Musical Director plus additional Associate Conductor - Coventry & Warwickshire Youth Orchestra

The youth orchestra has been active for 60 years, working with young musicians across the region to provide orchestral playing opportunities with weekly rehearsals. The orchestra is open to those aged under 23 and playing an orchestral instrument beyond Grade 5. CWYO is a registered charity run by a committee of Trustees. In recent years, the orchestra has been growing and last year we had 40+ young players. The orchestra rehearses from 7pm to 9.30 pm on Friday evenings in term time. Through our partnership with Coventry University, we currently rehearse in Coventry city centre, making use of the excellent facilities in the Music Technology Department.

We are seeking an energetic and experienced Musical Director to work as primary conductor and to take responsibility for the musical content and programming of the orchestra’s activities, in liaison with the Trustees. The Musical Director will need to have significant experience of working with young people and of conducting and planning programmes. There will be an expectation that the MD will work with other conductors and organisations, to provide the players with a varied and well-rounded musical experience. This will include working collaboratively with the Associate Conductor.

We want our new MD to be passionate about developing young musicians. They should combine excellent technical playing and conducting skills, with providing leadership, encouragement and guidance to support the players in building their skills and knowledge. The MD should also be an ambassador for CWYO, building relationships with schools and music teachers across Coventry, Warwickshire and Solihull to support the continued growth of the orchestra.

Essential requirements

Enhanced DBS
Conducting training/qualification and experience
Available on Friday evenings in term time
Experience of working with young people in a music teaching or conducting capacity
Committed to growing and developing the youth orchestra

The Musical Director is paid a fee for Friday night and occasional weekend rehearsals. They will also be expected to attend meetings with trustees as agreed and engage in wider activities in support of the orchestra.

The Associate Conductor will step in for the MD when needed and undertake ad hoc projects to support the development and range of the orchestra. A rehearsal fee will be paid.

Please apply with a CV and covering letter indicating why you wish to be considered, to cwyorch@gmail.com
PLEASE MAKE IT CLEAR WHICH POST(S) YOU ARE APPLYING FOR