Due to the departure of our current Musical Director, Jim Pywell, at the end of autumn term 2025, we are currently seeking to appoint a new Musical Director. 

Job details

Location: City of London

Salary/Fee: £120 per weekly rehearsal, plus £200 per concert and £200 admin fee per academic term

Application Deadline: 23:59 on Tuesday 2nd December

Job description

We are seeking an inspiring Musical Director to lead CWO into its next chapter, in line with our Five-Year Plan. The successful candidate will: 

• Curate and lead: Design ambitious, creative, and coherent musical programmes, preparing and conducting weekly rehearsals on Monday evenings, 19:00-21:00, term time (currently at St Giles Cripplegate, EC2Y 8DA) and at least three concerts per year. 
• Develop and support: Foster the musical growth of ensemble members, providing guidance and encouragement during rehearsals and performances. 
• Collaborate: Work closely with the committee to deliver engaging performances, support organisational development, and help shape the orchestra's future. 
• Grow the ensemble: Attract new members, fill vacant chairs, and help build a regular, engaged audience. 
• Champion inclusion: Promote a supportive, welcoming environment where all members feel valued, reflecting our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. 
• Innovate: Propose varied performance opportunities and repertoire, balancing familiar works with new challenges, and encourage member input in programming decisions. 
• Communicate: Prepare and circulate rehearsal plans and set lists in advance, maintain open communication with the committee, and contribute to organisational meetings and reports as needed. 

What We're Looking For

• Passion for wind bands: Deep knowledge of wind orchestra repertoire and enthusiasm for community music-making. 
• Leadership and teaching: Proven experience conducting ensembles and supporting the musical development of individuals and groups. 
• Relationship building: Ability to foster positive, effective relationships and nurture a strong sense of team spirit. 
• Organisational skills: Reliable, well-organised, and responsive, with a collaborative approach to working with volunteers and committee members. 
• Vision and creativity: Willingness to champion CWO's values and contribute to our strategic goals, including expanding our repertoire, audience, and performance opportunities. 
• Good networks (desirable): A strong network within the wind band or wider musical community is desirable, as it can help broaden the orchestra's connections and opportunities. 
• Experience conducting wind bands (desirable): Direct experience conducting wind bands is desirable, though not essential, and will be considered an advantage. 

Our Vision and Values

CWO's Five-Year Plan sets out our ambition to be a vibrant, welcoming orchestra that inspires both members and audiences through diverse, challenging, and enjoyable musical experiences. We are committed to: 

• Creativity: Embracing ambition, innovative programming. 
• Supportiveness: Fostering mutual encouragement and continuous development. 
• Community: Building strong connections within the orchestra and with our audience.
• Equity: Ensuring everyone has what they need to succeed, celebrating diversity and inclusion. 

Additional Information

• All applicants must have the right to work in the UK. 
• For questions or to discuss accessibility needs, contact us at cwo.recruitment@gmail.com 
• Recruitment timeline: Shortlisting in early December; interviews (in person if possible) week commencing 15th December; auditions on 19th and 26th January 2026. We hope the successful candidate can start by 23rd February 2026 (negotiable). 

How to Apply

Please email cwo.recruitment@gmail.com with:

• Your CV
• A supporting statement outlining how you meet the criteria
• Two videos of you conducting

CWO concert video - 6th July 2024

CWO concert video - November 2024