Community Choir Seeks a Musical Director
Beverley Community Choir is seeking an experienced Musical Director to start in January 2027. They will follow in the footsteps of their current MD, Sue Murray, who is retiring after over 20 years in the role.
Formed in 2003, their diverse repertoire covers a range of musical genres, including folk, world music, pop, and classical. With the aim of being friendly and inclusive, they are a non-auditioned community choir of around 50 singers who rehearse in the centre of Beverley on Thursday evenings (7.45-9.30pm) from September to June. Their current performance programme consists of several Christmas concerts (focusing on regional carols), plus other concerts throughout the year.
For more general information, please go to their website www.beverleycommunitychoir.org.uk
Main responsibilities
- Devise an annual programme of 3-4 performances per year, in collaboration with the committee
- Act as the main point of contact for performance enquiries
- Prepare appropriate material for rehearsals
- Lead weekly evening rehearsals, and additional rehearsals by agreement
- Work closely with the committee and offer guidance on all aspects of music and performance
- Provide own liability insurance cover
- Make necessary arrangements regarding performing rights for any materials performed
Role requirements
- Previous experience of leading a choir
- Skills to motivate and inspire non-professional singers to achieve a high standard of musicality and performance
- Passion for music-making and the ability to keep rehearsals enjoyable and appropriately paced
- Strong communication skills
- The ability to work in a range of ways, including our traditional 'natural voice' approach without sheet music or accompaniment, and also with sheet music when appropriate, or preferred by members
The choir currently pay £33.50 per hour, to cover two hours rehearsal time and one hour preparation time per week, with additional negotiable payments for performances. The person appointed will be engaged on a freelance/self-employed basis.
To apply
The committee would be grateful to receive the following from interested applicants
- Your CV
- A short covering letter outlining your experience and interest in the role
Please e-mail to beverleycommunitychoir@gmail.com.
Hiring timeline
- Initial applications are welcome until Monday 29th June 2026
- Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to attend a trial rehearsal with the choir in September
- They expect to make an appointment in October to start in January 2027