School Choir Support - Ark Music Mentor, Birmingham (GUI1421A/FR)

We are looking for talented singers with a passion for engaging in music education, based in the Birmingham area. We currently have a vacancy to work with one of our primary school choirs on a weekly basis, supporting their choir leader in weekly rehearsals by running warm-ups, singing in with the choir and supporting the leader as requested. Rehearsals are 45 minutes long and take place on Thursday afternoons, and the fee is £25/session. 

Ark Music Programme

Ark Schools runs 35 academies across the country, with the Ark Music Programme working across our network of schools. Music is a core part of life in many of our schools. Designed to build confidence, ability and harness a life-long love of a variety of music, the Ark Music Programme offers a wealth of experience for all pupils at all levels. 

Throughout their school lives, children have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of musical activities through the various strands of the Ark Music Programme, from choirs to djembe circles to ukulele bands. Upper Key Stage 2 and secondary students have access to Arks network ensembles, the Spark and Ignite choir and the Fusion ensembles, meeting throughout the year to learn and make music together. This role will be supporting schools’ One Voice choirs, and although there is only one choir vacancy at the moment, a successful applicant would join our pool of freelancers, and would be contacted if other work should come up, to support other choirs or on concert/event days.

Role Description

Music Mentors are often at the early stages of education training and are exploring their own teaching practice. We want to hear from singers from any and all musical backgrounds. The role involves:

• Leading warm-ups focused on activities planned by the teacher/leader for the rehearsal
• Having a secure knowledge of relevant repertoire; modelling vocal parts as appropriate; and singing in with the choir
• Having a secure knowledge of the Ark approach to working with young musicians in choirs, as appropriate
• Motivating and inspiring students
• Acting as a role model to young musicians to foster: aspiration, commitment, motivation, enjoyment of singing or playing, and a life-long love of music.

Person Specification

Qualification Criteria:

• Music qualification (Grade 8 singing, GCSE/A level, or equivalent experience)
• Right to work in the UK

Experience:

• Experience of singing with a choir or vocal group
• Some choir leading experience, which can include supporting sessions or acting as an assistant leader
• Some experience of working in a school setting, be this voluntary or paid, supporting teachers and/or students
• A sound understanding of safeguarding procedures, or a willingness to undergo training in this area

Personal Qualities:              

• A proven desire to work musically within an educational setting
• An ability and willingness to understand and respond to sometimes complex behavioural needs
•  An open and responsive attitude towards learning from a variety of leaders and engaging with a variety of musical genres
• A proactive approach to preparing for sessions and planning and leading warm ups or other musical activities when asked

Ark is commited to safeguarding children; successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.