Position vacant: Musical Director-Brass Band

About us:

Darebin City Brass is a community music organisation based in Preston, Victoria, whose purpose is ‘To provide Brass and Percussion musicians an organisation that welcomes all levels of ability and background, with ensembles endeavouring to perform to their best and serve the community of Darebin through the gift of music.’

Across the organisation of approximately 100 musicians, the three brass bands of Darebin City Brass (Preston Band, Northern Brass and Youth Training Band) cater for all ability levels, from beginner, to developing player, to the upper echelon of banding in Australia.

Northern Brass is the community-focused band of DCB. Currently graded ‘C’ we provide a nurturing and supportive ensemble for younger players to join after developing through our Youth Training Band or entering the brass banding world from high school and other ensembles, and a relaxed alternative to high grade contesting bands for seasoned players looking for a change of pace.

We aim to perform fun music to a high standard, regularly getting out in our local community at schools, RSLs and public events, joining forces with our DCB family at our own concerts and events, and participating in other activities/making our own performance opportunities when opportunities arise. To keep our musicianship sharp we also like to participate in contests on occasion.

Northern Brass rehearses every Tuesday night from 7:30-9:30pm in Preston.

We recommend all applicants spend some time exploring our website and social media to gain further insights into the profile of the band:

Position Overview

Darebin City Brass – Northern Brass is seeking a new Musical Director. This role will suit a passionate and engaging individual who can foster both high-quality playing and an enjoyable atmosphere.

Our new MD will be pivotal in the continuous evolution of the band, the selection of concert repertoire, supporting players of all abilities and enhancing the collective sound.

Northern Brass seeks to appoint a musical director who has strong interpersonal skills and prioritises an inclusive rehearsal approach ensuring the continuation of the band development and our presence in the community. In our band, the atmosphere and feeling of belonging within our organisation are just as important as the music itself. We are a diverse group of musicians and applicants should be aware of and willing to learn about who we are, in order to help us achieve our objectives.

The Musical Director works with, and is supported by an active and engaged leadership team comprising members of the band who sit on the organisation’s committee. The MD’s voice is equal to the other member leaders in discussions and decision making affecting Northern Brass. The MD is not required to sit on committee.

Northern Brass is incredibly excited to see what this next era brings as our player numbers and musical standards continue to grow. We seek someone who will be one of us: who will bring ideas, enthusiasm and commitment, and share in our collective enjoyment of creating great music!

We recognise the year-round commitment that is a community band MD role. Where possible we seek to support your other occasional professional engagements or personal commitments. If you do not have full time availability you are still encouraged to apply and discuss how we might work with you.

The contract term is for an initial year, with an option to renew annually.

Responsibilities

Leadership

  • Act as a representative of Northern Brass

  • Collaborate with Northern Brass leadership team in all aspects of band management

  • Provide monthly written report to Committee on band activities & plans

Delivery

  • Plan and attend rehearsals aligned with the performance schedule, including development activities to improve musicality

  • Communicate with members about the music and their playing, including the ability to interpret the composer’s intention and interpret the music and style

  • Communicate musical knowledge and skills clearly, effectively and respectfully, in order to enhance band intonation, balance, sound and colour.

  • Conduct rehearsals, sectionals (as required) and performances

  • Bring enthusiasm, positivity and fun to the rehearsal environment

Direction

  • Participate in planning discussions for programming for the year ahead, including contributing ideas for performance opportunities and musical collaborators

  • Select and manage performance repertoire in conjunction with the leadership team and band

  • Coordinate concert formats, running order, stage movement and logistics for performances in collaboration with other DCB ensembles when neccessary

  • Liaise with and support soloists, artists or groups

Essential Criteria

  • Musical conducting experience and ability to lead a brass band

  • Capacity to communicate musical knowledge and skills clearly, effectively and respectfully, in order to enhance brass band intonation, balance, sound and colour.

  • Thorough knowledge of brass band instrumentation, performance conventions and styles

  • Evidence of the ability to select and curate repertoire for rehearsals and performances

  • Demonstrated rehearsal technique including the ability to recognise, diagnose and correct musical issues (interpretative, rhythmic, balance and intonation), in an efficient, logical, creative and respectful manner

  • Demonstrated ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with others in order to create an inclusive and supportive environment

Also desirable:

  • Qualifications in music education, music performance or conducting

  • Experience conducting in different formats such as concerts, marching, and outdoor etc

  • Ability to arrange musical parts if required

Contract

For this position, Darebin City Brass offers a monthly stipend. The offered contract will be for one year with the option of ongoing annual renewals.

Indicative annual dates

Busking day – mid-late Jan / early Feb

Community performance – March

ANZAC Memorial Preston RSL – Mid April

Bendigo Eisteddfod – Mid-late May

Community performance – Late June/early July

State Band Championships/Latrobe Valley Eisteddfod – August/September

DCB Annual Cabaret – Early November

Community Christmas performance – Early December

Other performance opportunities by arrangement

How to apply

Please provide a cover letter responding to the responsibilities and essential criteria, and resume detailing your qualifications and experience (maximum two pages). If you have any web links for recordings of your conducting, please include these in your resume.

Applications are due by Sunday 2nd November 2025, by email, as a PDF to secretary@darebincitybrass.com     

Recruitment Process:

  • Following the receipt of written applications, the MD sub-committee will shortlist applicants to be invited for an interview

  • The MD sub-committee will contact all applicants by the third week of November to either arrange interviews or advise that they have not been successful on this occasion

  • Following interviews, reference checks will be conducted in November and a shortlist of applicants will be invited to a conducting audition with the entire ensemble on a Tuesday evening late-November/early December

  • In December, the band will be asked their feedback on a preferred candidate and a decision will then be made by the subcommittee

  • The MD position will commence with rehearsals in early 2026

We welcome applications from all and all applications will be assessed equally throughout this process.