West Bridgford Social Singers (WBSS), a thriving community choir based in Nottingham, is seeking an inspiring and inclusive Musical Director to lead the choir into its next chapter, from September 2026.

Founded in 1992, WBSS is a friendly, mixed choir of approximately 95 members.  Our choir members join without having to audition.  Under our current Musical Director, who has led the choir for over 25 years, we have developed a reputation for high-quality performances and a wonderfully varied repertoire spanning musicals, contemporary songs, gospel, folk, international music, and classical pieces.

Our Aims:

• To enable members to enjoy the social and emotional benefits of group singing.
• To perform music from a wide repertoire to our local community and beyond.
• To encourage people from a wide range of ages to join with us in performing this music.
• To support our local community by performing at local events and in support of nominated charities.
• To organise regular and varied social events to enable choir members to get to know one another.

About Us:

We are a welcoming community choir that performs regularly throughout the year at charity events, weddings, carol concerts, and special performances. We rehearse every Tuesday evening (7.45-9.30pm) during term time at West Bridgford Methodist Church Hall. Recent highlights include an international tour to Norway and collaborative singing workshops. 

We pride ourselves on our inclusive approach, supporting singers of all experience levels, while maintaining high performance standards.  The choir performs many songs from memory at concerts. 

We have a piano accompanist and a reserve accompanist, and we also have members of the choir who can accompany songs on guitar, bass guitar and cajon/percussion. 

The Role:

This is an exciting opportunity for a Musical Director who values community, inclusivity, and musical growth. The successful candidate will: 

• Plan and lead weekly rehearsals that develop vocal skills, enhance ensemble singing, and convey a love of music;
• Work collaboratively with the Committee and Music Sub-Committee to select diverse and engaging repertoire that appeals to both choir and audiences;
• Continue to build on our tradition of performing from memory where possible;
• Support and encourage singers of all abilities in a supportive environment;
• Maintain the balance of voices within the choir in collaboration with the Committee;
• Nurture the warm, sociable atmosphere that is central to our choir's identity.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Proven experience conducting amateur choirs with a commitment to inclusive, community-based music-making;
• Strong musical skills and knowledge of vocal technique;
• A clear, confident conducting style;
• Excellent interpersonal skills with an encouraging and supportive approach;
• Ability to work across a wide range of musical genres and styles;
• Ability to work with other musicians including piano accompanist, guitarists and percussionist;
• Enthusiasm for developing singers at all levels of experience.

Further Information:

WBSS is managed by a Committee in collaboration with the Musical Director. We have an experienced accompanist, and an Assistant Conductor. The choir also benefits from a Music Sub-Committee comprising representatives from each vocal section. The Musical Director will be appointed on a self-employed basis with remuneration negotiated having regard to the candidate's experience and skills. 

Application Process:

Please send your CV along with a covering statement (maximum two pages) outlining your relevant experience, your approach to community choir leadership, and what you would bring to WBSS. 

Please include contact details for two referees. 

Send applications to Jason Gilman-Hughes, Chair, at jasongilman@hotmail.co.uk with 'WBSS Musical Director Application' in the subject line. 

Closing date:  Friday 28th March 2026 

Interviews: from the week beginning Monday 13th April 2026 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to meet choir members, and to observe and conduct part of a rehearsal on a Tuesday evening in April / May. 

For further information about the choir, please visit our website: www.westbridgfordsocialsingers.com

 Interested?  We are happy to arrange an informal chat, and potential applicants can also come and see one of our rehearsals to get a sense of how we sing together.  Please contact Jason Gilman-Hughes at jasongilman@hotmail.co.uk / 07894 833569.