per year of professional leave from duties with SMLT, which will not be regarded as holiday and for which the PCC will not be responsible for the payment of deputies. 2. In order to minimise the impact of professional leave on arrangements at SMLT, 21 days of professional leave are to be contained within six calendar weeks per year, comprising two weeks each in the second half of each term, each week of a pair to be separated from the other by two clear weeks with no professional leave. 3. No more than one Friday per term and no more than one Sunday per term may be taken as professional leave. 4. Days of professional leave may not be taken in the following weeks: Holy Week and the week before, the week containing Christmas Day and the week before. 5. With at least two months notice, the vicar may exclude one further week per term from availability for professional leave. 6. The Director of Music to ensure that the Organist is available to deputise on days of professional leave, and it will normally be the case that the Organist will undertake complete sessions at SMLT on these days. 7. The weeks when professional leave is due to be taken to be notified by the Director of Music to the vicar, the churchwardens and the rest of the music staff at least two full weeks beforehand. 8. The Director of Music remains responsible during days of professional leave for the good operation of the music department, and must remain available during these weeks to deal with managerial, administrative and pastoral issues as needed. 8
PCC VISION STATEMENT We are a strategic Christian presence in the Town Centre of Ipswich: proclaiming the Kingdom in worship and service; celebrating Christian pilgrimage richly in music; learning from Jesus in scripture and in one another; inspiring new generations with Christian faith and music; worshipping formally and thinking progressively; caring for and supporting one another; affirming our place in our diocesan family of churches. We are called to play a distinctive part in building community through: offering a generous welcome to everyone; maintaining a beautiful and historic house of prayer; being an inclusive Christian community of all ages; being a friend to business, professions and institutions; establishing a public profile for our work and activity; growing alongside other Ipswich churches. We will seek the Kingdom of God and its peace and justice: with passion for life; with love for the excluded; with longing for the healing of creation; with lively debate and discussion; valuing the wisdom of years; and in the company of children and young people. Location: Ipswich and Suffolk Ipswich has 1,400 years of history. There are twelve medieval churches, a Waterfront with two marinas, a wealth of maritime history with a wet dock, the largest of its kind in Britain. There are museums, art galleries, two theatres, a multi screen cinema and plenty of parks, restaurants and fitness centres and Ipswich Town Football Club. Several of the major stores are represented in the town centre and there is an open-air market. More details about Ipswich can be found on www.visitipswich.com Suffolk offers a mix of beautiful countryside and small towns and picturesque villages and a variety of cultural activities - with historic theatres and world renowned music venues, 45 miles of stunning beaches and coastline featuring award winning towns of Aldeburgh and Southwold, the art and heritage of Constable Country, Castles and Stately Homes, Ancient burial sites, forests and woodlands as well as being the home of Horse Racing. More information can be found at http://www.visitsuffolk.com The new university campus comprising Suffolk New College and University College Suffolk brings a great number of young adults to the town and area. A number of local schools and the new Sixth Form Centre Suffolk One have thriving music departments. The town has frequent rail connections to London and Norwich, and coach service to Stansted and other London Airports. 9