Musical Director

Musical Director Role Description for the London Video Game Orchestra
Full description click here 
Any questions and all applications to: team@lvgo.co.uk

London Video Game Orchestra – Seeking a new Musical Director
The London Video Game Orchestra (LVGO) is seeking a new musical director for our 2024/25 season.

This sixty-strong vanguard amateur community orchestra is based in central London and performs concerts two-three times a year, welcoming a diverse audience of all ages.
We are an un-auditioned orchestra who rehearse on Thursday evenings 7.15 - 9.30pm near Old Street/Barbican Stations and as our name suggests, LVGO’s aim is to bring the music of video games to the concert hall at prices everyone can afford.
We arrange and obtain the rights for most of our repertoire which spans the last 40 years of gaming in every genre under the sun.

This part time position includes a per-rehearsal fee of £100 and a per-performance fee of £220.
The musical director will conduct the orchestra, plan and oversee/edit arrangements and work with the committee on concert logistics.

Please see the attached job description for a comprehensive description of the MD’s position.
If you are interested in applying, please send the following documents to team@lvgo.co.uk
● Resume/CV
● Cover Letter
● Repertoire list for four previous programs planned and conducted
● Links to performance and/or rehearsal videos if available

Applications will be reviewed as they are received; applications will close 5pm Monday 8th July, 2024.
Semi-finalists will be contacted for a Zoom interview weekend of Saturday 22nd / Sunday 23rd July.
Finalists will be invited to a special rehearsal the evening of Thursday 15th August to work with the orchestra in a 20–30 minute audition. Repertoire will be provided.

The next Music Directorship will commence late August 2024, with first rehearsal first week of September.
The London Video Game Orchestra is an equal opportunity employer and encourages musicians of all backgrounds to join our team

Job Description
The Musical Director is responsible for the quality of musical performance at all stages in performance projects for the London Video Game Orchestra. They are also  responsible for creating a positive atmosphere in rehearsal and performance spaces. In line with charitable aims of the orchestra and the abilities of the players, the Musical Director should strive to attain the best possible musical standard and ambiance for the members in accordance with the following role description.

We are looking for a Musical Director who:
● Enjoys video game music and has a good sense of humour and is an experienced musician, previous experience conducting a symphony orchestra, or large (40+ players) ensemble is essential.
● Is an energetic leader with an ability to motivate non-professional players to improve their standard of performance and enjoyment of music-making.
● Has knowledge of a wide range of repertoire and can work with the committee to create engaging programmes.
● Can bring a network of musical contacts that the Orchestra may wish to engage with such as soloists and additional players.

General:
● The Musical Director will correspond regularly with committee members on all aspects relating to the performance side of the orchestra.
● The MD will attend regularly scheduled committee meetings.
● The MD will collate the hierarchies of each orchestral section – choosing leaders for the strings, wind and brass and advising for suitable positions for all players.
● The MD will collaborate with the committee when new players are required and assist with selection of new players.
● The MD will report any member complaints to the committee so that they can be dealt with in accordance with the code of conduct of the orchestra.
● The MD will champion diversity and inclusion in the orchestra and for gaming in general. 

Preparation for each project:
● The MD will select repertoire in collaboration with the repertoire sub-committee for every concert, finalizing the songs for the next term’s performance with ample time for arrangers to complete their work. This must be a balanced repertoire, thoroughly researched and of compelling trajectory, appropriate difficulty and in line with a chosen theme agreed upon by the committee and orchestra.
● The MD will coordinate the arrangement sub-committee to liaise with arrangers for each piece and be on hand to edit their scores in accordance with player ability, instrumental technique, balance, and structure.
● The MD must assist and coach arrangers at regular intervals during the composition process (should the arranger require this) to allow orchestrators to learn about the LVGO’s forces and individual players.
● The MD will ensure that, to the best of their ability, all sheet music is complete and available for players before the first rehearsal for the term.
● The MD must plan and assist in the coordination of collaborating artists or ensembles such as singers or voice actors so that the repertoire balances their involvement with the performance from the rest of the orchestra.
● The MD will liaise with section leaders to facilitate specific instrumental techniques such as bowing for the strings.

Rehearsals:
● The MD will prepare each score to conduct in rehearsal to a professional standard.
● The MD will maintain a positive and creative atmosphere throughout rehearsals.
● The MD will structure their rehearsals effectively so that sufficient material is covered to prepare the orchestra for the term’s performances.
● The MD will liaise with collaborating artists such as choirs or voice actors as appropriate and plan their involvement in the rehearsal process.
● The MD will ensure that, if they are unable to attend a rehearsal, they inform the board and make suggestions of conductors to take their place, be they the assistant MD or an outside contractor (to be engaged and contracted by the Co-Chairs).

Performances:
● The MD will ensure with the committee that all musical resources are sourced for each performance.
● On performance days, the MD will lead the team coordinating with the venue regarding stage layout, amplification, recording and any further musical resources.
● The MD will prepare their technique and scores to a professional level in order to deliver the best possible performance.
● The MD will conduct the orchestra on concert days and work with musicians to perform to the highest possible standard.
● The MD will prepare any speeches, introductions, thanks and information about the pieces in order to deliver a compelling spoken dialogue to support the orchestra’s performance