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Section Leaders - We are Recruiting!

We are looking for four enthusiastic and skilled singers to join Durham Choral Society as paid Section Leaders (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass). The roles will initially be from September 2026 to mid-May 2027 (28 weeks).

 

Background
 

Durham Choral Society is one of the North East’s leading large amateur mixed voice choirs with around 115 members. https://www.durhamchoralsociety.org.uk/ We perform a range of choral works, both traditional and modern. We are an un-auditioned choir, welcoming singers of all backgrounds and experience levels. Voice part numbers are approximately 46 sopranos, 47 altos, 9 tenors and 14 basses.

 

From September 2026 we are introducing sectional rehearsals to help our members learn the repertoire for our twice-yearly concerts in Durham Cathedral, as well as enhance their musicianship and vocal confidence.

 

In 2026/27 we will be preparing for Handel’s Messiah (23 January 2027) and Brahms’ A German Requiem (22 May 2027), both to be performed in the stunning Durham Cathedral.

 

Role
 

Section Leaders will play a vital role, in supporting the Musical Director/Assistant Conductor, to ensure rehearsals run smoothly, encourage musical confidence and accurate learning of the repertoire, and provide a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Section Leads will be expected to lead sectional rehearsals for their voice part, reinforcing vocal skills and techniques, and acting as a point of support for singers in the section.

 

This is a great opportunity for you to develop valuable experience and skills in choral leadership and conducting, sing with a friendly and committed musical community, receive coaching from our experienced Musical Director (Michael Summers)/Assistant Conductor (C. Elizabeth Woods), and visiting masterclass leads (twice a year), and have the potential opportunity to perform solo roles in concerts.

 

Job Description
 

Musical Leadership

  • Plan and lead weekly 30-minute sectional rehearsals for your voice part (ie tenor section lead for tenor singers). These rehearsals will be held in separate rooms, where keyboards will be available, before the choir joins together for the main rehearsal.

  • Support singers to learn notes, rhythms, pronunciation and technique, and help develop their musical confidence.

  • Assist the Musical Director/Assistant Conductor in maintaining musical standards.

  • Attend the choir’s main rehearsals, which follow the sectional rehearsals each week,  and performances and provide confident vocal leadership within your section.
     

Singer Support

  • Help foster a welcoming and encouraging rehearsal atmosphere, including for new members.

Communication

  • Provide feedback to the Musical Director/Assistant Conductor before the start, or at the end, of the main rehearsal and liaise with them about any musical challenges within the section.

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We’re seeking singers who:   

  • Are strong, reliable musicians with good vocal technique and are confident in using a keyboard;

  • Learn music independently and come well prepared to rehearsals;

  • Sing confidently within an ensemble and can lead by example;

  • Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

  • Are interested in developing rehearsal and musical leadership experience;

  • Enjoy working with amateur singers in a supportive environment;

  • Are reliable and committed to rehearsals and performances.
     

Time commitment

  • Wednesday evenings in school term time from the start of September to mid-May. You will be expected to lead weekly sectional rehearsals during this period from 7.30pm-8.00pm and join the choir at the main rehearsals which follow from 8.00pm-9.30pm.

  • Participation in concerts and dress rehearsals (usually 2 per year).

  • You will be expected to take a basic training course in Safeguarding.
     

Venue
 

Our rehearsals take place at Belmont Community School, The Links, DH1 2AG. There is ample free parking, regular bus services from the city centre bus station and we can help arrange lifts from choir members.
 

Paid Role
 

You will be paid a fee of £750 for 28 weeks in 2026/27, paid in three instalments, on receipt of an invoice.  You will be engaged by the Society on a self-employed basis and are therefore expected to account for your own income tax, VAT, and Class 4 Social Security contributions.

 

Ideal candidates may include
 

University music students, recent graduates, experienced choral singers, singing teachers or vocal coaches, early-career professional musicians.  Applicants from all backgrounds are warmly encouraged to apply.

Application Process

If you would like an informal conversation about the role before you apply, please contact michael.summers@durham.gov.uk (before 15 July).

 

To apply, please send a brief CV and short cover letter outlining your singing experience and interest in the role to committeedcs@gmail.com Deadline for applications is Friday 31 July 2026. We aim to shortlist week commencing 3 August. Provisional dates for auditions are 9 and 16 September 2026.

 

We look forward to hearing from you!

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