Musical Director

Havering Singers is seeking to appoint a new Musical Director from April 2025, as our current MD is standing down after 7 years to reduce his diverse and considerable workload. 

Havering Singers is an un-auditioned SATB choir of around 70 singers ranging in age and ability, with the common wish to enjoy the thrill and pleasure of making music. The Society was first formed in 1946 and regularly performs 4 concerts in local venues during the year. Our repertoire is diverse; in the past 7 years we have performed works by Brahms, Dvorak, Faure, Handel, Haydn, Jenkins, Mozart, Puccini, Rutter, Schubert, and Vivaldi. To this list we should add the more relaxed music from musical theatre such as Music from the Silver Screen, Songs from the Shows, Songs from the 60’s and 70’s. Most of the songs in these concerts were arranged by Jonathan Rathbone. We also perform a wide range of Christmas music, both traditional and modern.

Rehearsals are held weekly on Wednesday evenings between 8.00pm and 9.50pm during term time in a local primary school. There is ample parking at the school and Romford station (Elizabeth Line) and local bus routes are within easy reach. Concerts are performed at various churches in the area. Our website www.haveringsingers.org.uk has details and provides further information about the Society. 

The post of Musical Director attracts a fee on a per-rehearsal basis with an additional fee for concerts. Payment for reasonable travelling expenses will be available. Professional soloists and orchestral players are often used in our concerts.

We would expect candidates to have:

• experience of running similar adult choirs;
• keyboard skills (although we do have a professional accompanist);
• experience of conducting a concert with both an orchestra and the choir; and
• a commitment to work alongside the Society’s committee in determining programmes, concert dates etc.

We are looking for someone who can inspire and engage with the choir and enable us to perform wonderful pieces of music. This person needs to have a clear directing style and equally important a sense of humour.

The interview / audition process will involve directing the choir in a piece they know (which will be sent to the shortlisted candidate in advance) and in one unfamiliar piece, followed by an interview with some members of the committee.

The closing date for applications is Friday 10th January 2025. Please submit CV with covering letter to Secretary@haveringsingers.org.uk

Interviews / auditions will be planned from mid-February, to coincide with choir rehearsals. Shortlisted candidates will be offered a choice of two dates.

For more information contact the Treasurer, Trevor Marlow (0777 3031020) or the Chairman, Donna Coy (0771 0926297)