The Damon Singers are looking to appoint an energetic and creative Musical Director to build on the achievements of our current conductor David Cooke.

The Damon Singers were formed in 1957 under its first director David Carr, in Chesham, Buckinghamshire. We are a friendly, auditioned, a cappella choir with 25-30 members based in Chesham, rehearsing at the White Hill Centre on Wednesday evenings. The Damons Singers is also a registered charity.

We usually perform 3 concerts a year, sometimes with guest instrumental ensembles, smaller groups drawn from the choir and readings. Our repertoire is wide and consists of mainly unaccompanied pieces. We sing all styles of music from medieval to modern, sacred and secular, including madrigals and motets, anthems and folksongs, Victoriana, 20’s and 30’s favourites and pop music. Every summer, we perform our renowned Pudding Concert where we provide delicious puddings for the audience after the music. Our Christmas Carol Concert is also something of a local tradition attracting a large and enthusiastic audience for carols old and new accompanied by hot mince pies and mulled wine.

David Cooke is retiring after many years, and the choir is therefore seeking to recruit a new Musical Director starting in September 2026. The role and requirements are described below. Further information about the choir is available from our website at www.damonsingers.co.uk. The role is remunerated.

Any other questions can be directed to info@damonsingers.co.uk.

Person specification – Musical Director

Essential:

• Enthusiastic about conducting a choir of the nature of the Damon Singers
• An infectious sense of musicianship
• Sense of humour, with an invigorating and inclusive approach to rehearsing and bringing together a mix of experiences up to performance standard
• Passion for a wide variety of choral repertoire, including pieces to develop the choir’s abilities and range
• Relishes the focus and pressure of performance
• Efficient and creative programme planning suitable to retain singers and attract new audiences. Willing to work with choir members on repertoire choices

 Desirable

• Conducting experience with groups of a comparable standard and size
• Involvement with music students etc as a source of up-and-coming soloists or choir members
• Local connections for publicity, singer recruitment and concert planning

 Rehearsal venue and times

The Damon Singers rehearse at The White Hill Centre, Chesham, HP5 1AG on Wednesday evenings during school term times from 8-10pm. Concerts are usually on Saturdays with an afternoon rehearsal. A typical year would have around 40 rehearsals excluding those on concert days.

Starting date and prior involvement

The new MD is expected to formally take up the post on and after 1^st October 2026 but, following appointment, earlier involvement would be welcome including suggestions of suitable music for our Spring and Summer concerts.

How to apply

Email a full CV including the names of two referees to info@damonsingers.co.uk plus a covering letter outlining why you and the Damon Singers would be good for each other.

Selection process (subject to flexibility)

• emailed applications by 15^th July 2026
• Possible Interview dates: August 2026
• Possible try-out auditions with the choir: September 2026
• Candidates informed post-audition.