Caerphilly Male Voice Choir is looking for a new musical director to help it carry on a tradition more than a century old.
The choir, established in 1906, is searching for a successor to departing musical director Gareth Wyn Griffiths. The paid position requires someone with musical experience to attend practice sessions twice a week at Bedwas Methodist Church.
Mr Griffiths, who is leaving the choir because of work commitments, said: “I’m a freelance musician and if I had a nine-to-five job it would be easy to take this on a regular basis.
“The choir needs someone who can listen and is confident but also very diplomatic because you’re dealing with different types of people – a good sense of humour helps as well.”
The role of musical director is vital to a male voice choir and is a pivotal role.
The tradition of male voice choir singing, based in the working community of the coal mines, is still felt strongly by its members – the longest serving of which is 86-year-old Gareth Mobley.
Mr Mobley, who is originally from Caerphilly, joined the choir in 1948.
He said: “I just really enjoy singing and the camaraderie here is great. We’re a group of friends that’s the main thing.”
The choir, which has raised thousands of pounds for charity over the years, is also looking to capitalise on the renewed interest in choirs from TV show Britain’s Got Talent and the success of contestants Only Boys Aloud.
The position of musical director is 16 hours a month and pays £12.50 an hour.
Rehearsal times are Mondays and Thursdays between 7.15pm and 9.15pm at Bedwas Methodist Church, Bedwas.
Applicants should state any musical qualifications and experience and send a CV to phrensade@tiscali.co.uk or post to Mr B Harris, 17 Prince’s Avenue, Caerphilly, CF831HR.
Potential singers wanting to join the choir are invited to attend any of the practice sessions.