Director of Music Information for candidates For boys and girls 13-18
Director of Music This is an outstanding opportunity for a well-qualified and inspirational musician to lead one of the largest school based Music departments in the UK. Millfield aspires to have a Music department that has both a national and international reputation in the quality of its music-making. 1 Director of Music
Millfield Millfield is one of the largest co-educational boarding school in the UK with over 1200 pupils, aged 13-18. The pupil body is comprised of 75% full boarders and 25% day pupils. Located in Street in Somerset, the school is set in 150 acres of beautiful campus with outstanding facilities including an Olympic-size pool, two gymnasiums, a golf course, equestrian centre, concert hall, theatre, art gallery and music centre. Millfield Prep School, for ages 2-13, is located four miles away at Glastonbury. The school has in its 80 year history achieved significant growth. Established in 1935 by Jack Boss Meyer with six princes from India, today it is an international, multifaith school welcoming young people from all backgrounds and over 65 nationalities. Millfield may be one of the bigger independent schools, but its ethos remains to discover and develop the potential of every pupil. The school has been structured to make sure it is friendly, approachable and focused on the unique needs of each individual. Millfield provides a broad and balanced education which not only prepares pupils for public examinations but also gives them the confidence to achieve success throughout their adult lives. The school offers an exceptionally wide range of courses whilst still allowing pupils programmes to be tailored to individual needs. Innovation remains at the heart of the school with a commitment to continually refine how to offer an exceptional and fully rounded education. Recent examples of this include the launch of Nine at Millfield, a dynamic Year 9 programme, and the introduction of pupil ipads to promote digital learning. 2 Director of Music
Music at Millfield Millfield s music facilities are outstanding. Over 7 million was spent on a Concert Hall and Music School in 2006 which comprises six music classrooms (all of which are equipped with Mac computers), twenty-two large practice rooms, two recording studios and a 350- seat Concert Hall which has been acoustically designed. There are currently seven full time and over 30 part time (instrumental) staff covering the full range of orchestral instruments, piano, voice, harp, percussion, drum kit and guitar. The Music Department Secretary plays a crucial administrative role and there is also a Technical Manager of the Concert Hall. Millfield s large ensemble provision includes: Chamber Choir, School Choir, Symphony Orchestra, String Orchestra, Wind Band, Swing Band, Percussion ensemble and Brass ensemble. In addition to this there are numerous chamber music ensembles rehearsing every week, arranged at any time to suit the particular needs of the pupils involved. These currently include a saxophone quartet, an a Capella singing group and rock band workshops. Music plays an important role in Millfield life. Pupils perform at all of the major school events and frequently in formal and less formal concerts. The school choir are regularly involved in services at Wells Cathedral. One of the highlights of the school year is the House Song Competition where all pupils are required to rehearse and perform in choirs led and organised by their peers. Millfield has a national reputation for Chamber Music and has often had great success in national chamber music competitions and events. Each year we have a selection of pupils who secure places at conservatoires, including some of the top institutions in the UK and worldwide, as well as membership of the NYO and other national ensembles. 3 Director of Music
The Role The Director of Music will be a good honours graduate and experienced musician. They will be able to enthuse, motivate and inspire young people and colleagues. Experience of working with young people in a range of musical settings is essential. They must have proven administration and management skills. The successful candidate will be willing to take an active part in Millfield life beyond the music department. Departmental Responsibilities The specific responsibilities of the Director of Music will be a matter for agreement with the Headmaster and may include: Overseeing the provision of academic Music lessons Overseeing musical events: performances, recitals, music exams etc. Arrangements for performances - transport, bookings, venue hire, royalties, hire of resources and parts, preparation of programmes etc. Organising the annual House Song Contest Development of a schedule of trips and tours for musicians, national and international Support for musical theatre Arranging staff duties and managing and leading a team of full-time music staff and visiting music teachers Maintenance, security and care of the Music Department, Concert Hall, Studios, computers and musical instruments Arrangements for auditions and interviews for music scholarships Overseeing the performance and progress of Music Scholars Liaison with the Chaplain over music for Services Leadership of a programme of outreach to Preparatory Schools to promote music at Millfield; this also involves hosting Preparatory school music events at Millfield Close liaison with the Director of Music at Millfield Prep School Liaison with outside institutions (professional ensembles, charities, schools etc.) Development of the Millfield International Concert Series Liaison with the Bursar s department concerning Music tuition fees and recoverables Liaison with Millfield Enterprises regarding use of the Concert Hall 4 Director of Music
Benefits of Service The school has high expectations of its staff and therefore looks to reward them with generous salary scale increments and beneficial conditions of service Class sizes are small (typical class sizes of 8-14) Opportunities for professional development All teachers are issued with an ipad, and most teachers have their own classroom There is ample opportunity to take on responsibilities for which there are additional allowances Each member of the teaching staff has a voice on professional matters via the Common Room Chair Free on-site parking All teachers are offered membership of the Teachers Pension Scheme Longer holidays than the maintained sector Fee concessions are available across the Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior school Free use of the extensive leisure and sporting facilities (which includes gym, swimming pool, golf course, tennis courts, squash courts etc.) for the staff member and their immediate family Free use of a well-stocked library including a DVD library Heavily subsidised lunches and free refreshments are available throughout the day The school is set in beautiful grounds The ability to join a strong community through a number of social events (Staff Bar, Staff sports leagues etc) 5 Director of Music
General Information Millfield School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Offers of appointment are subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance. Millfield School has adopted the school-wide use of mobile technologies in teaching and learning and applicants are expected to develop their own skills and teaching to make appropriate use of such opportunities. Short-listed candidates will be invited to the school for interview. The selection process is likely to be held in the week commencing March 23rd. For further information about this post, Miss Vicky Heath would be happy to answer any questions. She can be contacted on 01458 444591 or vickyheath@millfieldschool.com Selection Process Please complete an application form via our website by clicking here. You will be asked to upload your CV and include a covering letter together with a declaration form. Street, Somerset, BA16 0YD Tel: 01458 444592 Email: recruitment@millfieldschool.com millfieldschool.com 6 Director of Music