Conductor

Watford Community Orchestra

Established in 1966, the Watford Community Orchestra is an amateur community orchestra for adults of all ages. Our repertoire is suitable for adult beginners and anyone wishing to improve their orchestral skills. We play music of varied standards from quite easy to a little more challenging, including pieces by classical and more modern composers.  We enjoy developing our playing and orchestral skills in a relaxed environment. We have concerts twice a year.

Conductor Job Description

The Conductor is responsible for the preparation and performance of all the orchestra’s concerts. In collaboration with the committee, she or he will also oversee the orchestra’s musical and technical development, seeking to nurture an enjoyable and productive music making environment.

Specific duties are to:

• Rehearse the orchestra, weekly, on a Thursday evening (8pm-9:30pm) during term time in St Oswald’s Church Hall, Croxley Green
• Conduct two public concerts per year, normally held on Saturday or Sunday afternoons at the end of the summer and autumn terms.
• Attend, by invitation, three meetings of the WCO committee each year (normally held the week before the start of each term).
• Agree repertoire with the committee and advise on concert planning and all other matters relating to the administration of the orchestra.
• Liaise with the orchestra Librarian and committee as needed to enable timely provision of sheet music for each term.
• Attend WCO’s Annual General Meeting in the autumn of each year (usually incorporated into a rehearsal)

 Job Requirements     

Essential

• Ability to contribute to maintaining and building the WCO as a warm-hearted and enjoyable place to make music together
• Previous experience of conducting an amateur orchestra and / or a desire to gain conducting experience in a friendly and relaxed environment.
• A passion for music and the ability to motivate amateur players to achieve their highest standard of performance and enjoyment of music-making.
• High level of empathy and effective communication to draw out the best from players without leaving anyone behind.
• Having a sense of humour to make rehearsals enjoyable
• Knowledge of orchestral and more modern repertoire
• Good timekeeping and organisation

Desirable:

• Experience as an orchestral instrumentalist.
• Good communication skills, including the ability to address audiences when needed

Terms and renumeration

The conductor is to invoice the orchestra for their services three times per year at the end of each term.  The conductor will be a supplier to the orchestra and this engagement does not form an employed position.  The terms will be defined in the supplier contract to be signed by the conductor and the chair of the orchestra.  The Conductor’s contract will be subject to review each autumn at the orchestra’s Annual General Meeting.  

WCO payment terms for the 2025/2026 season are:

• £75 per weekly rehearsal
• £50 per committee meeting
• £100 per concert

All subject to annual review.

 Dates

• Trial rehearsal: July 2025
• Start date: 4 Sept 2025 committee meeting followed by 11 Sept 2025 rehearsal

Applications

Please get in touch/ apply in wrting by emailing our chair, John Durham, john@hosegood.co.uk 

Applications will be considered as soon as they are received and as such the vacancy may be filled if they ideal candidate is found before the closing date.