Orchestra Leader - Maidstone & Medway Sinfonia

Maidstone & Medway Sinfonia are seeking a new leader to begin working with us from the 2025/26 season.

Role and Responsibilities

• Inspirationally lead the Orchestra for all concerts and rehearsals, taking responsibility for the violin solos in the normal way.
• Prepare bowings and make sure the string parts are marked up, at the latest, by the second rehearsal for the programme, ideally prior to the first rehearsal for each concert programme.
• Work in tandem with the Orchestra Musical Director in the preparation and performance of the music. The role is not designed to in any way take over from the conductor’s role, but to support it.
• Within the string section, be sensitive to the abilities of individual players and be able to help nurture confidence and enthusiasm within the whole string section.
• Make arrangements to provide a deputy, acceptable to the Orchestra Musical Director, as a substitute when prevented by illness or any other unavoidable cause from leading rehearsals personally.

Skills Required

• Strong player whose musicianship and instrumental skill will be admired by all the players
• Ability to motivate and develop the Orchestra to retain existing members and attract new members of all ages
• Demonstrable concert nerve that is able to positively override the performance anxiety of others within the Orchestra.

Commitment

• Weekly rehearsals of the orchestra (10 per term) held on a Friday evening from 19:45-21:45 at St. Martin’s Church, Northumberland Road, Maidstone, Kent
• All planned concerts (and afternoon rehearsal, normally 14:30-17:30) involving the orchestra.

Remuneration

• Negotiable
• Payments will be made in an arrangement agreed with the Treasurer
• The level of the remuneration will be reviewed and agreed on an annual basis for each season.

Contract Period

• Initially for one year, subject to agreement by both parties to continue thereafter subject to 6 months’ notice by either party.

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Trial rehearsal/audition dates, depending on the number of applicants, are to be confirmed.

For further details or to express interest, please email MMS at mandmsinfonia@gmail.com

Deadline for applications: 31 May 2025