Music Director Wanted - Paddock Orchestra (Huddersfield))
Paddock Orchestra
Paddock Orchestra is recruiting a new Musical Director, for appointment at the start of, or during, the 2026-27 season. Prospective applicants should be experienced or aspiring orchestral conductors with a strong working knowledge of classical orchestral repertoire, but most importantly should be experienced in engaging an enthusiastic ensemble of amateur musicians of varying abilities.
ABOUT PADDOCK ORCHESTRA
Paddock Orchestra is a friendly, ambitious amateur orchestra based in the Huddersfield area, bringing live orchestral music to our local community. With around 40 players, we rehearse weekly and present at least three public concerts each year, performing a wide range of classical repertoire and collaborating with talented local soloists. We are passionate about ensuring music-making is inclusive and accessible. We don’t hold formal auditions, welcoming musicians of all abilities – from experienced amateurs and returning players to learners eager to play in an ensemble. Our rehearsals provide a supportive space to build confidence, develop musicianship, and experience the joy of live performance together. Our Leader is Olwen Hobson, who has been principal violinist since 2022.
Our current Musical Director has been working with the Paddock Orchestra since 2022, and has helped to shape and develop the vision for the orchestra, introducing our players to new repertoire, as well as being sensitive to the mixed abilities of our members - placing community at the heart of what we do, alongside ambitious music making. As our current Musical Director moves on to pastures new to pursue a career as a professional performer, we seek to appoint a new Musical Director who will continue this approach and lead the orchestra in the next stage of its development.
For more information about Paddock Orchestra, including details of previous concerts and programmes, please visit www.paddockorchestra.org
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Musical Director shall:
• Lead weekly rehearsals, preparing the orchestra for public performances and developing the ensemble’s overall performance skills and musicianship;
• Conduct the orchestra, and guest soloists where appropriate, in public performances, including compèring performances;
• Select repertoire appropriate to the orchestra’s instrumentation, technical ability and available budget, balancing artistic ambition with practicality – making such programming decisions in consultation with the Orchestra’s Executive Committee.
• Attend Committee meetings as required, reporting and advising on music-related matters, and preparing a Musical Director’s report annually for the orchestra’s Annual General Meeting (AGM);
Rehearsals:
The orchestra meets on Tuesday evenings, 7:30-9:30pm (including a social break), at Quaker Meeting House, 34 Church St, Paddock, Huddersfield HD1 4TR. The Orchestra usually meets approximately 32 weeks per year.
Performances:
The orchestra aims to perform public concerts at least three times per year. Concerts are usually local to Huddersfield, but occasionally further afield. An additional rehearsal usually takes place in the concert venue on the day of the performance.
Renumeration:
Renumeration for the role is negotiable, depending on the experience of the selected candidate, although this will be within the financial constraints under which the amateur music-making ensemble has to operate. Renumeration will be reviewed annually by the committee.
ABOUT YOU
Essential:
• Demonstrable experience as a conductor/musical director/music leader
• Experience of working with amateur or community ensembles
• Wide ranging knowledge of orchestral repertoire
• Willingness to work collaboratively with the committee
• Effective and confident communicator
• A friendly and approachable demeanour.
Desirable:
• An understanding of the Huddersfield musical landscape.
The social aspect of Paddock Orchestra is of key interest to its members. Whilst musical understanding and ability are key to this role, your ability to engage and motivate an enthusiastic amateur orchestra made up of players of varying abilities is of equal importance.
We encourage applications from individuals who consider themselves underrepresented, including those with disabilities. We will make any reasonable adjustments required for any part of the recruitment process, and to support you in your role. To discuss any specific requirements please contact Marc Dunleavy, Treasurer, on the details below.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Stage 1 – Expression of Interest
Interested applicants should submit an expression of interest. This should include:
• A Cover Letter (max 1-side of A4), outlining why you are interested in conducting Paddock Orchestra and how your experience will serve you in the role. Please also include details of your home base and your expected fee range.
• A CV outlining your previous roles and experience (max 2 sides of A4)
• Contact details for two professional referees.
Stage 2 – Meet the Orchestra / In-Person Trial
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to prepare and lead a short (45 minute) rehearsal with the Orchestra in early June 2026, to ensure the Conductor is a good fit for the Orchestra, and that Paddock Orchestra is right for the Conductor.
• Music, selected by the Executive Committee, shall be issued in advance to prepare for the session.
• Following the session, the shortlisted applicants shall have an informal discussion with selected members of the Executive Committee to discuss the session and their application.
Further details about the trial sessions will be shared and agreed with shortlisted applicants in week commencing 18th May 2026.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send an Expression of Interest, as detailed above, by email to Marc Dunleavy, Treasurer: treasurer.paddock@gmail.com
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MIDDAY ON MONDAY 18TH MAY 2026
If you have any questions regarding the application process, wish to discuss access needs or simply want to know more about Paddock Orchestra, please email treasurer@paddock@gmail.com