Musical Director in Bude

Musical DIrector - Bude Choral Society

Bude Choral Society

Musical Director — Bude Choral Society

Bude Choral Society is looking for an energetic and inspiring Musical Director to lead our friendly choir from 2027.

We're a community choir of around 50 singers based in the beautiful coastal town of Bude, North Cornwall, and we've been going strong since 1951. We perform two major concerts of classical choral works each year, lead a community carol service, and put together a varied repertoire for our summer social. Now and then we join forces with other choirs in the area. Most concerts are accompanied by organ or keyboard, and we bring in professional soloists and small ensembles of professional musicians when we can.

We love getting more people singing, so we run regular workshops. In April 2027, for example, we've booked Bob Chilcott to lead a "Come and Sing" workshop on his Little Jazz Mass and other pieces — an opportunity we're opening up to singers across Cornwall and Devon.

We're serious about high musical standards, but just as serious about keeping things enjoyable and supportive for singers of all backgrounds and abilities. Anyone who wants to give singing a go is welcome — there are no auditions.

Our current Musical Director also directs North Devon Choral in Barnstaple, and there's scope for that arrangement to continue for the right person.

Bude Choral Society is a registered charity.

The Role

The Musical Director will:

• Choose our programme repertoire in consultation with the committee.
• Propose suitable soloists and musicians for concerts.
• Brief soloists and musicians on the detailed requirements of each concert.
• Liaise with the BCS Librarian on the required editions of vocal and instrumental scores.
• Plan and conduct our weekly rehearsals.
• Conduct the choir and accompanying musicians in concerts and other performances.
• Lead and inspire singers of varying musical experience.
• Work with accompanists, soloists, and committee members to support the ongoing development of the society.

What We Offer

• A warm, welcoming and committed choir.
• An experienced and supportive committee.
• A fee, negotiable, according to experience.
• A venue with easy access from the A30 and A39.

The Ideal Candidate

You’ll have:

• A passion for choral music and community music-making.
• Excellent communication and people skills.
• The ability to motivate singers and create a positive musical environment.
• Some experience directing choirs and conducting performances would be good.
• The energy, vocal know-how and good humour to lead lively weekly rehearsals.

Rehearsals

We rehearse on Wednesday evenings, 7.15–9.15pm, at Bude Methodist Church in the centre of town.

Remuneration

A fee is available and will be discussed with shortlisted candidates.

We’d love to hear from enthusiastic, talented musicians ready to help shape the next chapter for our choir.