Associate Conductor

Dunbartonshire Concert Band (DCB) is a vibrant, popular and sociable community wind ensemble based in Bearsden just north of Glasgow. The band was formed in 1973 and performs throughout Central Scotland, with occasional overseas tours. DCB has a regular calendar of concerts which includes indoor and outdoor events, charity concerts and festivals, with a varied repertoire ranging from classical to contemporary to film and popular music.

The band meets on Saturday mornings at its home venue of Kessington Hall, which is run by the DCB Kessington Charitable Trust, and currently has approximately 70 members ranging in age from teenagers to around 80 years old. There are no auditions – membership vacancies are open to musicians of at least Grade 5 standard or equivalent. The only requirement of players is a commitment to practice and attend rehearsals.

Our Associate Conductor has recently stepped down after 9 years, so we are looking for the right candidate to fill this role, to work with and learn from our experienced and highly respected Musical Director Robert Baxter. The role requirements include:

• Stepping in for the Musical Director when needed to cover rehearsals and concerts. This includes specific times in the year when the Musical Director may be away for a period of several consecutive weeks.
• Working with the Musical Director to plan rehearsals, programme the band’s activities and provide input on repertoire.

The candidate should demonstrate first-class conducting skills alongside providing leadership, encouragement and guidance to support the players in building their skills and knowledge.

The Associate Conductor should also have excellent people management skills.

The Associate Conductor will be expected to attend ad hoc meetings with the committee as agreed and to engage in wider activities in support of the band.

This position is paid on a per rehearsal/concert basis.

If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to be considered for the role, please email a copy of your CV and a covering letter to dcbjobapps@gmail.com by Friday 30th August.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview and auditions with the band. Subject to satisfactory references, the successful applicant will then be informed, with a view to taking up the post as soon as possible. The award will be subject to a probationary period of one year.

If you would like to learn more about DCB, please visit the band’s website https://dunbartonshireconcertband.co.uk/ or social media platforms.

Please send any questions in relation to the Associate Conductor position to dcbjobapps@gmail.com.