With three ensembles, we have got something ​for everyone - whether you are an ​instrumentalist interested in joining the ​Orchestra or Jazz Band; a singer who would ​like to join our Chapel Choir; or a musician ​looking to perform in a lunchtime recital.
Our ensembles are open to members of all ​colleges and are entirely non-auditioning, so ​anyone is welcome to come along and try!
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The society was reformed in 1972 by Peter Dart, at which time it ​consisted only of the Choir and the Orchestra, then led by a young ​Simon Rattle. The society has grown substantially since, with the ​formation of the Wind Band by Tom Sears in 2011 and the Jazz Band ​by a group of students in 2012. The Wind Band was renamed to the ​Concert Band in 2016. Our patron is Sir Nicholas Jackson.
This is James! James conducts the Hertford Orchestra. James is a pianist, singer, ​conductor and organist. He is the term time director of music and organist at St ​Frideswide’s Church Oxford. Prior to this, James was the organist at the Parish Church ​of St Peter and St Andrew Old Windsor from 2018-2022. Recently, he has been working ​with Quorum Choir, acting as organist for their visits to St Albans Cathedral and St ​George’s Chapel Windsor Castle, as well as with Pirbright Singers, playing in their ​performance of Rutter’s Requiem.
Hertford Orchestra are a non-auditioned ensemble open to members of all colleges and ​rehearsing on Monday evenings. Repertoire has historically varied from film ​soundtracks to mid-Classical symphonies and, whilst choice of music changes with each ​new conductor, the good vibes stay the same. Drop James an email on ​james.norton@hertford.ox.ac.uk to get involved!
Our first rehearsal of the year will be on Friday 11th Oct at 17:30 in Hertford Chapel - sign up here!
Hertford College Chapel Choir is a lively and welcoming non-auditioned choir offering eight choral clerkships ​and two competitive organ scholarships! Led by our professional Director of Music, we cover a wide variety ​of repertoire and look to sing a mixture of both traditional and underrepresented music. We sing weekly ​Evensong on Sundays as well as mid-week Choral Eucharist and Compline; rehearsals are on Fridays from ​17:30 and Sundays from 16:00.
As well as weekly chapel services, choir members can look forward to a free Sunday formal every week post-​Evensong, yearly choir tours over the Summer vac, and miscellaneous concerts and events such as Carols in ​the Quad and May Day Madrigals from the Bridge of Sighs. At no extra cost, you can also enjoy the presence ​of our wonderful chaplain, Reverend Anthony Buckley (or Rev. B, as he is better known).
Should you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact either our Interim Director of Music ​(helen.smee@chch.ox.ac.uk) or our Organ Scholar (giuliana.tritto@hertford.ox.ac.uk).
Hi there, I'm Louis, and I help run the jazz band! It's a super relaxed ​atmosphere: no auditions, regular bar break each rehearsal, and snacks. ​All that said, we come together weekly (Wednesday evenings 19:00-​21:00) to have a great time playing a mix of jazz standards, pop songs, and ​arrangements of film scores. We're always keen for more players to join, ​so get in touch if you have any questions!
(louis.thomson@hertford.ox.ac.uk)
Termly HCMS Concert
​Each term we host a concert in the nearby Holywell Music Room, ​to showcase the work of our Orchestra, Jazz Band and Choir. This ​usually takes place near the end of term.
 Carols in the Quad
Near the end of Michaelmas term each year the choir perform ​classic carols in the Old Quad in Hertford, and the rest of HCMS ​helps to sell mince pies and mulled wine to raise money for ​charity.
 Jazz and Cocktails
A couple of times a year the Jazz Band will book out a room in ​Hertford and transform it into a prohibition-era dance hall while ​the rest of HCMS provide partygoers with themed cocktails such ​as "sax on the beach" or "blues lagoon".
Dinners
Most terms we will organize a formal ​dinner in the hall at Hertford College, ​though there is almost invariably an ​element of fancy dress involved, so it ​is far from an overly formal event!
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After rehearsals
Usually after a rehearsal the ​conductor will guide anybody who is ​interested towards the college bar for ​a relaxing drink and some chat, where ​you can often find other HCMS ​members doing exactly the same ​thing!
HCMS Recitals are hosted every ​Wednesday throughout term at ​1.10pm in the Chapel. These feature ​musicians from Hertford College and ​the University as well as ​professionals.
​If you would like to perform please ​contact our events manager, Morgan ​(morgan-​mei.arnold@hertford.ox.ac.uk) or ​hertfordmusic@gmail.com - ​we can't wait to hear from you!
Thanks to the generosity of Hertford alumnus and violin maker Christopher ​Martyn, HCMS has two violins and several high-quality bows available for loan to ​members for periods of up to a term, renewable by mutual agreement. Please ​contact Claire Vallance if you are interested in using one of these instruments.​(claire.vallance@hertford.ox.ac.uk)
Weekly Rehearsal Schedule
Orchestra - Monday • 7pm-9pm • Baring Room, Hertford College
Jazz Band - Wednesday • 7.00pm-9pm • Baring Room, Hertford College
with mid-rehearsal bar and snack break
Chapel Choir - Friday • 5.30pm-7pm • Chapel, Hertford College
(Sung Evensong takes place Sunday • 4pm-7pm • Chapel, Hertford College with a free Formal Hall for ​choristers after the service)
James Norton • President ​(james.norton@hertford.ox.ac.uk)
Giuli Tritto• Publicity Officer ​(giuliana.tritto@hertford.ox.ac.uk)
Morgan-Mei Arnold • Events Manager ​(morgan-mei.arnold@hertford.ox.ac.uk)
Evie Brenkley • Treasurer ​(evelyn.brenkley@hertford.ox.ac.uk)
@hertfordmusicsoc hertfordmusic@gmail.com