Vocal Specialist

Posted: 14/10/2024- Closing Date: 07/11/2024- Job Type: Casual- Location: Newcastle West- Job Category: Advertising, Arts & MediaThe Catholic Schools Office, Diocese Maitland-Newcastle is seeking a casual Vocal Specialist (6 hours per week) to join the team February 2025.

ASPIRE is the Maitland/Newcastle Catholic Schools Office creative and performing arts program. With an emphasis on fostering creativity the ASPIRE program has a large number of programs on offer including in schools workshops and performance support and professional development for staff as well as special projects in areas such as songwriting, scriptwriting, devising theatre and choreography. ASPIRE also creates an original production each year through which students can audition to be a part of through dance, design, drama, musical and production ensembles.

Working under the direction of the ASPIRE Musical Director, the Vocal Specialist will utilise their skills and knowledge of vocal technique and harmony to ensure the development of young perfomers within the ASPIRE program. They will also manage the rehearsal of the vocalists and assist them in learning assigned choreography and dramatic elements.

**Desired Skills and Experience**:
**EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA**
- Ability to articulate a clear understanding of and a personal commitment to Catholic education and the mission of the church through Catholic schools
- Experience as a performer in a vocal ensemble and as lead vocalist/soloist.
- Ability to read traditional notation and play piano for basic accompaniment and technical exercises.
- Deep understanding and experience teaching vocal technique including the areas of breathing, voice production, projection, diction, aural skills and singing harmonies.
- Studio teaching experience with the ability to identify technical problems then work with young performers to refine their own vocal technique.
- Ability to demonstrate and teach high quality performance practice skills including use of phrasing, technique, and movement for expression.
- Experience in teaching simple choreography for performance.
- Experience leading a variety of vocal ensembles.
- Music industry experience (Desirable).
- Experience working with instrumentalists (Desirable).
- Ability to play other instruments (Desirable).

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number
- Tertiary qualification or equivalent in music
- High level vocal proficiency of at least 6th Grade AMEB level.

**CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT**

Salary is in accordance with the Catholic Schools Office Maitland-Newcastle Agreement 2019.

**BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US**
- A corporate fitness program through Fitness Passport
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Training and staff development programs
- Paid parental leave for eligible employees
- Access to long service leave after just five years for eligible employees.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION**

**TO APPLY**
- Provide a cover letter along with your resume
- Within your cover letter address each of the selection criteria as listed under EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA above and ensure your response to each criteria is no longer than 300 words.

**Applications close: Thursday 7th November 2024 at 11.59pm**

**_Additional information_**
- The Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is a child safe organisation, committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable persons and has zero-tolerance of any abuse. All employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and comply with our Safeguarding Framework Policy and Codes of Conduct._
- This position has been determined as child related and the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle will be verifying the successful applicant’s Working with Children Check for Paid Employment prior to commencing working in the position. For more information, please visit the NSW Office of Children’s Guardian._
- Applicants must be able to demonstrate an understanding of appropriate behaviours when engaging with children._