Director of Music - East London Community Band

The Director of Music (DoM) is a key leadership figure within ELCB, responsible for the musical direction and artistic vision of the organisation. Reporting to the ELCB trustees, the DoM will lead the Main Band (60-piece symphonic wind orchestra and the flagship ensemble of our community music-making organisation), support ensemble leaders and work collaboratively to uphold and expand ELCB’s mission. The DoM will ensure a high standard of music-making while fostering inclusivity and engagement within the community. This role requires a balance of artistic vision, educational leadership, and organisational oversight to ensure the continued growth and success of the band.

Key Responsibilities
Musical Direction & Leadership
•    Oversee all aspects of music making at ELCB including the main wind band, premier and intermediate bands, jazz ensembles, percussion ensemble, early music, and tuition.
•    Oversee programming across ELCB’s ensembles, working collaboratively with ensemble leaders and the programming committee.
•    Conduct and lead the Main Band in weekly rehearsals and performances.
•    Provide weekly chamber music coaching sessions to the member-led Early Music Group
•    Plan (in collaboration with the Assistant Conductor) and lead engaging rehearsals that cater to a wide range of abilities and experience levels.
•    Develop and inspire musicians of all abilities, fostering a culture of musical growth and engagement.
•    Liaise with tutors, the Assistant Conductor, and other ensemble leaders to support the musical development of band members.
•    Book deputy musicians for concerts and rehearsals when required.
•    Work with commissioned composers and support members’ composition projects.
•    Propose projects to the committee that contribute to ELCB’s progress. Examples include (but by no means are limited to):
o    Projects that involve the commission of new music;
o    Projects that bring all of ELCB’s ensembles together around a particular theme or event;
o    Projects that involve collaborations with other organisations;
o    Outreach projects that go into local schools, universities, community centres, etc.

Community Engagement & Outreach
•    Represent ELCB within Tower Hamlets and beyond, advocating for the band’s objectives.
•    Work with the committee to develop outreach initiatives that strengthen connections between ELCB and local community groups and organisations.
•    Support efforts to raise the profile of ELCB in Tower Hamlets and beyond, to maintain and increase membership (e.g. by visiting schools & other community groups where required).
•    Promote and support diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in all ELCB activities.

Organisational & Administrative Responsibilities
•    Work with the ELCB Chair and committee to recruit and support tutors, ensemble directors, and other key personnel.
•    Oversee concert planning in collaboration with the Concert Manager to ensure smooth and successful performances.
•    Assist with fundraising, including grant applications and sponsorship initiatives.
•    Write messages for the mailer at the beginning and end of each term and year, celebrating ELCB’s achievements and looking forward to future activities.
•    Within Main Band, work with the Membership Coordinator to:
o    Keep track of band membership and section placements.
o    Manage the admission of new players from the waiting list.
o    Oversee the allocation of parts and ensure appropriate progression for musicians.
o    Support the implementation of attendance policies and procedures in consultation with the ELCB Chair.
•    Participate in ELCB strategic planning to drive the organisation’s future growth and sustainability.

Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
•    Appropriate music qualification or equivalent experience.
•    Significant experience working in a community music setting.
•    Ability to mentor and develop musicians of mixed ability levels and all ages.
•    Demonstrated leadership experience in a musical or educational setting.

Skills and Attributes
•    High-level musicianship skills
•    Ambitious approach to and passion for community music making;
•    Commitment to and enthusiasm for ELCB’s objectives.
•    Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
•    Excellent organisational and time-management abilities.
•    Creativity and ambition in programming and community engagement.
•    Professionalism, reliability, and adaptability.
•    Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders.

Desirable Qualities
•    Experience conducting a community wind band or similar ensemble.
•    High-level performance ability on a wind, brass, or percussion instrument.
•    Experience of working with mixed-ability groups containing members of all ages (including youth members).
•    Instrumental teaching experience.
•    Fundraising and grant application experience.
•    Experience organising events.

Other
•    DBS check and willingness to undergo future DBS checks.

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Other Details
Remuneration
•    Weekly Rehearsals: £165 per rehearsal (up to 3 hours on Friday evenings during term time).
•    Concerts: £225 per standard end-of-term concert and on-the-day rehearsal.
•    Administrative Work: £850 per term (expectation of around 40 hours total time commitment).
•    Additional Events: Negotiated rates for non-standard events.
Remuneration paid on invoice at the end of each half term. Amounts reviewed annually.

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Recruitment Timeline
•    Application Opens: 14 March 2025
•    Application Deadline: 11 April 2025
•    Shortlist Notifications: 17 April 2025
•    Interviews: 24 April 2025
•    Auditions: 9 May 2025 (Each candidate to conduct one known and one unknown piece with the band.)

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Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:

1.    A CV outlining relevant experience and qualifications.
2.    A cover letter detailing your vision for ELCB and suitability for the role.
3.    As part of your application you will need to submit a video/provide links to video of yourself conducting. This will preferably be in both performance and rehearsals situations and be no longer than 15 minutes.

Applications should be sent to recruitment@eastlondoncommunityband.co.uk
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview and finalists will be offered an audition with the Main Band.
 

For a link to the Job Pack please follow this link.