Musical Director

The National Federation Of Music Societies; Baildon; On-site; GBP 3,000 - 6,000; Full time

Job summary

Bradford Concert Band is seeking a Musical Director to lead rehearsals and performances, champion musical development, and shape an engaging concert programme for a developing wind band. The successful candidate will bring strong conducting skills, creative programming ideas, and a collaborative approach to growing the group.

The role offers an honorarium and opportunities to influence the band’s future direction through new repertoire and concert collaborations across the Yorkshire region.

Qualifications

• Exceptional conducting and leadership ability for a wind/concert band.

Responsibilities

• Lead rehearsals and performances for Bradford Concert Band.
• Develop musical capabilities and create varied, engaging concert programmes.
• Select and develop repertoire to challenge and inspire players while engaging audiences.
• Collaborate with band members to shape future direction and opportunities.

Skills

Conducting

Musical leadership

Wind band repertoire

Enthusiasm

Job description

Musical Director Required - Bradford Concert Band

Bradford Concert Band

Bradford Concert Band (BCB) is seeking to appoint a new Musical Director from January 2027.

Founded in 1975, BCB is a registered charity that promotes the appreciation and enjoyment of music for public benefit. With around 30 members, we perform throughout the year across Bradford, Leeds and the wider Yorkshire area, including bandstand concerts, joint concerts, formal performances and Christmas events.

The Band
BCB has a nominal entry standard of Grade 5, although the experience and ability of our members varies considerably. We have a number of highly accomplished musicians playing well above Grade 8 standard, alongside developing members who are continuing to build their musical skills and confidence.

We are a friendly and welcoming group who enjoy making music together, but we are also ambitious for the future of the band. We want to continue developing musically, broaden our repertoire, challenge ourselves and provide high-quality and entertaining performances for our audiences.

The band currently rehearses at Baildon Hall Club, Baildon on Thursday evenings 7:30 - 9:30 pm and Sunday mornings 10 am - 12pm, but are actively looking for larger and more accessible premises.

The Role
We are looking for a Musical Director who can provide strong musical leadership and help shape the next chapter in BCB's development.

The Musical Director will be responsible for leading rehearsals and performances, developing the musical capabilities of the band and working with members to create varied, interesting and appropriately challenging concert programmes.

An important part of the role will be selecting and developing repertoire that both challenges and inspires our musicians while remaining engaging and accessible to our audiences.

We would also like our new MD to bring their own ideas and ambitions for the band – whether through new repertoire, different styles of performance, collaborations with other musical groups, new concert opportunities or other creative ways of developing BCB.

An honorarium is payable for this position.

The Person We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who is ambitious, creative, committed, inspirational and enthusiastic, but who is also friendly and approachable and understands the importance of maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that is at the heart of BCB.

Our ideal Musical Director will be:

An exceptional musician, with strong musical leadership and conducting skills and the ability to communicate musical ideas clearly and effectively.

Knowledgeable about wind band repertoire, with good experience and understanding of music written and arranged for concert and wind bands and an enthusiasm for discovering new repertoire.

Inspirational and enthusiastic, able to motivate players and bring energy, purpose and enjoyment to rehearsals and performances.

Ambitious and adventurous, with a desire to develop the band musically and a willingness to explore new repertoire, performance opportunities and collaborations.

Creative, bringing fresh ideas to programming and performances while recognising and building upon the traditions and strengths of the band.

Friendly and approachable, able to develop positive relationships with members and create an environment in which musicians feel comfortable contributing ideas and developing their playing.

Committed and reliable, with the enthusiasm and energy to play an active role in the continued development and success of BCB.

Given the range of abilities within the band, our new MD will need to challenge and inspire our most experienced musicians while encouraging those who are still developing as players.

Looking to the Future

After more than 50 years of music-making, this is an exciting opportunity for a new Musical Director to influence the future direction of an established and enthusiastic concert band.

If you are an inspirational musician and conductor who combines musical ambition with creativity, enthusiasm and an approachable style, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Could you be the person to lead Bradford Concert Band into its next chapter?

Deadline for applications: Sunday 25 October 2026
Auditions to be held from Thursday 5 November 2026