CHRISTCHURCH CONDUCTOR APPOINTED AS MUSICAL DIRECTOR OF NEW ZEALAND SECONDARY SCHOOLS CHOIR

The Board of Trustees for the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir has much pleasure in announcing the appointment of Andrew Withington to the position of music director of the Choir. The choir has an impressive history of success in both national and international arenas and has recently completed a tour to Brazil and Argentina as the sole New Zealand representative choir in an international music festival.

Andrew, who is a resident of Christchurch, worked with the New Zealand Secondary Students’ choir from 2003 until 2006 as Deputy Musical Director and brings significant experience to the position. He began his career in choral conducting when he was appointed Music Director of the Christchurch Boys’ Choir in 1997, during which time he led a successful overseas tour to Japan. In 2000 Andrew completed a Bachelor of Music degree with First Class Honours in conducting children’s choirs, orchestration and analysis at the University of Canterbury and was awarded the prestigious Vernon Griffith’s Prize in Musical Leadership. After three years teaching, he returned to University and gained a Masters Degree in Music, majoring in choral conducting while studying with Dr Karen Grylls at Auckland University. During his Master’s programme, Andrew conducted secondary and tertiary choirs and participated in a masterclass at the World Choral Symposium in Japan.

In Christchurch, Andrew has had a long association with the Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival where he is the conductor of the Senior Representative Choir which comprises 100 Year 7 and 8 students auditioned from the Christchurch region. He is also Associated Conductor responsible for the 1000-voice Massed Choir combined with a 100-instrument orchestra. Currently Andrew teaches a Year 7 high ability class at Cobham Intermediate School in Christchurch where he is Head of Music. His singing experience includes his current membership of Voices New Zealand and past membership of the New Zealand National Youth Choir. As a choral adjudicator and clinician, Andrew has twice adjudicated regional festivals of the NZ Choral Federation THE BIG SING Secondary Schools choral competition and has been a tutor and participant at a number of New Zealand Summer School of Conducting courses.

Following his announcement as Musical Director of the New Zealand Secondary Students’ Choir during the National Finale of the Big Sing Festivals, Andrew urged young singers to apply for the 2009-2010 Choir, and outlined a programme of rehearsals, workshops, performances and activities designed to challenge and promote excellence in choral singing. Auditions for the new choir will be held nationwide during the October school holidays. Application forms are available through the choir’s website: www.nzsschoir.com

Simon Carrington - Guest Conductor for Sing Aotearoa 2009

The NZCF is delighted to announce that Simon Carrington has accepted an invitation to be a guest conductor at Sing Aotearoa 2009. This will be held in Rotorua over Labour Weekend, 23rd to 26th October, 2009. Click here to visit our new Sing Aotearoa 2009 page.

Christ's College Choir (Christchurch) at TBS Finale - Photo: Annwyn Tobin Photography

Download a full list of dates and venues for THE BIG SING 2009 here.

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POSITION OF MUSIC DIRECTOR - ARS NOVA CHOIR Inc. NEW PLYMOUTH

Ars Nova Choir was established in 1971 as an SATB community choir. Membership is in the 40 - 60 range. The choir's repertoire includes religious and secular choral music from oratorios to popular songs.

Applications are invited for this position which becomes vacant in December 2008. Ideally, the applicant will have the following:
· A tertiary qualification in music
· Extensive choral conducting experience
· Competence in choral teaching and training
· Experience in orchestral training and conducting
· Competence in communication and time management
· A willingness to participate in ongoing professional development

This is a contracted position on a part-time basis, and subject to annual review. A copy of the "Conditions of Appointment and Work Description" will be sent on request.

The appointee would be expected to begin with the choir in February 2009 or at the earliest convenient date thereafter. A CV should be accompanied by the names and phone numbers of three referees, submitted by 28th November 2008 and addressed to the President.
In the first instance, expressions of interest only are welcome: Contact Frank
Lowry Phone : 06 759 7004 or Email: f.m.lowry@xtra.co.nz