Principal E Flat Doubling Clarinet & Principal Bass Doubling Clarinet, BBCSSO

Job Ref: 32916

Contract: Continuing (permanent), 2 Positions available - you will be able to indicate which role(s) you wish to be considered for on Musicalchairs.

Location: City Halls, Glasgow

We offer:

• Excellent career progression – the BBC offers great opportunities for employees to seek new challenges and work in different areas of the organisation.
• Unrivalled training and development opportunities – our in-house Academy hosts a wide range of internal and external courses and certification.
• Benefits – We offer a competitive salary package, a flexible 35-hour working week for work-life balance and 26 days (1 of which is a corporation day) with the option to buy an extra 5 days, a defined pension scheme and discounted dental, health care, gym and much more.

PLEASE NOTE: In order to apply for this position, Candidates will need to register on Musicalchairs and apply via the 'Apply via musicalchairs’ button to complete a short information form. Candidates will then follow the below application and audition process: The deadline to complete the form on Musicalchairs is SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2025.

INTRODUCTION

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra has an exciting opportunity for a Principal E Flat Doubling Clarinet and a Principal Bass Doubling Clarinet. As Scotland’s national broadcasting orchestra, the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra has been performing for audiences across Scotland, the UK and internationally since 1935. The orchestra’s live performances are regularly broadcast on BBC Radio 3, Radio Scotland and Sounds, as well as BBC Television and iPlayer. The BBC SSO is Scotland’s leading champion of new music, commissioning orchestral music by original voices and hosting its annual Tectonics Festival of new and experimental music each spring.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

YOUR KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND IMPACT:

• To sit as Principal Clarinet no 3 specialising in bass playing or as Principal Clarinet no 2 specialising in E♭ playing.
• Maintain the high standard of professional playing and musical and artistic excellence required by the Orchestra.
• Familiarise oneself with the relevant parts, including solos, in advance of the first rehearsal and performances.
• Support professionally any Leaders and Conductors engaged by the Orchestra.
• Take responsibility for the style, intonation, balance, ensemble, rhythm and preparation of the section in conjunction with Leaders and the Chief Conductor.
• Foster an environment in which artistic excellence flourishes.
• Develop and support positive working relationships with all other members of the Orchestra, the section and any freelance players engaged by the Orchestra.
• Participate in audition panels, trial assessment meetings, orchestral and artistic meetings as required with due regard for confidentiality.
• Engage in the general activities of the Orchestra, such as attendance at meetings, promotional activity, outreach and learning work, and act as an ambassador for the BBC/Orchestra during these activities.
• Be a role model for BBC Values and work in accordance with the BBC/MU Agreement, the Information for Orchestral Players Handbook and all other BBC policies and guidelines.
• Support all the BBC’s policies on managing people and diversity, including participation in Personal Development Reviews and training.
• Work in accordance with the BBC’s Health and Safety guidelines and policy.

YOUR SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• Outstanding professional orchestral and solo clarinet playing abilities.
• Knowledge of the repertoire of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
• The ability to both lead and work collaboratively to inspire and contribute to performances that meet the highest musical standards.
• Effective people and performance management skills, including the ability to give constructive feedback and deal with sensitive issues.
• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and develop harmonious working relationships with a diverse range of people.
• Commitment to maintain the reputation of the Orchestra.
• Ability to plan ahead in order to prepare parts, organise allocations and make the best use of the resources available.
• Awareness of health and safety issues.

AUDITION DETAILS

1st Round Auditions: Submit a video for the 1st round (please see the Musicalchairs site for more details).

2nd Round Auditions: Will be held at BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra City Halls Stage Door 87 – 101 Albion Street Glasgow, G1 1NQ in early 2026.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE VIA THE MUSICALCHAIRS WEBSITE - PLEASE CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK FOR FULL DETAILS ON HOW TO APPLY AND AUDITIONS INSTRUCTIONS: https://www.musicalchairs.info/jobs/52274

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: SUNDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 2025.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.