(Temporary Cover) Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion

WINCHESTER COLLEGE; Winchester; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Part time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution is seeking a Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion to lead its Music Department. This role requires high-level instrumental teaching and strategic management of the faculty, providing exceptional opportunities to students. The successful candidate should have a music degree and experience in teaching lower brass, along with a passion for inspiring young musicians. Competitive salary and a commitment to safeguarding are included in this temporary position.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive professional performing and teaching experience.
• Proven ability to inspire and motivate young people.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting an inclusive culture.

Responsibilities

• Deliver weekly lessons to approximately 15 pupils.
• Coach chamber music ensembles.
• Direct the Jazz Orchestra in rehearsals.
• Manage the wind, brass, and percussion section of the Symphony Orchestra.
• Contribute to performance preparation for IGCSE and A level music pupils.
• Maintain the school's inventory of wind, brass, and percussion instruments.

Skills

Lower Brass Expertise

Conducting and Performance

Excellent Communication Skills

Time Management Skills

Education

Music degree or advanced diploma

Job description

Overview

Winchester College is seeking an outstanding, experienced, and inspirational Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion to lead one of the most vital faculties within its thriving Music Department. Since 1382, music has been central to life at the College, with two-thirds of pupils currently learning an instrument. The successful candidate will join a department known nationally for its exceptional musical opportunities, extensive co-curricular programme, and superb facilities, including the refurbished New Hall concert venue and the centrally-located Music School. This pivotal role involves both high-level instrumental teaching and the strategic management of the wind, brass, and percussion faculty, contributing significantly to the performance life of the College.

The Role Reporting directly to the Director of Music, the Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion is accountable for the quality, success, and development of instrumental teaching and the overall function of the wind, brass, and percussion faculty. This is a temporary role for 1 January to 13 February, of approximately 26 hours per week during term-time, requiring a commitment to the school's musical life.

Responsibilities

• Instrumental Teaching and Directing: Deliver weekly lessons to approximately 15 pupils in Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba (grades 4 to Diploma level).
• Ensemble Coaching: Coach chamber music ensembles, specifically the wind quintet and brass ensemble.
• Jazz Orchestra: Direct the Jazz Orchestra in rehearsals.
• Orchestral Management: Manage the wind, brass, and percussion section of the Symphony Orchestra, attend all Monday evening rehearsals, and take sectional rehearsals when requested, including responsibility for technical matters.
• Academic Support: Contribute to performance preparation for IGCSE and A level music pupils.
• Faculty Leadership: Manage the entire Wind, Brass, and Percussion Faculty, including pupil allocations, monitoring lesson attendance, tracking progress, and managing examination entries (Associated Board or Trinity College).
• Instrument Inventory: With the assistance of visiting music teachers, maintain the school's inventory of wind, brass, and percussion instruments, record pupil loans, and arrange for necessary repairs and maintenance.
• Liaison: Liaise with Housemasters and parents as required concerning pupil progress and faculty matters.
• Concert Attendance: Attend weekly informal and formal concerts to support pupils and the department's performance programme.
• Meetings: Attend departmental meetings and actively contribute to the general work and development of the Music Department.

About You

We are seeking an outstanding musician with extensive professional performing and teaching experience, and a proven ability to inspire and motivate young people across all levels of musical ability. Essential Skills & Qualities:

• Musical Qualifications: Hold a music degree or an advanced diploma.
• Lower Brass Expertise: Previous experience teaching lower brass pupils aged 13-18.
• Conducting and Performance: Proven experience in conducting ensembles and of orchestral and/or ensemble playing at the highest levels.
• Inspiration: A demonstrable ability to inspire and motivate young musicians.
• Professional Conduct: Integrity, flexibility, and good time management skills.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence with the ability to empathise with both staff and pupils.
• Safeguarding & Inclusion: A strong commitment to safeguarding and to promoting an inclusive culture with equality of opportunity for all.
• Initiative: A willingness to participate fully and the ability to take the initiative in a busy department.

What We Offer

• Start Date: This appointment will commence on 1 January 2026.
• Hours of Work: Approximately 26 hours per week during term-time, specifically within the following time windows: Monday (14:00-20:30), Tuesday (11:00-19:30), and Thursday (10:00-20:15).
• Salary: A competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application. Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes. Closing date for applications: Midnight, Thursday 30 October 2025. If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email [e-mail].

Diversity, Safeguarding & Sustainability

Diversity and Inclusion Winchester College is a truly international community that celebrates everyone's individuality, talents and potential and offers regular training and career development opportunities. We embrace diversity and inclusion in the workplace and are committed to promoting a fair and supportive environment for all our employees. We work hard to create a culture where different perspectives are valued and our staff feel valued for their individuality and share a sense of belonging. Our aim is to reflect the diverse nature of society and of our pupil body.

Safeguarding Winchester College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children: applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, and obtaining an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services certificate. Staff will receive appropriate safeguarding training which is regularly updated.

Sustainability Both staff and pupils at Winchester College are committed to being the most sustainable school possible.