Musical Director

Musical Director

Cold Ash Brass are searching for a dynamic, detail-oriented musical director to lead our Brass Band. The MD’s responsibilities include setting the musical goals of the band, selecting the music we will work on and deciding on the seating of players within the band. The Musical Director, in addition to rehearsing the band, will conduct and present our concerts and other engagements throughout the year. You should be comfortable working with people of all ages and backgrounds and to communicate your vision clearly to our players.

To be successful as our musical director, you should understand the skills, strengths, and weaknesses of the musicians in your charge. Outstanding candidates demonstrate strong creative intelligence, are able to work within budgetary constraints, and work with our group members to present the best musical entertainment to our audience.

About Us

Cold Ash Brass were formed in 2003, originally based in the village of Cold Ash. We’ve always enjoyed strong links with our local town of Thatcham and in 2022 made the decision to relocate to a larger rehearsal hall in the town. We perform between 6 and 8 concerts per year, the highlight of which is our annual Thatcham Festival Finale concert, capping off a week of music and art in the town. Concerts are well attended and we have a strong local following.

We compete once a year in the “Regionals” where we rank in the 3rd section. The Competition itself is secondary to the improvement and development of our musicianship by being able to focus so closely on one piece of music at the start of each year.

Roles and Responsibilities.

To establish the musical direction of the Band and uphold the aims and objectives of the Band in accordance with the constitution

• To conduct the Band or arrange for a deputy
• To provide leadership and direction for Band members
• To encourage Band members to develop the full range of their musical abilities
• To finalise programmes for concerts and distribute to Band members a minimum of 3 weeks before a concert
• To attend and report to committee meetings
• To liaise with the Librarian, to organise purchasing of new music and to ensure band folders are kept up to date (Pads are usually refreshed termly)
• To support section leaders in finding deputy players
• To work with the Secretary regarding availability of players for engagements

Requirements

• Excellent knowledge of music techniques, theory, and performance.
• Great organisational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Strong leadership, time management, and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to give clear instructions and make decisions under pressure.
• Must be available to take weekly rehearsals on Thursdays 19.30 to 21.30

Expenses

£50 per weekly rehearsal, plus £50 per extra engagement, paid as expenses.

The role is renewed on agreement with the committee on a bi-annual basis.

Safeguarding and Diversity

Cold Ash Brass is accredited as “BandSafe” and follows and implements Brass Bands England’s best practices with regard to Safeguarding. Any appointment will be expected to uphold these standards as outlined in our safeguarding statement here:

https://www.coldashbrass.org.uk/commitments

This role will be subject to a DBS enhanced with barred list check. We will also ask for 2 referees who know about your musical background.

Cold Ash Brass is also committed to equality, diversity and inclusivity within brass banding, as such we would welcome applicants who are from backgrounds otherwise underrepresented within brass banding.

Process

Applicants should email their details and a conducting/ music CV to secretary@coldashbrass.org.uk by 10th October.

Shortlisted candidates will be asked to take a full 2 hour rehearsal between the 24th October and the 7th November, following which the Committee and the Band will communicate our decision, and the new appointment will begin from the 14th November.