JOB DESCRIPTION JOB TITLE: Assistant Head of Music RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Music KEY INTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS: Head of Music, Clergy, Organ Scholar, Head of Learning, Lay Clerks JOB PURPOSE: To support the Head of Music in the provision of fine music to enhance the worshipping life of the Cathedral, and to contribute to the provision of musical outreach to children in the Diocese SALARY: 22,530 per annum PENSION: Subject to meeting the relevant criteria you will be enrolled in the Cathedral s Pension Scheme with 8% employer contributions. HOURS: 37 hours per week (breakdown of hours detailed in full job description)
HOLIDAYS: 28 days (PRO RATA) plus bank holidays MAIN DUTIES 1. To work under the direction of and in partnership with the Head of Music in accompanying the Cathedral Choir in services, concerts, broadcasts, tours and recording; and training and directing the choristers, choral scholars and lay clerks as directed. 2. To support the Head of Music in their responsibility for the welfare, good conduct and discipline of the choristers, choral scholars and lay clerks when engaged in Cathedral duties. 3. To undertake the day to day running of the St Philip s Singers, including directing and selection of music (in conjunction with the Head of Music and the Precentor). 4. To take an active part in the Cathedral s musical outreach programme, working in and with schools in music education, building relationships and recruiting choristers. 5. To take responsibility for the Cathedral music in the absence of the Head of Music 6. To undertake organ practice and personal preparation including the learning of new repertoire. 7. To play for other services as required (some additional fees / time off in lieu may be payable if outside normal working hours). 8. To plan, administer and perform in the Monday Music for Lunch recital series. 9. To assist in the training of the Organ Scholar. 10. To accompany Visiting Choirs as required. 11. To undertake such other duties as may reasonably be directed by the Head of Music.
PERSON SPECIFICATION The applicant must be able to demonstrate the following criteria through their application Criteria Essential Desirable Education, Qualifications and Training: Degree in Music or equivalent performance diploma Postgraduate or equivalent performance qualification A professionally qualified organist FRCO or equivalent Ability to sight read, score read, transpose, harmonise and improvise Thorough knowledge of the Anglican liturgy and the Church year Familiarity with English and Latin international church music repertory, from the late middle ages to the present day, including Gregorian Chant, Viennese Masses and contemporary choral music. Knowledge of orchestral conducting Skills as a composer and/or arranger Ability to manage and deal with children and adults and their safeguarding Work and other relevant experience: Experienced accompanist Proven record as a choral conductor with adults and children Experience of working in a voluntary environment Familiarity with Cathedrals and/or greater Parish Churches Experience of outreach work IT literate Working in a team environment Personal Qualities: In sympathy with the ethos and values of the Church of England Excellent communicator by word and gesture Flexible and enthusiastic, able to motivate adults and children Shows flair, vision and imagination in their work Strong organisation and administration skills
BREAKDOWN OF WORKING HOURS Sunday 0945-1015 Chorister rehearsal in the Undercroft 1015-1045 Full Choir rehearsal in the Stalls 1045-1215 Eucharist (service begins at 1100) 1415-1445 Chorister rehearsal in the Undercroft 1445-1520 Full Choir rehearsal in the Stalls 1520-1630 Evensong (service begins at 1530) Monday Assistant s day off Tuesday 1620-1645 Supervise Girl Chorister tea 1645-1720 Girl Choristers rehearsal in the Undercroft 1720-1740 Full Choir rehearsal in the Stalls 1740-1820 Evensong (service begins at 1745) Wednesday 1240-1350 Rehearsal or Eucharist with St Philip s Singers 1615-1645 Supervise Boy Chorister tea 1645-1720 Boy Choristers rehearsal in the Undercroft 1720-1740 Boy Choristers rehearsal in the Stalls 1740-1820 Evensong (service begins at 1745) 1820-1845 Boy Choristers rehearsal in the Undercroft Thursday 1620-1645 Supervise Girls Chorister tea 1645-1820 Girl Choristers rehearsal in the Undercroft Friday 1615-1645 Supervise Boy Chorister tea
1645-1720 Boy Choristers rehearsal in the Undercroft 1720-1740 Full Choir rehearsal in the Stalls 1740-1830 Evensong (service begins at 1745) 1830-1920 Full Choir rehearsal in the Stalls Saturday Flexible working time Total Time in Services and Rehearsals = 15 hours Outreach Work Birmingham Cathedral is committed to musical outreach work and we are significantly expanding our outreach provision. The Assistant Head of Music will take an active part in this work and an average of 9 hours per week is funded and designated specifically for outreach activities. This could include working in schools, or working with visiting children in the Cathedral, as well as preparation and administration related to outreach. Flexible Time A further 13 hours per week are available to the Assistant to work flexibly as he or she wishes. Initially, it is anticipated that the bulk of this will be practice time and administration. As the Assistant settles into the role, the Head of Music will review with the Assistant how this time might be used, considering the Assistant s strengths, interests, aspirations and initiatives they may put forward. External Engagements and Activities The Assistant Head of Music will be encouraged to pursue their own recital and other engagements outside the Cathedral. Where possible, the Head of Music is keen to allow a degree of flexible working to enable this. The Assistant will be encouraged to participate in the Assistant Cathedral Organists Conference and to pursue opportunities for continuing professional development.