Conductor Information Pack

Transcription

1 Conductor Information Pack Dear Fellow Musician Thank you for expressing interest in the post of Conductor of Petersfield Orchestra. This is an exciting opportunity and finding the right candidate, who will be only our fifth conductor in 90 years, is vital for us. We would like you to have as full a picture of us as possible and have compiled this Conductor Information Pack to introduce us to you. This pack includes: Background information about the Orchestra Programme and rehearsal schedule for the 2015/2016 season Job Description setting out the responsibilities of the post Person Specification setting out the personal qualities, skills and knowledge required Contractual information and expectations Recruitment process, including the timetable and how to apply Views of some current members of the Orchestra Applications should be sent by to conductorvacancy@petersfieldorchestra.org.uk to arrive no later than midday on 11 March Your application will be acknowledged, so please contact me on if you haven t received an acknowledgement by 15 March. If you would like an informal discussion about the Orchestra, please contact the Chairman, Steve Bartholomew, on Once again, thank you for your interest in this post and our orchestra. Yours faithfully Tim Steggall Conductor Recruitment Co-ordinator Conductor Information Pack Page 1 of 8 February 2016

2 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE ORCHESTRA History and Structure Petersfield Orchestra was founded in 1927 by Kathleen Merritt, who also conducted the Orchestra until For 89 years, the Orchestra has made a significant contribution to musical life in Petersfield. In its existence, the Orchestra has only had four conductors, two of whom have been women: Judith Bailey succeeded Kathleen Merritt in 1972 and retired in The present Conductor, Robin Browning, was appointed in Robin is now leaving us to develop his new professional orchestra in Southampton: The Són Project. Petersfield is a small market town with a population of around 12,000, including all the surrounding villages. It is smaller than some of the surrounding towns that also have orchestras Chichester, Winchester, Guildford, Havant and Haslemere who can all boast significantly larger catchment areas. For this reason, several loyal members travel quite long distances on Friday nights to play with us. Similarly, although we manage to sustain a full woodwind section, recruiting sufficient strings is an on-going challenge. Currently, we have two horns on the strength but no trumpets, trombones or tuba. Concerts take place in the Festival Hall, Petersfield a multipurpose auditorium built in the 1950s that seats approximately 230 people. Concerts and Rehearsals Currently, the Orchestra gives three concerts a year in the Festival Hall, with the March concert being part of the Petersfield Musical Festival. Rehearsals take place on Friday evenings during school terms and are held in the Avenue Pavilion. Very occasionally, concerts have also taken place at St Peter s Church in Petersfield. The rehearsal and concert venues are currently booked on the above basis up to the end of Weekly rehearsals are currently held in central Petersfield at the Avenue Pavilion (approximately 15 minutes walk from the railway station) on Fridays from 7:15pm to 9:15pm. The Pavilion is a good quality rehearsal space with plenty of free parking. You will see from our Rehearsal Schedule that we average approximately 10 Friday rehearsals for each concert, plus a dress rehearsal on the afternoon of the evening performance (currently Thursdays). We re-introduced sectional rehearsals once or twice per term last season and these are working well, allowing wind and strings to work on issues specific to them. Artists Most concerts include a concerto. Many of our soloists in recent years have come to us either under the auspices of Making Music s Award for Young Concert Artists scheme, or via the Countess of Munster Musical Trust. Each year, both organisations sponsor a panel of talented young players whose excellence can be guaranteed. We enjoy the opportunity of working with these musicians, and return visits are the norm. Past soloists have included the violinists Adelia Myslov and Savitri Grier, the cellists John Myerscough and Jonathan Dormand, the pianist Marios Panteliadis, the clarinettists Daniel Broncano and Matthew Scott, and the award-winning Gould Piano Trio. Ethos The Orchestra is an inclusive body, with players of all standards and a wide, though predominantly adult, age range. The Orchestra s ethos and spirit have stayed the same throughout its existence it provides a medium for amateur players of all ages and backgrounds to flourish. The Orchestra has a core of exceptional players with strong leaders of all sections who encourage the lessgifted to play to a good standard. We supplement our regular players with local and London professionals for concerts, usually including guest Principals for the cello, viola and second violin sections, as well as the majority of the brass players. The Orchestra has continuously aimed to improve its standard and the range of works it performs. It has successfully performed some very challenging works for example, Rachmaninov s First Symphony, Sibelius s Third, and Ravel s orchestration of Pictures at an Exhibition. Orchestra members want to build on its current strengths and to improve in quality and range of performance, with a new Conductor who can continue to motivate and enthuse, maintain a positive atmosphere in rehearsal and performance, and constructively improve on areas of weakness, just as our current conductor does. Our vision for the Orchestra s future could include giving occasional performances in new venues, programming less well-known works, and liaising with other local music-making groups. It could showcase local talent, encourage more young people to listen to music and, hopefully as a result, attract more members. It would aim to sustain bigger audiences, if a larger venue were available. We aspire to build on our existing good reputation to become recognised as a leading amateur orchestra south of London, i.e. in Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex. Conductor Information Pack Page 2 of 8 February 2016

3 PROGRAMME AND REHEARSAL SCHEDULE FOR THE 2015/2016 SEASON Autumn Concert: Thursday 26 November 2015 Borodin: In the Steppes of Central Asia Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A K.622 with soloist, Matthew Scott Sibelius: Symphony No. 3 in C. Op. 52 Friday 11/09/2015 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 18/09/2015 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 25/09/2015 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 02/10/2015 Sectionals Strings: Churcher s College, School Hall Wind: Avenue Pavilion Friday 09/10/2015 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 16/10/2015 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 23/10/2015 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 30/10/2015 No rehearsal (Half term) Friday 06/11/2015 Sectionals Strings: Churcher s College, School Hall Wind: Avenue Pavilion Friday 13/11/2015 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 20/11/2015 Full Avenue Pavilion Thursday 26/11/2015 Dress rehearsal & Concert Petersfield Festival Hall Friday 27/11/2015 No rehearsal Friday 04/12/2015 Full & AGM Avenue Pavilion Friday 11/12/2015 Repertoire & social Avenue Pavilion Spring Concert: Thursday 17 March 2016 (Part of the Petersfield Musical Festival) Berlioz: Overture Waverley Op. 1 Tchaikovsky: Piano Concerto No. 1 with soloist, Jinah Shim Brahms: Symphony No. 1 in C minor Op. 68 Friday 08/01/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 15/01/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 22/01/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 29/01/2016 Sectionals Strings: Churcher s College, School Hall Wind: Avenue Pavilion Friday 05/02/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 12/02/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 19/02/2016 No rehearsal Half term Friday 26/02/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 04/03/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 11/03/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Thursday 17/03/2016 Dress rehearsal & Concert Petersfield Festival Hall Friday 18/03/2016 No rehearsal Friday 25/03/2016 Easter no rehearsal Friday 01/04/2016 Easter no rehearsal Conductor Information Pack Page 3 of 8 February 2016

4 PROGRAMME AND REHEARSAL SCHEDULE FOR THE 2015/2016 SEASON (CONT.) Summer Concert: Thursday 16 June 2016 Beethoven: Overture The Ruins of Athens Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op. 77 with soloist, Sara Deborah Struntz-Timossi Dvorak: Symphony No. 9 From the New World Friday 08/04/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 15/04/2016 Sectionals Strings: Churcher s College, School Hall tbc Wind: Avenue Pavilion Friday 22/04/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 29/04/2016 Conductor Auditions Avenue Pavilion Friday 06/05/2016 Conductor Auditions Avenue Pavilion Friday 13/05/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 20/05/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 27/05/2016 Full Avenue Pavilion Friday 03/06/2016 Full in Half Term Avenue Pavilion Friday 10/06/2016 Full Thursday 16/06/2016 Dress rehearsal & Concert Petersfield Festival Hall Friday 17/06/2016 No rehearsal Friday 24/06/2016 Repertoire, social & Guest Conductor(s) announced for 2016/2017 season Avenue Pavilion season programme to be announced Autumn 2016 Concert: Thursday 17 November 2016 Friday 09/09/2016 Full first rehearsals of new season Avenue Pavilion Spring 2017 Concert: Thursday 16 March 2017 Part of the Petersfield Musical Festival Summer 2017 Concert Thursday 15 June 2017 Happy 90th Birthday Petersfield Orchestra! Conductor Information Pack Page 4 of 8 February 2016

5 JOB DESCRIPTION To provide the Orchestra with musical direction in order to develop its members and achieve the highest possible musical standards, while ensuring that rehearsals and concerts are an enjoyable experience for all. To conduct all concerts as agreed with the Orchestra Committee. To conduct all rehearsals, including sectional rehearsals, or, in exceptional circumstances, to arrange for deputies of an acceptable standard. To agree a detailed rehearsal schedule for each concert. In consultation with the Orchestra Committee, to help plan and agree an annual programme for the Orchestra ensuring that a degree of challenge, enjoyment and musical development is balanced against ability, affordability and audience appeal. To advise on the selection and engagement of soloists to perform with the Orchestra. To advise on the longer-term future of the Orchestra. To advise on the engagement of any additional professional players for each concert to supplement the core membership, as required. To attend Orchestra Committee meetings when invited by the Orchestra Committee, and to provide advice and recommendations on musical matters. To attend, in an honorary capacity, the Orchestra s AGM and any special meetings that may be called, and to respond appropriately to any issues raised by members. To advise and assist on any other matters regarding the management of the Orchestra, as requested by the Committee. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential A track record of recent orchestral conducting experience. Extensive knowledge of orchestral repertoire. Desirable Formal conductor training. Conducting activity at both amateur and professional levels. The ability to enthuse and inspire players in all sections, and to make rehearsals and concerts a rewarding and enjoyable experience. Evidence of efficient organisational and preparation skills. Demonstrable ability to work well with amateur musicians in particular. The ability to build, maintain and engage with audiences, including a willingness to appear in pre-concert events or informal discussions. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to work constructively with a committee in managing an orchestra. The willingness to assist in the marketing of the Orchestra, and awareness of sponsors and grant-making bodies. The willingness and ability to collaborate with the Orchestra Committee about ideas for the future direction of the Orchestra, Conductor Information Pack Page 5 of 8 February 2016

6 CONTRACTUAL INFORMATION AND EXPECTATIONS You will not be an employee of the Orchestra. Rather, you will be engaged on a self-employed basis and therefore expected to account for your own income tax, VAT and Class 4 National Insurance contributions. The engagement will be for three years with effect from September There will be a probationary period of one year with a formal appraisal discussion, after which the appointment will be confirmed for a further 2 years with yearly appraisals, or notice of termination given. If approved, thereafter you will be on a renewable annual agreement: (a) Either party may give to the other no fewer than three months notice of their intention not to renew the contract. (b) Either party may terminate the agreement immediately if the other commits any serious or permanent breach of these terms; and (c) The Orchestra may terminate your engagement immediately if sickness or injury prevents you fulfilling your duties for 60 consecutive days. Remuneration consists of a concert fee per concert day plus a fee for each Friday rehearsal at a fixed rate. It is not our policy to pay expenses for routine rehearsals and concerts. Remuneration is reviewed periodically in the light of the Orchestra s finances. If you are unable to attend a rehearsal other than because of illness, you must give at least one month s notice to the Secretary of the Committee, and must arrange a suitable replacement. We also expect our Conductor to contribute to the planning of concert programmes, the rehearsal schedule and to selection decisions about players and soloists. There are also opportunities for our Conductor to give pre-concert talks and to support the development of the Orchestra in other ways. Conductor Information Pack Page 6 of 8 February 2016

7 RECRUITMENT PROCESS We have planned a rigorous recruitment process, but one which we hope will be mutually beneficial, and enjoyable. We reserve the right to alter or cancel the recruitment process at any stage. Application process Your application must include: 1. A brief CV (not more than 2 pages) outlining relevant training and experience. 2. A specimen programme for the 2016/2017 season of three concerts, the second of which will be part of the 2017 Petersfield Musical Festival. This programme should be tailored to your understanding of the Orchestra. 3. A statement (maximum 1200 words) entitled How I would fulfil the role of Conductor with Petersfield Orchestra. 4. Confirmation of your availability for audition dates (see below) and for all rehearsal and concert dates in the 2016/2017 season. 5. A broad indication of the fees you would expect for performing 30, two-hour rehearsals and three dress rehearsals and three concerts over one season. This is not meant to be a firm commitment on your part, but avoids us wasting your time and ours if your requirements outstrip our resources. 6. The names and contact details of two people who have agreed to stand as referees, should we wish to take up references. Applicants must meet the essential requirements listed in the Person Specification. Applications should be sent by to conductorvacancy@petersfieldorchestra.org.uk to arrive no later than midday on 11 March Your application will be acknowledged, so please contact the Conductor Recruitment Co-ordinator, Tim Stegall on if you haven t received an acknowledgement by 15 March. All correspondence relating to this vacancy, including invitations to interview, will be by ONLY. Please ensure that you check your s on a regular basis. Should a potential applicant wish to attend a rehearsal or our March concert, they are welcome to do so by prior arrangement with the Chairman, Steve Bartholomew. There will be a limited capacity to accommodate guests at rehearsals and concerts requests will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis. Selection process After the closing date (midday on 11 March 2016), a shortlist of a maximum of six applicants will be invited to audition on one of two dates: 29 April or 6 May These are our regular Friday night rehearsals and we will endeavour to have as complete an orchestra as possible. The audition will comprise 35 minutes per candidate, and each candidate will be asked to conduct part of Brahms Symphony No.1, plus extracts from the June 2016 concert programme. The required parts of Brahms Symphony No.1 and the June concert extracts will be specified by the Selection Committee and notified to candidates at least one week before the audition. Candidates may use their own scores or use the scores provided by the Orchestra. Following the auditions, the Selection Committee will meet to agree which candidate or candidates would be suitable to conduct the Orchestra as Guest Conductor in one concert in the 2016/2017 season. Those candidates will be invited for interview by the Selection Committee members prior to 6 June Offers will then be made to up to three candidates and the names announced to the Orchestra no later than 24 June Please note that our members will be invited to comment on each audition, but the selection of the candidates chosen as Guest Conductors for our 2016/2017 season will be recommended by the Selection Committee for decision by the Orchestra Committee. The decision of the Orchestra Committee is final. Please also note that it is not our policy to pay travel expenses for auditions or interviews. Key dates 11 March 2016 Closing date for applications 15 March 2016 All applications acknowledged 8 April 2016 Candidates shortlisted for audition notified, including notification of audition date 15 April 2016 Candidates for audition on 29 April notified of music to be rehearsed 22 April 2016 Candidates for audition on 6 May notified of music to be rehearsed 29 April 2016 Conductor Auditions Avenue Pavilion, Petersfield 6 May 2016 Conductor Auditions Avenue Pavilion, Petersfield 3 June 2016 Interviews with preferred candidates Petersfield (venue to be decided) 24 June 2016 Guest Conductor(s) for 2016/2017 season announced to the Orchestra Conductor Information Pack Page 7 of 8 February 2016

8 VIEWS OF SOME CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE ORCHESTRA What are the special features of Petersfield Orchestra and what has it achieved to date? A friendly organisation with enthusiastic players. The Orchestra has achieved a huge amount of progress over the years. The Orchestra is now unrecognisable with the progress that had been made, compared to my early days of playing with the Orchestra (1993). Audiences now come and expect to hear a really good orchestra (in contrast to 20 years ago) and comments received from the audience at concerts are very positive. Although we still have to work hard at achieving a good audience, the audiences now are much larger than they used to be. We are regularly filling most of the hall, but in previous periods, we were lucky to fill half the hall. What qualities should the new Conductor possess? Ideally our conductor should have a clear beat, balance the amount of speaking and playing appropriately, and give us the opportunity to play pieces, movements or sections as a whole, to get a good view of the sweep of the music as well as doing detailed work. A sense of humour is vital. Enthusiasm, commitment and loyalty to give us encouragement in spades. Empathy with amateur players, and forgiveness when necessary! Accept that some players techniques have limitations, but that everyone strives to play to the best of their ability. We have very high quality soloists which adds significantly to the overall standard of the concerts. Friday night rehearsals have improved much in standard since our early days. The extra players that come to help on the day, have a rewarding experience and are pleased to come back. (The outgoing conductor has said how much they enjoy playing with Petersfield Orchestra and I am sure that it is not just down to the tea!) The Orchestra has always been very committed to making music to the best of its ability and it would be good to get back to having the vast majority of the Orchestra as regular members and not having to rely on extra players brought in for concert day provided there is no deterioration in the standard of our performances of course. Many members have been in the Orchestra for many years and have intense loyalty and commitment to their orchestra. Most come because they love making music in a group of other enthusiasts. Conductor Information Pack Page 8 of 8 February 2016