{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"JobPosting","title":"Musical Director","description":"\n

Creative and energetic Music Director sought

Wooburn Singers

Musical Director Vacancy
\nWooburn Singers is looking to appoint an energetic and creative Musical Director to build on the achievements of our current conductor Jonathon Cole-Swinard. Wooburn Singers was formed in 1967 by the late Richard Hickox in Wooburn Green, Beaconsfield, Bucks. The choir has had 6 excellent conductors over the ensuing 59 years. We are an auditioned chamber choir of about 50 members based in South Buckinghamshire. We perform four or five concerts a year, a capella and with piano, organ, cello or more recently, soprano saxophone. We also perform with various instrumental ensembles. Soloists range from well-known professionals to rising stars and also from within the ranks of the choir. Our professional accompanist, Simon Howat, is a soloist in his own right. We perform a wide range of music from renaissance to contemporary composers. Jonathon Cole-Swinard is leaving us after 5 years to expand his career. The choir is therefore seeking to recruit a new Musical Director starting in January 2027, though with involvement in planning the 2026-2027 season in advance of taking up the post. The role and requirements are described below. Further information about the choir is available from our website. Any other information or questions can be directed to Debbie Hoult, the choir chair at debbie.hoult@gmail.com.
\nPerson specification – Musical Director
\nEssential:
\no\tAmbitious, creative and energetic
\no\tEnthusiastic about becoming MD of the Wooburn Singers and championing the choir
\no\tPassion for a wide variety of choral repertoire, suitable to develop the choir
\no\tRelishes performance
\no\tSense of humour, invigorating and motivational approach to rehearsals
\no\tGood connections with orchestras and soloists of suitable standard
\no\tBoth leadership and team playing skills
\no\tEfficient and creative programme planner suitable to retain singers and attract new audiences
\no\tInterested in developing the choir's vocal skills and with the expertise to do so
\nDesirable
\no\tConducting experience with groups of a comparable standard and size
\no\tInvolvement with music students etc as a source of up-and-coming soloists
\no\tLocal connections for publicity and concert planning

Rehearsal venue and times
\nWooburn Singers rehearses at The Beaconsfield School, Wattleton Rd, Beaconsfield HP9 1RR on Wednesday evenings during school term times. Concerts are usually on Saturdays with an afternoon rehearsal and there is usually an extra Monday rehearsal in concert week. A typical year would have 40-45 rehearsals excluding those on concert days.

Starting date and prior involvement
\nThe new MD is expected to take up the post on 1st January 2027 but, following appointment, will be able to suggest suitable music for our Spring and Summer concerts plus an early year Come & Sing Day.

How to apply
\nEmail a full CV including the names of two referees to Debbie.hoult@gmail.com plus a covering letter outlining why you and Wooburn Singers would be good for each other.

Selection process
\n•\tDeadline for emailed applications: 11pm 30th April 2026
\n•\tPossible Interview dates 13-16 May 2026
\n•\tAuditions for final shortlisted candidates evenings of 27 & 28th May
\n•\tCandidates informed by 1 June 2026

Job description – Musical Director
\nThe MD is responsible for the overall musical standard of the choir and preparing the choir for concerts.
\n•\tWith regard to concerts, responsibilities include:
\no\tresearching suitable repertoire and planning the choir’s musical programme in conjunction with the Committee
\no\tEngaging soloists and players within the agreed budget
\no\tRehearsing the choir to the required standard & conducting performances
\n•\tWith regard to other musical events:
\no\tDirecting Come & Sing days as agreed with the committee, normally two per year.
\no\tPossibility of going on a tour with the choir
\n•\tWith regard to overall musical development of the choir:
\no\tUsing any warm-up time to work on vocal technique, sight singing or other areas
\no\tAuditioning prospective new members & re-auditioning existing members every 3 years
\n•\tWith regard to administration:
\no\tAttending committee meetings (3 or 4 per year) and liaising with the Chair, secretary or other committee members between meetings as required
\no\tProviding concert programme notes and also an annual report for the choir’s AGM
\no\tParticipating in an annual appraisal meeting with the Chair
\no\tParticipating in an annual planning meeting with the Chair

A full job description is provided upon request from debbie.hoult@gmail.com

Music director sought

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