Job Description

Job Details:
Job Reference: HCC622174
Salary Range: Unqualified or Main Teachers Pay Range
Work Location: United Church, Winchester
Hours: Fridays 7:30-8:45 - 78 hours per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 15 September 2025
Interview Date: 26 September 2025
Are you a dynamic and inspiring Conductor with a passion for choral singing and youth development?
Hampshire Music Service is seeking a talented conductor to lead the Hampshire County Training Choir (HCTC), working within our vibrant ensemble pyramid.
The Hampshire County Youth Choirs (HCYC) are made up of five choirs with singers aged 6 to 19. We aim to give students across Hampshire the opportunity to learn and perform choral and vocal ensemble repertoire in renowned concert venues such as The Anvil in Basingstoke, Winchester Cathedral, and the Royal Albert Hall in London. Members also benefit from exciting partnership work with professional performance groups and conductors. The choir also attend a yearly residential at a location like Avon Tyrrel in the New Forest or PGL Liddington, Swindon.
This advert focuses on the Training Choir (aged 11 to 14 - unchanged voices) however, we are also recruiting for our Training Choir and for the right candidate, we would be open to discussing suitability for both. The Training Choir have recently worked on pieces by composers such as Sarah Quartell, Circlesong - Bob Chilcott, Wassail - Alexander L'Estrange, Build a Bridge - Stuart Overington and Hymn to the Fallen - John Williams. The Training Choir also have a regular collaboration with Barton Peveril College and will be learning Vivaldi's Gloria and performing at Romsey Abbey in the Autumn Term.
Interviews, comprising a practical session with the respective groups alongside a formal interview, will take place on the evening of Friday 26 September, during HCYC's usual rehearsal time.
The Role:
Ensembles provide an important role within Hampshire Music Education Hub. Our ensembles are highly regarded locally, nationally, and internationally. We know that, for many, ensembles are a safe space to belong, flourish, and shine where friendships and musical memories are formed that last a lifetime. We strive to be an inclusive Hub, celebrating all music genres and providing opportunities for children and young people. Our ensembles are highly valued by Hampshire County Council, recognising Hampshire Music Service as a centre of excellence in musical education.
What you'll do:

• Conduct and rehearse the ensemble to a high musical standard using a mixture of leading from sheet music and aurally.
• Lead the ensemble in a minimum of three performances across the academic year.
• Work alongside other HMS ensemble directors in shared performances, workshops, and opportunities to develop close links that enable progression routes for pupils.
• Attend meetings for ensemble staff as appropriate.
• Ensure that the policies and requirements of HMS and HCC are met regarding health and safety, GDPR, and safeguarding.
• Attend weekly rehearsals in term time, arriving before members and leaving after they have been collected, delegating this responsibility if necessary.
• Be fully accountable for the musical standards and outcomes of the ensemble.
• Ensure effective administration, in line with HMS processes, in all aspects of the ensemble.
• Deputise for members of staff if required.
• Accompany the choir on their yearly residential.
• Provide repertoire that goes beyond the experience received in schools and expands members' interest in the art form of choral traditions.

What we're looking for:

• Strong experience conducting and leading youth ensembles or relevant industry experience.
• Ability to programme appropriate repertoire that enables excellent engagement and progression for all members of the respective ensemble.
• A strong understanding of the ensemble's role in supporting the technical and musical development of its members and their singing.
• Musical/vocal knowledge and expertise to interpret, rehearse, and deliver authentic and credible performances, using repertoire appropriate to the ensemble's standard and genre of singing. This must be balanced with strong interpersonal skills to inspire a large group of young musicians.
• Experience working with young musicians in an ensemble setting.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to cope well under pressure.
• Evidence of study or training at a high level in choral studies, music or singing (as part of a degree or other qualification).

Why join us?

• Be part of a nationally recognised centre of excellence in music education.
• Work in a supportive, inclusive, and creative environment.
• Make a lasting impact on the lives of young musicians.
• Opportunities for professional development and collaboration.

Additional Information:
Ensemble Conductor - Training Choir
Vetting Requirements:
This post is subject to a Criminal Records Check. As such, please note that under safer recruitment requirements for Children's Services, references will be requested prior to interview.
Contact Details for an Informal Discussion:
Liz Price, Resourcing Manager on
Hampshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.
In order to combat discrimination, no unnecessary conditions or requirements will be applied which could have a disproportionately adverse effect on any one group. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership and pregnancy or maternity, unless a Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR) applies.
We are a Disability Confident Employer - committed to ensuring that our recruitment and selection process is inclusive and accessible.

Skills Required