Background Information for applicants for the post of Singing Development Leader at Cathedral

The post of Singing Development Leader at is a new appointment from September 2021.

This document is intended to give those interested in applying for the post information to help in the process of making an application. It should be read in conjunction with the Cathedral’s Development Plan (included with this pack) and by looking at the Cathedral’s website (www.exeter-cathedral.org.uk) and the website of Exeter (www.exetercs.org), and, of course, the Job Description and Person Specification.

The traditions we want to maintain and develop The standard of music at Exeter Cathedral is high and we want share our resource of expertise in order to reach out to every child in . We are looking for a talented musician who will be a first class animateur who can inspire and enthuse young children with a love of singing. He/she will have some experience leading and directing children’s choirs, and will be able to create a purposeful but fun atmosphere in which great music-making can thrive. He/she will be an experienced teacher of singing, who can encourage and promote good technique, as well as being able quickly to identify and potentially resolve any vocal issues arising amongst individual choristers. We are looking for a team player who understands the needs of a busy cathedral music department, and how the vital outreach works fits into the wider needs of the organisation. He/she will need to be a well-organised person who can contribute helpfully and efficiently to the smooth administrative running of the department whilst being able to work creatively and collaboratively with the other departments of the Cathedral, enhancing the cultural, artistic and spiritual offering we make to the people of Exeter and beyond.

The Job Description and Person Specification The Job Description and Person Specification are meant to look daunting, as we have high expectations. We don’t imagine that every person interested will be equally strong in all areas. But as can be seen in the paragraph above, there are a number of areas which we think are of central importance. The discernment process for the appointment will not, however, be a ‘tick- box’ exercise; the person appointed also needs to fit in, and we will try to discern that through an interview, through an opportunity for each candidate to demonstrate their ability with singers, and through meeting a range of people formally and informally. Through all these means we hope to find the right person, and for the right person to feel ‘at home’ with us.

Exeter The city of Exeter lies in the south west of England, and is the administrative capital of the county of Devon. With a population of around 118,000 Exeter is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in the UK. The city centre itself has an impressive new £235 million retail centre with over 60 new shops and restaurants. It is a safe, student-friendly city with a vibrant and fun culture and relaxed atmosphere. The cathedral is geographically and spiritually at its heart, a fact reflected in the high profile it enjoys in the local media and community. The city

has rail services to London (Paddington and Waterloo), Birmingham, Manchester and Bristol, and a busy commuter airport, giving good connections nationwide.

The cathedral Exeter Cathedral is one of the nine ‘Old Foundation’ cathedrals of England and its architecture dates primarily from the Norman period, although the building has been extensively restored, including the extensive reconstruction of the chapel of St James, which was completely destroyed by the Luftwaffe in a bombing raid in 1942. Notable features of the interior include the misericords, the minstrels’ gallery, the astronomical clock and the organ. The Diocese of Exeter was formed in 1050 and covers the county of Devon. Both clergy and congregation are fully supportive of the cathedral’s music programme.

The Structure of Music at Exeter Cathedral The music element of the Liturgy and Music Department currently consists of:

 Director of Music  Assistant Director of Music  Organ Scholar

Lay Vicars (6), Choral Scholars (6), Girl and Boy Choristers (20 of each, aged 8-13, all attending Exeter Cathedral School).

From September this team will be expanded to include the Singing Development Leader who will take on responsibility for directing the Cathedral’s Junior Choir (known as the Devon County Junior Choir [DCJC]), for its youth choir, Schola Exe, for co-ordinating and delivering the Chorister Outreach Programme, and to act as vocal coach to the choristers individually.

The music is well supported by the Music Foundation Trust (MFT) which is seeking to raise more money to help support the music of the Cathedral, and the DCJC and Chorister Outreach Programme receive support from a number of sources, including the Devon County Music Hub.

We hope this helps you in considering whether to apply for this post.

In the following pages you will find the Cathedral Mission & Values and an explanatory statement.

The Cathedral Mission Statement

Exeter Cathedral exists for the glory of God and as a sign of God’s kingdom. Our mission is growing in prayer, making disciples and serving people in Devon with joy.

We express this through:  Daily worship and prayer  Welcome and pastoral support  Nurturing disciples  Learning together  Serving the community

Exeter Cathedral is a sacred, inspirational and beautiful place at the heart of Exeter and Devon. It is the seat of the Bishop, a place of prayer and worship, and a centre of mission and service. As the Mother Church of the Diocese, the Cathedral seeks to draw people to the love of God by maintaining the primacy and centrality of worship. In its witness to Jesus Christ and in the welcome that it extends to its many visitors, it encourages people to discover the fullness of life which is Christ’s promise to us. In its outreach to the local community it seeks to serve the people of this city and county with joy that in all things God may be glorified.

Our Values:  Loving God and our neighbour  Welcoming all in a spirit of generous hospitality and kindness  Respecting the importance of place as the Cathedral serving the city and county  Willing to learn and grow in faith and service

Our Objectives are to: 1. Grow in depth 2. Grow our welcome, engagement and education 3. Grow in number and influence 4. Grow in diversity 5. Grow in capacity and sustainability

Priorities: In the light of the current global pandemic we have prioritised our planning into three areas: 1. Sustaining day to day activity and ministry 2. Progressing the Lottery stage two bid 3. Engagement activity – the Cathedral and the Environment

The Devon County Junior Choir DCJC was formed in September 2007 and is for children aged 7 - 13. Currently its membership is around 40. The choir’s founding director is Rachel Smith (Head of Junior Music, , Exeter), who is retiring from the role in July 2021. Since its formation DCJC has performed at over 35 Outreach concerts in Exeter Cathedral, Buckfast Abbey and St Andrew's Church, Plymouth. The choir has also participated in concerts with artists as diverse as Will Young, Hayley Westenra, The King's Singers, Exeter Philharmonic Choir, South West Camerata, Exeter Children's Orchestra, Exeter Music Group, and Exeter Festival Chorus. The choir has commissioned works by several local composers, such as David Davies, Anna Matthews and Andrew Millington, and has performed wider afield in collaborations with Cornwall Junior Choir in Truro Cathedral, and Hampshire Children's Choir.

Schola Exe Schola Exe is the Senior County Choir for girls in Years 9 to 13 and (currently) boys with unchanged voices aged 13 and above. The choir was formed in February 2012 and has given many concerts in Exeter Cathedral and its Chapter House. It has participated in performances of larger works such Fauré's Requiem and Britten's St Nicolas. It has sung Evensong in the Cathedral with the Gentlemen of the Cathedral Choir and performed in Devon Music Service's Excellence in Singing Concert, also in the Cathedral. In December 2014, Schola Exe performed in two Carol Concerts in Exeter Cathedral with Exeter Philharmonic Choir and in November 2015 gave a celebratory concert in Teignmouth in November before singing in the Emergency Services Carol Service in Exeter Cathedral the following month. It has also participated in two workshops studying Mendelssohn's Elijah and Verdi's Requiem and performed in Britten's War Requiem in the Cathedral in April 2016. The choir has performed twice with English Touring Opera in performances of the St John Passion and Mass in B minor, both in Exeter Cathedral. In July 2018, the choir performed at the Budleigh Salterton Music Festival and in a performance of Monteverdi's Vespers with Exeter Festival Chorus.

The Dean and Chapter encourage the successful candidate to explore the potential to develop Schola Exe into an SATB Youth Choir for boys and girls aged 13-18.

The Chorister Outreach Programme This was initially a national government-funded scheme designed to encourage and enable cathedrals to use their musical resources to promote singing among children in primary schools. It was part of the national Sing-up programme, led by the Government's Singing Ambassador Howard Goodall, which aimed to achieve Singing School status for every primary school by the year 2012.

Despite the withdrawal of central government funding, the Chorister Outreach Project continues in Devon, run as a collaboration between Exeter Cathedral and the Devon Music Education Hub. Financial support is also given through a number of trusts and bursaries. The programme aims to instil and develop the joy of singing among children in primary schools, by offering specialist teaching input, continuing support and high-quality performance opportunities. It also aims to raise levels of access, achievement and aspiration, and to encourage and develop collaborative projects for singing for both pupils and staff.

In each academic year, approximately 20 primary schools have taken part in the programme, involving thousands of children in total.

The Cathedral Choir Described by Classic FM as “one of the country’s finest choirs”, Exeter Cathedral Choir leads around eight services each week during term time, maintaining a tradition that has been largely unbroken for centuries, covering a broad repertoire from plainsong through to contemporary works. The choir also performs at concerts and services across the diocese and county as part of a broader outreach strategy. It also has a busy programme of other engagements, which often includes tours (most recently to Austria and Slovakia), concerts, recordings and radio broadcasts. Recent engagements include Bach St John Passion (with Charivari Agréable), and Bernstein Chichester Psalms. The choir’s sell-out performances of Handel’s Messiah and Bach B Minor Mass were ecstatically received.

Exeter Cathedral School The tradition of educating choristers at Exeter goes back several centuries, and indeed there is evidence of boys singing in the Cathedral as far back as 1050. The present school is housed in the ‘Chantry,’ on the South side of the Cathedral. There is a pre-prep department in the Close, and the present school numbers are around 275. In the early 1990’s the school admitted girls for the first time, and a Cathedral Girls’ choir was formed, singing its first service in 1994. Potential choristers compete for places in early February and there is provision for both boarding and day choristers. The school has an excellent record of scholarships and awards to senior schools and many choristers gain music awards. The School Headmaster is Mr James Featherstone.

Job Title: Singing Development Lead Department: Liturgy and Music

Reporting to: The Director of Music Pay: £ 14,200 for 20hrs a week

Contract type: Part time Permanent Location: Exeter Cathedral and county of Devon

Purpose of role:

This role supports the Director of Music in ensuring excellent music – specifically taking responsibility for the Cathedral’s Junior Choir and developing its Youth Choir. This role is key to the delivery and development of the Cathedral’s musical outreach to the Diocese, as well as acting as vocal coach to the cathedral choristers.

Key Responsibilities:

Devon County Junior Choir and Scholar Exe  To direct, develop, and train the choirs, by taking rehearsals and conducting.  To choose a suitable programme of activity and repertoire for choirs, seeking and selecting performing opportunities.  To engage in active recruitment for both choirs, including exploring the possibility of developing Scholar Exe into a youth choir to include (changed) boys’ voices.  To take principal responsibility for administrative tasks associated with, or generated by, the choirs.

Chorister Outreach Programme  To liaise with the MDLs (Music Development Leaders from Devon Music Education Hub) and the schools involved each term and confirm arrangements for the workshops and for the Cathedral Concert.  To choose appropriate songs for the term's workshops and concert.  To attend termly meetings of the Outreach Full Steering Group.  To travel to schools across Devon and lead three singing workshops (sometimes combined with multiple schools) in each venue.  To introduce children to the Chorister Outreach Programme, the work of the choristers and the DCJC and to explain the process leading to the performance in the Cathedral.  To teach effectively the 3 songs each term to be sung by the massed choirs.  To encourage the schools to rehearse well between the sessions and to work towards performing the songs from memory.  To encourage and support the schools to provide an item of their own choice to perform in the concert.  To coordinate all aspects of the termly Cathedral concert, including use of Cathedral resources, engagement of any other staff required to run the concert effectively and provision of necessary equipment, to set up the performance space in conjunction with the Virgers, to direct the rehearsal and concert in the Cathedral and to assist with clearing away afterwards.  To liaise with the Director of Music regarding chorister's attendance for at least one of the three workshops at each venue.  To ensure the ongoing effectiveness of the Outreach Programme's work at ground level and that the Programme continues to inspire and develop ever better singing across the County.

Exeter Cathedral Choristers  In collaboration with the Director of Music, agree a timetable for short, individual sessions with choristers, on a weekly basis.  To liaise with the Director of Music about any specific vocal issues any chorister may be facing.  At the request of the Director of Music, to rehearse and prepare choristers for upcoming solos.  To bring to the Director of Music’s attention any specific concerns about chorister vocal health.  To write brief reports on each choristers’ progress twice a year.

Other  To attend departmental and other meetings as appropriate, including representing the Cathedral at outreach conferences.  To liaise with colleagues to plan duties and commitments.  To liaise with people and organisations outside the Cathedral; supporting the mission to the Diocese.  To participate as required in departmental recruitment: e.g. voice trials, choir auditions, and chorister open days.

Key Challenges:

 Working within a very busy department.  Ensuring excellent communications and information for a number of departments and external agencies.  Working with a mix of volunteers and staff in a variety of settings.  Being aware of the team’s activities, as several projects may run concurrently.

Working Pattern:

This is a 0.5 post (20 hours per week). As with any such post hours vary to meet demands, and may include regular working on Saturdays. A desk and computer will be provided at the cathedral for work related administration, though working from home may be a possibility much of the time, if preferred. Annual leave may normally only be taken during school holidays.

A typical working week might be split up as follows:  Outreach visits to schools: 4 hrs (including travel time)  Vocal coaching to choristers: 2 hrs  Rehearsals with choirs: 4 hrs  Administration, meetings: 10 hrs

Candidate Profile:

Essential  A music degree or other appropriate qualification/experience.  A talented musician in sympathy with the worship, ministry and ethos of Exeter Cathedral.  An ability to engage, train and inspire a choir.  An ability to manage children in a firm but kindly manner.  An excellent understanding of vocal technique and training.  An experienced singing teacher.  Knowledge of a broad repertoire of songs likely to inspire inexperienced singers of primary school age.  Flexibility towards the development of a wide range of musical styles.  A good communicator who can inspire choristers, school children, and amateur musicians alike, and who can also relate well to non-musicians.  A team player with an enthusiastic and positive approach.  A willingness to work beyond the Cathedral precincts.  A maturity of character and a good sense of humour.  An efficient and reliable administrator with some IT knowledge.  An understanding of current issues and best practice relating to Safeguarding, and a willingness to undertake training as necessary.  A full driving licence.

Desirable  A qualified school teacher  A communicant member of the Church of England.  Ability to play the piano  Some experience of, and competence with, music technology  Some experience of a Cathedral/ Greater Parish Church or similar.

The appointment will be subject to enhanced clearance from the DBS.

Other Professional Work:

Being a part-time position, it is recognised that a considerable level of outside musical activity be necessary, which will bring benefits to the Cathedral as well as the post holder. The post holder is encouraged to pursue such interests in holiday periods and in non-timetabled time. However, any outside engagement during the school term or which might involve a clash of interests may only be undertaken with the explicit agreement of the Director of Music in addition to the Chapter’s approval in principle.

Benefits:

 The Cathedral will match up to 5% of your contribution to your pension plan (provided it is HMRC approved)  Holiday entitlement – 30 days including Public Holidays per annum  10% discount in our Shop and Café  Chance of complimentary tickets to our in-house concert Making an application

An initial, informal, telephone conversation is welcomed: please contact either Timothy Noon, Director of Music, on 07973 220769, or The Reverend Canon James Mustard, Precentor, on 07763 973647 at any time, who will be pleased to answer any questions you may have.

Applications should be sent by email or post to:

Catherine Escott, Cathedral Administrator, 1 The Cloisters, Exeter, EX1 1HS email: [email protected]

We will acknowledge all receipt of applications.

Please complete the application form. You may also include your curriculum vitae, if you wish. Of your three referees, one should have specific knowledge of your work in music education and/or choir training, and, ideally, but not essentially, one should be a priest with whom you are currently working or have previously worked.

In addition to a formal interview, shortlisted candidates will be asked to direct a short choir rehearsal with a small group of children.

Candidates will be required to rehearse with the boy and girl choristers and there will be an opportunity to meet members of the Cathedral staff, and community, and to visit the Cathedral School.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 30th April 2021. Short-listed candidates will be contacted shortly after that; applicants are asked to confirm in their application their availability on the interview date of Friday 10th May 2021. Information concerning audition requirements will be sent to short listed candidates in advance.