Our Team
Email: student.music@durham.ac.uk
Zac Smith
President | Durham Student Music
Zac is a flautist, tenor singer and conductor in his second year studying music at St John’s. In his first year, Zac was principal flute of Durham University Orchestral Society Symphony Orchestra, The Palatinate Ensemble and Classical Ensemble, the latter for which he served as European Tour Manager. He also held a scholarship with St John’s chapel choir, while also regularly deputizing with other chapel choirs, and also performed in Durham Opera Ensemble’s production of Iolanthe, that won the UniFest competition at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. With a keen love for musical theatre, Zac has also held musical creative roles across 7 productions, including Bonnie + Clyde, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Jesus Christ Superstar and Musically Directing The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. Alongside his role as Durham Student Music President, Zac is super excited to conduct the Durham University Orchestral Society Chamber Orchestra for their 25/26 season. Outside of Durham, Zac is a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain and is a deputy junior Lay Clerk at Newcastle Cathedral.
Sam Armstrong
Vice-President | Durham Student Music
Sam is a third year from Northumberland, currently studying Maths at Durham. He has enjoyed playing with the Durham University Big Band and will join them next year as Outreach Officer, as well as his role in Durham Student Music. He has also played in various musical theatre productions such as last year’s Gala show ‘Anything Goes’, as well as playing at many more formal events with ‘The Quays’, Durham’s oldest student function band.
Archie Kneeshaw
Treasurer | Durham Student Music
Archie is a current fourth year Maths student at Trevelyan College. He has loved his time at Durham and has been involved in lots of music-making. He has been a member of the Durham University Big Band as the drummer for two years and then stepped into the role of Musical Director in his third year, which he LOVED. He was the principal percussionist and timpanist for Durham University Orchestral Society, which he also LOVED. Additionally, he is quite active on the Jazz Society scene, performing in five After Hours sessions. He also actively runs The Quays, one of Durham’s leading function bands - get in contact for any bookings!
Jed Godfrey
Co-Publicity Officer | Durham Student Music
Jed is a second-year music student at St John’s, specialising as a pianist and singer. He performs regularly in jam sessions and with the a cappella group Durham Dynamics, for which he is this year’s Assistant Musical Director. With a great passion for musical theatre, in his first year he Co-Directed Adrian Mole, was Musical Director for 48-hr Frozen, played Synthesiser for Rocky Horror, and performed in the Fresher’s Showcase, Sherlock Holmes, and Jesus Christ Superstar. This year, Jed is excited to be heavily involved within both DSM and DST - alongside his role as Co-Publicity Officer for DSM, he will also become President of Bailey Theatre Company. He is looking forward to another exciting year in Music and Theatre.
Olivia McClintock
Outreach Officer | Durham Student Music
Olivia is a second year music student at St Chad’s College. In her first year at Durham University, she sang with St John’s College Chapel Choir and performed as a bassoonist in the Durham University Orchestral Society (DUOS). She has also participated in numerous theatre productions, including touring with Durham Opera Ensemble’s production of Iolanthe and performing in the pit band for DULOG’s production of Crazy for You at the Gala Theatre. As Outreach Officer, Olivia is excited to create performance-focused opportunities that bring together Durham Student Music (DSM) societies, charitable causes, and the local community. She is eager to broaden the range of outreach projects available, helping each society have a greater impact and stronger engagement with student and local audiences alike.
Keira Barrett
Welfare Officer | Durham Student Music
Keira is a second year music student at St John's College. She is a singer and flautist, playing in the Durham University Palatinate Orchestra (DUPO). She held a scholarship with St John's Chapel Choir and regularly deputises with other chapel choirs. She also participated in Durham Opera Ensemble's production of Iolanthe, playing the titular character during its run in the Assembly Rooms Theatre and at the International Gilbert and Sullivan Festival. Outside of university, she is a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain. She is looking forward to participating in more amazing music at Durham and is excited to become the Durham Student Music Welfare Officer!
Leo Vernaglione
Social Secretary | Durham Student Music
Leo is a third year Modern Languages student at St Cuths. He has played the trumpet in many musical ensembles in Durham, including the Orchestral Society (DUOS), Palatinate Orchestra (DUPO) and Jazz Orchestra (DUJO). He also enjoys playing in pit orchestras for musical theatre and opera productions and has played in pit orchestras for DULOG and the Durham Opera Ensemble. Musical highlights include the Cathedral concert in 2025 with DUOS, playing Tchaikovsky’s 5th Symphony, DUJO’s first UK tour in March and playing in the pit orchestra for the 2nd term DULOG show of Gershwin’s ‘Crazy for You’ in the Gala Theatre. Leo has also previously served on the committee for DUOS and DUJO and alongside being Social Secretary for DSM, he will act as Vice President for DUOS for 25-26.
Lewis Wilkinson
Manager | Durham University Performing Arts
Lewis is from Durham, and graduated with a music degree from Durham University in 2016. He was then a brass instrumental music teacher with Durham Music Service before completing his Master’s degree in Conducting from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. Outside of his work with Durham University Performing Arts, Lewis has a busy and varied portfolio career as a conductor, sousaphonist, trombonist and actor. He is particularly passionate about the cultural and creative links that can be cultivated between the university and its wider community.
Nicholas Frangoudi
Student Music Co-ordinator |Classical and Traditional
Nicholas is a recent Maths graduate, alongside having been involved with a wide range of music societies. These include orchestras, concert band, brass band, jazz bands and more. He was heavily involved with Durham Student Music as a student, being the treasurer for two years running. He is currently a tuba player in a Fishburn brass band.
In his role, Nicholas provides support and advice to orchestras, choirs, and all other instrumental & traditional groups.
Hannah Foster
Student Music Co-ordinator | Jazz and Commercial
Hannah is a recent Music graduate at Durham. Alongside competing in Durham’s flagship a cappella group, Northern Lights, Hannah has made her mark as a Decolonising the Curriculum Intern for the Music Department, and took further initiatives as an EDI student representative, while also working as an EDI Intern at a company called Pro: North East. Hannah has explored her love for performing arts by performing in bands like Big Ears and The GrAle Soul Sessions, and in the musical Kinky Boots. While completing her final year, Hannah also worked as the Interviews Manager at Purple Radio and as a Music Editor at Palatinate. Now, Hannah will be singing with The Quays – one of Durham’s leading function bands – and will continue to perform with The GrAle Soul Sessions, including working on the Music Department’s EDI board.
In her role, Hannah provides support, advice and resources to jazz groups, a cappella groups, commercial performers, gospel singers and all other commercial or jazz ensembles/individual performers.