Wimbledon Light Opera Society – Music Director – Job Description
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS 11 MAY – please send CV to dnort@globalnet.co.uk
- Taking Tuesday evening chorus rehearsals throughout the year (conducting from the front – a pianist (David) is provided)
- Together with director and choreographer, taking show rehearsals on Tuesdays for chorus, Thursdays for principals and 6 or 7 Sundays running up to a show
- Enthusing people about the next show and making arrangements for members of the chorus to have a chance to practise solo audition pieces in the Tuesday evening rehearsal slot
- Re-arranging chorus parts (with support from Paul) and/or writing new chorus material so as to make them more suitable for WLOS, i.e. (normally) ensuring that there are sufficient chorus numbers, with equal use of men and women (more often than not this means adding women in to officially male chorus numbers unless this is dramatically inappropriate) and ensuring that male harmonies are not usually in more than 2 parts unless it’s a male chorus section
- Liaising with the Director and Choreographer on character issues, cuts, speeds, etc.
- Attending auditions and being a member of the audition panel that selects the cast
- Ensuring director includes sufficient music rehearsal time in the schedule, monitoring progress against schedule and occasionally arranging extra rehearsals for individual principals and male chorus as required
- Basic vocal coaching for principals and (en masse) for chorus
- Playing piano for principals rehearsals on most Thursdays
- Arranging for David (pianist) to play for rehearsals other than Tuesdays when necessary (although trying always to use him as little as pos in order to save money)
- Liaising with David re cover for rehearsals if away
- Fixing the band for shows (to set budget)
- If necessary arranging to borrow timps or other percussion instruments
- Arranging time and place of band call, together with music stands for the same (i.e. tell band to bring own if not in theatre!)
- Re-arranging orchestral parts as needed (with support from Paul)
- Liaising with sound designer for the show re mics, fold-back, speakers, etc
- Liaising with Geoff or other committee member re hire of pit music stands for the show
During show week: cast warm-up, general pep talking and CONDUCTING THE SHOW!
dnort@globalnet.co.uk.
WLOS is always interested in hearing from talented directors and performers: Contact lindapullinger@yahoo.com