Head of Woodwind

Head of Woodwind – Overview

Westminster School is looking for a Head of Woodwind to oversee the development of all wind players in the School. The Head of Woodwind will provide pupils with the opportunity to play in ensembles at an early stage in their development and take a leading role in encouraging meaningful progress throughout a pupil's time at the School. The postholder will have the opportunity to coach and direct both chamber groups and larger ensembles whilst overseeing the administration of the Woodwind Department.

The successful applicant will be an outstanding musician and educator, and an inspirational communicator with a willingness to be part of a friendly and supportive team. They will be adaptable in their approach, with the ability to work across a variety of musical styles, both with those pupils who are exceptionally talented and with those who are less advanced., The ideal applicant will have completed a degree in Music or equivalent and a post-graduate qualification in musical performance in a woodwind specialism.

They will have previously managed a music ensemble, and ideally they will have a proven track record of teaching at other establishments and of working in youth music.

Westminster School is a busy and vibrant place to work. There is a real sense of community here as, being a boarding school, many members of staff and pupils live on site and the School's premises are very much treated as a home away from home. All staff are encouraged to embrace the School's day-to-day activities, whether that be attending an evening lecture or a morning service in the Abbey.

Music plays an integral part of life at Westminster, where pupils are encouraged to learn and participate as fully as possible in a weekly routine of rehearsals, recitals and concerts. Many internationally renowned musicians have been educated at the school including Henry Purcell, Sir Adrian Boult, Sir Roger Norrington, Ian Bostridge, George Benjamin, Julian Anderson, Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber, Gavin Rossdale, Mika, Dido and members of the band Clean Bandit.

Westminster musicians regularly attend the junior departments at the Royal Academy, Royal College and Guildhall, and a good number are members of the National Youth Orchestra, National Children's Orchestra, National Youth Jazz Orchestra and National Youth Choirs of Great Britain. Up to 15 Music Awards are awarded each year across 13+ and 16+.

The Manoukian Music Centre, which opened in 2005, is fully equipped with rehearsal / performing hall, recording studio, classrooms, practice rooms, rehearsal rooms and instrument storage. Around 30 Instrumental ensembles rehearse each week, including a symphony orchestra, concert band, string groups, brass groups, and numerous wind and percussion ensembles and jazz ensembles. There is an extensive chamber music programme with regular success in national competitions.

This is a part-time, permanent position. Approximately seven hours per week will required, but hours may vary from term to term. The salary is £50.41 per hour.