Bristol Concert Wind Band is looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Musical Director to lead our senior band on a permanent basis from early 2017. Bristol Concert Wind Band is a well-established wind band having been performing in Bristol and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. The band plays a wide variety of music at a high level, normally performing 3-4 formal concerts as well as bandstand and less formal gigs in the summer months. Repertoire in recent years includes:
Slavonic Dances – Dvorak
Bridges Over the River Cam – Bourgeois
Suite of Old American Dances – Bennett
Hoagy Carmichael in Concert
Miss Saigon – Schönberg
Flight of the Piasa – Sheldon
When the Stars Began to Fall – Allen
The Wind Racers - Bell
The band rehearses every Wednesday evening 7:30-9:30pm at St Peters Methodist Church, Brislington, Bristol BS4 4NZ. We rehearse through school holidays with the exception of 1-2 weeks around Christmas and New Year.
Furthermore, the Bristol Concert Wind Band family also includes two improver bands and two learner groups with their own directors. Our membership across all bands and groups is around 150, with players in Bristol Concert Wind Band being selected from both internal and external sources depending on vacancy and standard.
Key Accountabilities
Conducts Bristol Concert Wind Band in rehearsals on Wednesday evenings
Directs, critiques and guides the band at rehearsals to achieve desired tonal/harmonic balance, dynamics, rhythms, tempos, shadings etc.
Prepared to select music to accommodate the abilities and/or interests of the band and audiences, as well as being prepared to stretch and develop members with some challenging or new repertoire
Positions members within the band based on ability and/or required balance and identifies vacancies
Willing to attend committee meetings as necessary to discuss band matters such as rehearsals, repertoire, upcoming concerts etc.
Willing to converse and exchange ideas with other musical directors and group leaders in Bristol Concert Wind Band, and contribute to the wider musical community in Bristol and the South West.
Desirable – able to offer own deputy/fill-in conductor in a timely manner when unable to attend rehearsals
Experience and Qualifications
Proven extensive experience in conducting and directing adult wind bands and/or orchestras.
A qualification in musical direction is not imperative but would be an advantage
Good practical understanding of a wide range of instruments in different band sections
More Details
You can find more details on how to apply for the vacancy and the appointment process by downloading the role specification here. Applications will close on Friday 11th November at midday.