The Role

Reporting directly to the Director of Music, the Temporary Head of Wind, Brass & Percussion is accountable for the quality, success, and development of instrumental teaching and the overall function of the wind, brass, and percussion faculty. This is a temporary role for 1st January to 13th February, of approximately 26 hours per week during term-time, requiring a commitment to the school’s musical life.

Your key responsibilities include:

Instrumental Teaching and Directing

• Teaching: Delivering weekly lessons to approximately 15 pupils in Trombone, Euphonium, and Tuba, spanning Grade 4 to Diploma level.
• Ensemble Coaching: Coaching chamber music ensembles, specifically the wind quintet and brass ensemble.
• Jazz Orchestra: Directing the Jazz Orchestra in rehearsals.
• Orchestral Management: Managing the wind, brass, and percussion section of the Symphony Orchestra, attending all Monday evening rehearsals, and taking sectional rehearsals when requested, including responsibility for technical matters.
• Academic Support: Contributing to performance preparation for IGCSE and A level music pupils.
• Faculty Management and Administration
• Faculty Leadership: Managing the entire Wind, Brass, and Percussion Faculty, including pupil allocations, monitoring lesson attendance, tracking progress, and managing examination entries (Associated Board or Trinity College).
• Instrument Inventory: With the assistance of visiting music teachers, maintaining the school’s inventory of wind, brass, and percussion instruments, recording pupil loans, and arranging for necessary repairs and maintenance.
• Liaison: Liaising with Housemasters and parents as required concerning pupil progress and faculty matters.

Departmental Commitment

• Concert Attendance: Attending weekly informal and formal concerts to support pupils and the department's performance programme.
• Meetings: Attending departmental meetings and actively contributing to the general work and development of the Music Department.

About You

We are seeking an outstanding musician with extensive professional performing and teaching experience, and a proven ability to inspire and motivate young people across all levels of musical ability. You will be joining a highly committed and thriving department.

Essential Skills & Qualities

• Musical Qualifications: Hold a music degree or an advanced diploma.
• Lower Brass Expertise: Previous experience teaching lower brass pupils aged 13–18.
• Conducting and Performance: Proven experience in conducting ensembles and of orchestral and/or ensemble playing at the highest levels.
• Inspiration: A demonstrable ability to inspire and motivate young musicians.
• Professional Conduct: Integrity, flexibility, and good time management skills.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication skills and emotional intelligence with the ability to empathise with both staff and pupils.
• Safeguarding & Inclusion: A strong commitment to safeguarding and to promoting an inclusive culture with equality of opportunity for all.
• Initiative: A willingness to participate fully and the ability to take the initiative in a busy department.

What We Offer

• Start Date: This appointment will commence on 1st January 2026.
• Hours of Work: Approximately 26 hours per week during term-time, specifically within the following time windows: Monday (14:00–20:30), Tuesday (11:00–19:30), and Thursday (10:00–20:15).
• Salary: A competitive salary, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

HOW TO APPLY

Only applications completed on the school website will be accepted. Please attach a full CV with your application.

Please note that applications will be dealt with as they arrive. Winchester College reserves the right to appoint before the deadline passes.

Closing date for applications: Midnight Thursday 30th October 2025

For the full job description and to apply please see here

If you have any questions about this vacancy or the recruitment process, please email recruitment@wincoll.ac.uk.