Musical Director
Photo credit Zoe de Turberville
Sam Hayes
Sam Hayes grew up in the Home Counties, and studied Music at Cambridge University, holding the Organ Scholarship at Queens’ College. He later went on to achieve the Associateship, Fellowship and Choral Directing Diplomas of the Royal College of Organists in the space of one year, in the latter, winning both of the major prizes.
He later studied Choral Directing in Uppsala (Sweden), and Paris. Following his graduation, he taught and examined for the Music Degree at Cambridge, and later held the post of Musician in Residence at King Edward VI Upper School, Bury St Edmunds, where he taught A-level Music. Between 2005 and 2022, he was Director of Music at Great St Mary’s, The University Church, Cambridge, latterly also holding the historic and prestigious office of University Organist.
Here, his responsibilities included playing the organ and directing the 70-strong choral foundation in services, concerts and recordings.
He moved, with his young family, to the West Midlands in summer 2022, and was delighted to join Stafford Choral Society in January 2023.
He also holds the positions of Chorus Director at Buxton Musical Society, and Senior Choir Leader with Ex Cathedra’s Academy of Vocal Music in Birmingham.
Outside of music, his passions include walking, cooking, DIY and classic cars.
Musical Director – Sam Hayes
Sam Hayes grew up in the Home Counties, and studied Music at Cambridge University, holding the Organ Scholarship at Queens’ College. He later went on to achieve the Associateship, Fellowship and Choral Directing Diplomas of the Royal College of Organists in the space of one year, in the latter, winning both of the major prizes.
He later studied Choral Directing in Uppsala (Sweden), and Paris. Following his graduation, he taught and examined for the Music Degree at Cambridge, and later held the post of Musician in Residence at King Edward VI Upper School, Bury St Edmunds, where he taught A-level Music. Between 2005 and 2022, he was Director of Music at Great St Mary’s, The University Church, Cambridge, latterly also holding the historic and prestigious office of University Organist.
Here, his responsibilities included playing the organ and directing the 70-strong choral foundation in services, concerts and recordings.
He moved, with his young family, to the West Midlands in summer 2022, and was delighted to join Stafford Choral Society in January 2023.
Alongside his new musical projects in the Midlands, he maintains ties with his roots and continues to direct Godalming Choral Society and Godalming Children’s Choir in West Surrey.
Outside of music, his passions include walking, cooking, DIY and classic cars.
Photo credit Zoe de Turberville
We are a mixed choir from the county town of Stafford, singing for the love of music. No audition is required to join us, but most of our members can read music or have a basic grounding in music theory.
The Stafford and District Choral Society is a Registered Charity No. 501721/ACL.
