Orchestra Leader

ABOUT THE RICHMOND LIGHT ORCHESTRA

The orchestra was founded in 2021. With nine concerts under our belt, we perform three public concerts a year in St Mary’s Church, Twickenham – a beautiful church on Thames riverside. We specialise in performing film music, musical theatre numbers, pop arrangements and light classical music to a large and appreciative, loyal audience. 

We are a lively social bunch, and have regular post-rehearsal drinks and occasional group outings and social events. We have a professional Conductor/Musical Director. Like any community orchestra, we have a mix of abilities, with some very strong players (including semi-pro or retired professionals), some less experienced players, and all levels in between. We are a community orchestra with a committee structure and currently have 50+ members. We are in the process of seeking charitable status.

Although we are an amateur organisation, we strive to maintain a good performance standard and take a professional approach to the running of the orchestra and quality of concert performances.

POSITION: Leader

AVAILABILITY: From April 2025 (Date TBC)

FEE: £600 per term (negotiable based on experience)

SCHEDULE

We have three, 12-week terms a year, Spring (Jan–early April), Summer (late April–mid July), and Autumn (mid Sep–mid Dec). 

Weekly rehearsals take place in the centre of Richmond, London, every Tuesday during term time, 7.30pm-9.30pm. This is followed by a Friday ‘dress rehearsal’ (7.30pm–9.30pm) and Saturday concert 7.30pm–9.30pm approx (including an afternoon rehearsal 4-5.30pm), all taking place in Twickenham. Each term includes one sectional rehearsal.

Full term dates for 2025 can be found at www.richmondlightorchestra.com/rehearsals

REQUIREMENTS

Our expectations of a Leader:

• A confident, accomplished, professional-level violinist

• Excellent sight reading ability

• Experience of leading an orchestra and comfortable working with adult amateur musicians

• Competent and forthcoming in advising on technical and aesthetic challenges

• Genuine enthusiasm and a shared appreciation of film music, musical theatre and associated genres

• A good communicator with an authoritative, yet positive and friendly manner

We are looking for a Leader who:

• Is committed, reliable and punctual

• Will attend and prepare for all rehearsals and concert performances

• Will take a diligent and proactive approach with regard to bowings for upper strings

• Will communicate with the string section leaders and advise the string ensemble throughout the rehearsal process 

• Will prepare and confidently lead termly string sectional rehearsals without the presence of the Conductor

• Is energetic, with an ability to motivate non-professional players to improve their standard of performance and enjoyment of music-making

• Fits our vibe and has a good sense of humour

• Has knowledge of a wide range of film and music repertoire and able to offer input when needed

• Will liaise with the Musical Director and Orchestra Committee members, in person and by email, for the smooth running of rehearsals and concert performances

• Will give sufficient notice for any planned absences and has a network of similarly-minded professional violinists and will arrange for a competent deputy should the need arise