Creative and energetic Music Director sought
Wooburn Singers
Musical Director Vacancy
Wooburn 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.
Person specification – Musical Director
Essential:
o Ambitious, creative and energetic
o Enthusiastic about becoming MD of the Wooburn Singers and championing the choir
o Passion for a wide variety of choral repertoire, suitable to develop the choir
o Relishes performance
o Sense of humour, invigorating and motivational approach to rehearsals
o Good connections with orchestras and soloists of suitable standard
o Both leadership and team playing skills
o Efficient and creative programme planner suitable to retain singers and attract new audiences
o Interested in developing the choir's vocal skills and with the expertise to do so
Desirable
o Conducting experience with groups of a comparable standard and size
o Involvement with music students etc as a source of up-and-coming soloists
o Local connections for publicity and concert planning
Rehearsal venue and times
Wooburn 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
The 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
Email 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
• Deadline for emailed applications: 11pm 30th April 2026
• Possible Interview dates 13-16 May 2026
• Auditions for final shortlisted candidates evenings of 27 & 28th May
• Candidates informed by 1 June 2026
Job description – Musical Director
The MD is responsible for the overall musical standard of the choir and preparing the choir for concerts.
• With regard to concerts, responsibilities include:
o researching suitable repertoire and planning the choir’s musical programme in conjunction with the Committee
o Engaging soloists and players within the agreed budget
o Rehearsing the choir to the required standard & conducting performances
• With regard to other musical events:
o Directing Come & Sing days as agreed with the committee, normally two per year.
o Possibility of going on a tour with the choir
• With regard to overall musical development of the choir:
o Using any warm-up time to work on vocal technique, sight singing or other areas
o Auditioning prospective new members & re-auditioning existing members every 3 years
• With regard to administration:
o Attending committee meetings (3 or 4 per year) and liaising with the Chair, secretary or other committee members between meetings as required
o Providing concert programme notes and also an annual report for the choir’s AGM
o Participating in an annual appraisal meeting with the Chair
o Participating in an annual planning meeting with the Chair
A full job description is provided upon request from debbie.hoult@gmail.com