String Orchestra Leader

Our leader, Rosalind Osborne is stepping down after 5 years of brilliant leadership and we are looking for someone new to guide us into our next phase. Established in 1923, the Argyle String Orchestra is Bath’s oldest amateur orchestra. We have been conducted by Adam Laughton since September 2022 and before that, Tim Robb for 30 years.

We perform a wide-ranging repertoire of well-known masterpieces, rare gems from around the world and are well-known for supporting new local composers with developing works. With people of all ages, standards, and backgrounds, ‘The Argyle’ as it’s affectionately known, is a friendly and welcoming ensemble. 

Like any community orchestra, we have a mix of abilities with an average standard of around Grade 5. We are a community orchestra with a committee structure and currently have around 30 members. We have recently gained charitable status.

We rehearse on Thursday evenings in Odd Down, Bath. Concerts take place on Thursday evenings with a Wednesday rehearsal the night before. Venue is typically St. Luke’s Church, Bath.

The role receives a modest honorarium per term (2024/5 rate was £150 but will be reviewed in Feb 26 and likely to increase). Appointed by the Committee and Members annually at the AGM.

The role would begin in January 2026 following an informal ‘meet the orchestra’ process in the Autumn 2025 - dates to suit those interested. If you are interested or have any questions about the role, please e-mail argylestringorchestra@gmail.com.

We are looking for a Leader who:

• Is an experienced musician with previous leading experience
• Can engage and motivate amateur players to improve their standard of performance and enjoyment of music making
• Has strong communication skills with a positive and friendly manner
• Will be a friendly face to all in the orchestra
• Can co-create engaging programmes with a wide-ranging knowledge of appropriate level string repertoire with our conductor

Responsibilities: 

• Lead the orchestra for all concerts and rehearsals, including performing solos where appropriate
• Work with the conductor on planning programmes 
• Prepare and lead upper string sectional rehearsals 
• Prepare and lead warmups before concerts
• Advise on string playing technique in rehearsals
• Act as an ambassador for the orchestra in and outside of rehearsals when appropriate 
• Ensure bowings are well coordinated, in consultation with section leaders and conductor
• Coordinate players seating arrangements, in consultation with section leaders and conductor if needed
• Be a member of the orchestra committee – meets 3-4 times a year
• If ill or unavailable, to arrange a deputy