Director of Music, St John's on the Hill, Chepstow

Director of Music

St. John’s is a happy co-educational prep school with a strong musical tradition having excellent choirs and a range of musical performances. The children are delightful, the staff warm and enthusiastic and the location is stunning.

The Director of Music will be part of the excellent music department within the Dean Close Foundation and benefits from links with the other schools. The music departments of all the schools are encouraged to collaborate both resources and expertise, and the Director of Music at St. John’s will be part of a strong team.

Person Specification 

Essential

• A strong enthusiast for choral and orchestral music spanning the age range. 

• A musician of high quality who will be able to inspire pupils by personal example. 

• Creative and energetic in seeking opportunities to develop pupils’ musical progress. 

• Pastorally sensitive to the pressures on young people in a busy school environment with competing pressures; able to motivate and enthuse pupils of all ages through inevitable low points.

• A very good communicator with colleagues, pupils, parents, the media and others. 

• Highly organised.

• A capable pianist.

Highly desirable: 

• Skilled and enthusiastic about the recruitment of choristers and other musicians and the promotion of the School’s musical achievements both locally and nationally. 

• Experience in directing music and drama productions.

• Experience in organising and running large events- Eg summer Concert, Carol Service, Speech Day Concert.

• Experience in sourcing and creating repertoire and arranging music for ensembles and choirs.

This is a role requiring flexibility in managing a range of musical commitments across the School. In return there would be some flexibility for individuals to maintain a performing career, both in the School holidays and to a lesser extent in term time.  This role can be considered on a part time basis.

Job Description 

Classroom music teaching Year 3 to 8 

• Plan and deliver an exciting music curriculum that engages and challenges all pupils. 

• Assessment (including external ABRSM class music medals). 

• Frequent reporting in person and in writing to parents. 

• Organise showcases of class performances where appropriate (e.g. Samba drumming, recorder concerts). 

• Organise relevant class trips to further pupils’ learning.

Pre-prep music 

• Organise and oversee music supervision in the pre-prep and nurseries. 

• Assist where needed on pre-prep creative afternoons, Christmas and Summer Shows. 

Duties 

• All staff at St. John’s are expected to contribute to the duty schedule in the school and the boarding house. 

Drama

• Lead the musical elements of performing arts lessons, usually teaching songs for any of the annual productions.

• Source and rehearse musicians as an accompanying band for school productions and concerts where appropriate. 

Peripatetic Music 

• Support and line manage the peripatetic staff with particular reference to the Peripatetic Co-ordinator.

Extra-Curricular music 

• Overall responsibility for the extra-curricular music programme, offering the opportunity for all pupils to engage in music making. 

• Sustain the school’s choral and instrumental standards. 

• Create new ensembles as appropriate. 

Choirs 

• Run weekly/twice weekly Senior and Chamber Choir rehearsals. 

• Produce a choral calendar of concerts, events and services for parents.

• Seek performance opportunities for all choirs, both on and off-site. 

Instrumental Groups 

Orchestra 

• Assist with weekly rehearsals led by our Head of Orchestral performance.

• Organise appropriate performance opportunities.

• Organise chamber winds, junior strings and Junior wind ensembles.

• Actively promote and encourage pupils to take up orchestral instruments.

Scholars 

• Prepare Year 8 pupils for music scholarships at their chosen senior schools.

• Teach theory of music to scholars as needed.

Whole School Music 

• Teach hymns in preparation for church services. 

• Accompany hymns in all school assemblies.

• Produce orders of service for all church services in liaison with the head’s PA. 

Other  

• Ensure the music department is resourced and well maintained, including the maintenance and tuning of the pianos. 

• Actively seek opportunities for using music in the marketing of the school. e.g. performances coffee shops, community singing day. 

• To be alert to issues of safeguarding children and child protection, ensuring that the welfare and safety of pupils attending the School is promoted and safeguarded and to report any child safety/protection concerns to their Manager (or deputy) immediately using current safeguarding policies, procedures and practice. 

• To carry out any reasonable request from the Head.

Timetable 

• Closing date for applications: 12 noon Friday 14th February 2020 

• Interviews and auditions: week commencing 24th February 2020

• Start date: September 2020 

• Informal visits can be arranged via the Head’s PA if required colthartl@stjohnsonthehill.co.uk. 

St. John’s on-the-Hill is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.