Music Director

The National Federation Of Music Societies; Thornbury; On-site; GBP 750 - 2,500; Full time

Job summary

The Thornbury Orchestra in Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, invites applications for a Musical Director and Conductor. Lead our amateur ensemble from September 2027, guiding musical development, planning programmes, and directing weekly rehearsals and seasonal concerts.

Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings; concerts twice a year with a friendly, community-focused orchestra of 30–40 players. This freelance role blends leadership with outreach to grow the ensemble.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in conducting symphonic or orchestral repertoire to a good standard.
• Excellent communication and motivational skills tailored for non-professional, volunteer musicians.
• A wide knowledge of orchestral repertoire and score preparation.
• Approachable, positive, and collaborative working style.

Responsibilities

• Rehearsal Leadership: Prepare and lead rehearsals with energy, patience, and clear communication, ensuring players both improve and enjoy the music-making.
• Repertoire Planning: Collaborate with the orchestra music committee to select a balanced, exciting programme that challenges the orchestra while appealing to our audiences.
• Musical Development: Nurture the ensemble’s overall standard, helping individual sections and players grow in confidence.
• Performances: Conduct all main concert performances and briefly introduce pieces to the audience when appropriate.
• Committee Liaison: Attend regular committee meetings (a few times a year) to discuss future plans, scheduling, and logistics.

Skills

Conducting experience

Communication skills

Orchestral repertoire knowledge

Collaborative leadership

Job description

Music Director , Thornbury Orchestra

Job Title: Musical Director
Organization: Thornbury Orchestra
Location: Thornbury, South Gloucestershire, BS35
Rehearsal Venue: St Helen's Church, Alveston, BS35 3QT
Contract Type: Freelance
Remuneration: Dependent on experience
Closing Date: 20th November 2026

Role Overview

We are looking for an inspiring and enthusiastic Musical Director and Conductor to lead our friendly, ambitious amateur orchestra, starting in September 2027. You will guide our musical development, plan engaging programmes, and lead us through our weekly rehearsals and regular seasonal concerts.

About Us

• Players: Around 30-40 amateur musicians of mixed abilities, typically grade 5 and above
• Rehearsals: Wednesday evenings from 7.45pm - 9.45pm during school term-time. Rehearsals are typically alternate 'full orchestra' and sectional rehearsals. In addition, we have an 'Orchestra Day' in early January.
• Concerts: 2 performances per year (January and June), including a mix of standard classical repertoire.

Main Responsibilities

• Rehearsal Leadership: Prepare and lead rehearsals with energy, patience, and clear communication, ensuring players both improve and enjoy the music-making.
• Repertoire Planning: Collaborate with the orchestra music committee to select a balanced, exciting programme that challenges the orchestra while appealing to our audiences.
• Musical Development: Nurture the ensemble’s overall standard, helping individual sections and players grow in confidence.
• Performances: Conduct all main concert performances and briefly introduce pieces to the audience when appropriate.
• Committee Liaison: Attend regular committee meetings (a few times a year) to discuss future plans, scheduling, and logistics.

Person Specification

Essential

• Proven experience in conducting symphonic or orchestral repertoire to a good standard.
• Excellent communication and motivational skills tailored for non-professional, volunteer musicians.
• A wide knowledge of orchestral repertoire and score preparation.
• Approachable, positive, and collaborative working style.

Desirable

• Previous experience working with amateur, community, or youth orchestras.
• Experience working with guest soloists.

Contact

For more information visit https://www.thornburyorchestra.org.uk/