Vacancies – Solent Concert Orchestra

We welcome new players to join us at Bramshaw Village Hall, Row Hill, Bramshaw SO43 7JE (about 2 miles from junction 1 of the M27).

Vacancies: leader and principal second violin

The Solent Concert Orchestra is entering an exciting new chapter, and we are looking for section leaders for our first and second violin sections to help lead the way. This is a unique opportunity to help cultivate our upper strings and support a dedicated community of musicians.

The leader must be of Grade 8+ standard, with a willingness to foster an encouraging and warm environment for their section to grow under their direction. Desirable traits for candidates include:

Wider listening during rehearsals to better understand areas for improvement and development within the repertoire for their section is required.
Experience of leading in an ensemble setting to ensure that a section works together is a key skill the leader must be able to demonstrate.
The leader should be able to guide and support members of their section throughout rehearsals, whilst working with the other violin leader as necessary.
We are looking for somebody with good interpersonal skills, who will be prepared to discuss matters arising that impact their section. For example, liaising with the conductor to communicate any wider section feedback in a balanced, constructive manner when needed.
Bowings for the future term and concert will be issued in good time by the librarian to complete prior to rehearsing the new music. It is important the leader is able to assign time for this task, so that the bowing can be uploaded to our website for members to copy into their own parts.

We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7.45pm to 9.45pm (arrive by 7.30 to set up for 7.45pm start). Each year, we perform three to four concerts, with a wide repertoire from classical to light modern, including symphonies and concertos.

We will pay a fee for each rehearsal and concert in appreciation for all your efforts.

Vacancies: additional strings (especially violas), 2nd trombone and percussion

Do get in touch if you would like to come along to a rehearsal for an informal introduction and play along. We are also happy to let you know upcoming repertoire so you can get a feel for what we’ll be rehearsing in the coming weeks.

We rehearse on Thursday evenings from 7.45pm to 9.45pm (arrive by 7.30 to set up for 7.45pm start). We have a ten minute break during the rehearsal for notices and socialising.

There is no upper or lower age limit to join the orchestra. We don’t hold a formal audition, but there is a short trial period. A minimum standard of grade 5 is generally required to manage the music we play. We welcome players from a wide variety of backgrounds, from student players to music teachers. Several of our players initially joined us as ‘rusties’ who needed a season with us to get back up to speed, and we were happy to support them to do that.

We also welcome guest players for concerts. Lift shares are often possible.