Musical Director

Macclesfield Brass (MB) is a community brass band for adults with different musical backgrounds. Adults join as absolute beginners, as players who haven’t played for a while or as experienced musicians new to brass or percussion instruments. The band also attracts former youth band players and benefits greatly from their support. Free instruments are provided and there are no auditions. Tuition and individual player development is an integral part of what the band offers. Our diversity of membership has created a unique music group in Macclesfield which embraces musical genres beyond the traditional brass band repertoire. We aim to enable everyone to experience the thrill and pleasure of making music together to a good standard whatever their stage of learning.

MB has grown from 12 members in January 2016 to 30 members now. Performing is a key part of what we do. We have played at numerous community events in Macclesfield and the surrounding area. We also take part in the traditional Whit Friday marches every year. We run an annual Training Workshop led by local professional musicians. Rehearsals take place in Macclesfield on Wednesday evenings 7.30 – 9.00pm.

MB is a registered charity and is run by an ambitious, creative and enthusiastic board of trustees. Music development and tuition is led by an experienced and well-respected Musical Director. We also have a team of musicians who play in the band who lead sectional rehearsals and deputise for the MD when needed. Our MD is moving away and the trustees are therefore seeking a new MD to build on the band’s achievements. This is a paid post and the rate of pay will be agreed on appointment.

Job description

Primary duties include to :

• Plan long term musical strategy
• Plan and conduct rehearsals
• Select music from a variety of genres
• Arrange parts and adapt music scores to provide interest and challenge to all players
• Supervise maintenance and additions to the music library
• Contribute to individual player development
• Lead band at events in the community
• Liaise with organisers of events as necessary
• Support trustees in running the band, attend meetings when required
• Work with trustees to attract and integrate new players
• Arrange training for beginners

Skills and experience required

• Ability to train and grow the band through personal rapport and team building
• Experience of directing a music group and of performing in public
• Professional music teaching skills – instrumental brass preferred
• Ability to arrange music for brass instruments
• Excellent communication skills – ability to listen and communicate with players of all ages and musical backgrounds
• Confidence in the use of IT including music software

Personal qualities

• Approachable, patient and a good listener
• Empathy with the band’s aim
• Highly organised and punctual

Application process – Closing date 12pm, Monday, 12 December 2022

Please email your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to :

Elan Paton, Chair, Macclesfield Brass

maccbrass@muzodo.com