Director of Chapel Music/Assistant Director of Music

Summary

An inspirational choral director and music teacher with exceptional keyboard skills to lead our talented Chapel Choir, and assist the Director of Music in the running and development of our vibrant, high achieving music department.

Detail

Director of Chapel Music/Assistant Director of Music - Required for September 2025

We are seeking to appoint an inspirational choral director and music teacher with exceptional keyboard skills to lead our talented Chapel Choir, and assist the Director of Music in the running and development of our vibrant, high achieving music department including preparing boys for music scholarships to Eton, Winchester, Harrow etc. The ability to play the organ is essential.

(Depending on the candidate, the post may be a full-time position, or a part-time position supplemented by some individual instrumental tuition.)

An eagerness to contribute to other areas of this flourishing boarding school would be a real advantage, and a sense of humour is vital.

A competitive remuneration package is available.

Applications should be made by Friday 7th February 2025

Director of Chapel Music Responsibilities

• Undertake direction of the Chapel Choir including daily rehearsals and recruitment.
• Choose weekly hymns and anthems for morning chapel and weekly services
• Plan and conduct Saturday services, carol services and Leavers’ service. Liaise with organists as needed.
• Play the organ for weekday chapel services and congregational singing practice.
• Organise and lead cathedral evensongs and the annual choir tour.
• Liaise with Director of Music and Headmaster where appropriate.
• Form links with local churches, schools and choral organisations.
• Accompany boys on choral days to senior schools.

Assistant Director of Music Responsibilities

• To support the Director of Music with the day to day running of the music department ensuring high quality music provision for all.
• Deliver inspirational class music lessons to children in Year 2 to Year 8 in partnership with the Director of Music.
• Accompany soloists in Friday chapel, Saturday assembly and concerts throughout the year.
• Assist in the organising and accompanying for events such as: Junior Variety, Junior Concert, Year 5 Variety, Music Competitions, Ensemble Concerts, Winter and Summer concerts and the Grand Variety.
• Accompany for ABRSM exam sessions each term.
• Assist the Director of Music with external events such as Young Voices, musical visits and orchestral days.
• Direct the music for school musicals as required including the arrangement of music, rehearsal of the accompanying student band, and contributing to the audition process.
• Assist the Director of Music with preparing boys for senior school scholarship auditions
• Oversee the scheduling and attendance of boarders’ weekly music practice.
• To teach individual theory (to grade 8 standard), aural and musicianship as and when required.
• To teach individual instrumental lessons as required including singing and organ.
• To attend parent/teacher meetings.
• Attend the weekly planning meeting with Director of Music
• To direct instrumental ensembles where appropriate.
• Supporting the organisation of events at Papplewick School - being a team player.
• To write end of term reports each term including the management of the reports of peripatetic staff.
• To show a commitment to and actively be involved with the extra-curricular life of the school

General Responsibilities

• Provision of one evening activity (6.35pm to 7.25pm Monday to Friday) during the Michaelmas and Lent terms in addition to the weekly full choir practice.
• Supervision of school as member of daily duty team (Monday to Saturday), and as part of ‘Saturday evening/Sunday team’ on a small number of occasions each term.
• Provision of two activities on Thursday afternoon as required.
• Supervision of a prep room twice a week.
• Each member of staff has a whole day off from Tuesday to Friday in compensation for above duties…and 19 weeks holiday a year! 8 weeks in the summer, 4 weeks at each of Christmas and Easter, and 3 one week half-terms.
• ‘Tutoring’ of a small group of boys in Years 6 to 8 including communication with their parents.
• Coaching of games on daily basis (for the right candidate) and/or supervision of off-games boys or the changing room.
• Duty to promote and safeguard the welfare of the boys.

Person Specification - Director of Chapel Music/Assistant Director of Music

The successful applicant will have the following qualities:

• A degree in music from a recognised university or music college.
• Ability and desire to teach boys from Year 2 to Year 8.
• Exceptional keyboard skills on both piano and organ.
• Exceptional accompaniment and sight-reading skills.
• Experience of directing choirs in a chapel and/or school setting.
• Knowledge of liturgical music within a liturgical setting.
• Ability to conduct and rehearse choirs and ensembles to a high standard and meet performance deadlines.
• Experience in organising concerts, events and music performances.
• Have a passion for music education and inspiring children.
• Ability to delivery inspiring music lessons both in a class and individual setting.
• Ability to inspire boys to enjoy Music and develop a lifelong appreciation.
• Knowledge of music technology for score writing and composition.
• Must have strong organisational and time management skills.
• Must be a good communicator and have the ability to work as part of a team.
• Willingness to contribute to the life of a busy boarding school on a wide variety of fronts.
• Willingness to promote and safeguard the welfare of all the boys.

Papplewick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to this post which involves regulated activity, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.

A copy of Papplewick’s Safeguarding Policy may be found at: https://www.papplewick.org.uk/parent-info/school-policies.html

Papplewick School is also committed to equality and diversity and the value that greater diversity brings to our school community.

Further Information

schoolsec@papplewick.org.uk