At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Tyne Theatre Show Band and inspire amateur musicians in exciting performances.
- Company: Join the vibrant Tyne Theatre & Opera House community dedicated to cultural enrichment.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, opportunities for performance, and a chance to shape Newcastle's music scene.
- Other info: Fortnightly sessions with performance opportunities and a supportive creative environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a flagship ensemble that celebrates and nurtures local musical talent.
- Qualifications: Outstanding musician with band leadership experience and strong communication skills.
Reports to: Head of Community Engagement & Participation
Appointed by: Interview and Observation of work
Period of Appointment: Sept 2026 – July 2027
Salary: £120.00 per fortnightly session with additional payment for concert days and planning meetings
Purpose of Role
To conduct Tyne Theatre & Opera House’s new big band, Tyne Theatre Show Band, launching in September 2026.
Tyne Theatre & Opera House Mission
Tyne Theatre & Opera House (TTOH) wishes to enrich and inspire communities by presenting outstanding touring productions and fostering inclusive cultural participation, while preserving our historic venue as a vibrant hub for the arts. “We want to be inclusive, encompassing, exciting and entertaining, for everyone. We believe in creativity as a force for change and a human right. Our focus on restoring and developing our theatre for future generations to enjoy and participate in quality multi-genre entertainment, community development, learning and fun will enable us to inspire and give joy to the communities we serve.”
Vision
Tyne Theatre Show Band vision is to be a flagship ensemble created to perform, inspire and represent Newcastle’s vibrant amateur music‑making community on a world‑class stage. It will be a supportive space where musicians are given the opportunity to extend their experience and grow in confidence, creating feelings of wellbeing, connection and satisfaction. TTSB will also contribute to Newcastle’s cultural growth, helping to revitalize the West End and supporting the Theatre’s long‑term legacy.
The Band
Tyne Theatre Show Band will be administered and managed by TTOH under its Community Engagement strand. Sessions will take place fortnightly on Tuesday evenings from 7:00‑9:00pm, broadly following the academic year. We intend that as many sessions as possible will take place at the theatre, however due to our production calendar, some may need to be moved to another central Newcastle location. The repertoire will be wide‑ranging, from the golden age of big band through to contemporary arrangements written for large ensembles. The band will be made up of amateur musicians from across the North East. We expect the Band Leader to work alongside the CE&P team to identify musicians and audition them either in person or via video submission in order to make up a balanced show band. Performance opportunities will be provided during the year, with at least 2 concerts at TTOH (in the 1867 Hall or Main Auditorium), as well as collaborations with other arts organisations across the city where possible.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading fortnightly sessions at the agreed venue and working towards performances as agreed with the Head of Community Engagement & Participation (E&P)
- Lead the band in performances, including occasional weekends
- Planning sessions and liaising with Head of CE&P to agree and source repertoire
- Participating in planning and evaluation meetings at TTOH once a term
- Acting as an ambassador for the band in the North East, nurturing relationships with other musical groups and NE organisations
Role Requirements
- An outstanding musician with a high degree of specialism in band leadership
- At least 1 year experience of working with a similar band set up
- Strong communication and relationship building skills and a consistently professional attitude
- Will share in the TTOH’s commitment to protecting children, young people and vulnerable adults by being fully compliant with the venue’s Safeguarding Policies, in addition to all other relevant venue policies
Applications
Closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 5 June 2026. Please submit a CV and accompanying letter explaining how your professional and life experiences align with the requirements and responsibilities of the role. Your letter should also tell us where and when we can observe your practice. Please send applications via email with the subject title ‘BAND LEADER’ to jobs@ttoh.uk
Job Vacancy: Tyne Theatre Show Band – Band Leader (NEW ROLE) in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Tyne Theatre and Opera House
Contact Detail:
Tyne Theatre and Opera House Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Job Vacancy: Tyne Theatre Show Band – Band Leader (NEW ROLE) in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Tyne Theatre Show Band's mission and vision inside out. When you walk into that interview, show us how your passion for music and community aligns with our goals. We want to see that spark!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, rehearse your conducting style and how you’d lead the band. Maybe even gather a few friends for a mock session. This will help you feel confident and ready to showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to local musicians and organisations in Newcastle. Building relationships can give you insights and maybe even some insider tips on what we’re looking for in a Band Leader.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Tyne Theatre Show Band family.
We think you need these skills to ace Job Vacancy: Tyne Theatre Show Band – Band Leader (NEW ROLE) in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for music and community engagement shine through. We want to see how much you care about leading the Tyne Theatre Show Band and inspiring others!
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in band leadership and community work. We’re looking for someone who can connect with amateur musicians, so showcase any similar roles you've had!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about how your experiences align with our mission and vision, and don’t forget to mention when we can observe your practice!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application via our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of all applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tyne Theatre and Opera House
✨Know Your Repertoire
Familiarise yourself with a wide range of big band music, from classics to contemporary pieces. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your understanding of the diverse repertoire expected for the Tyne Theatre Show Band.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led similar bands or musical groups in the past. Highlight your communication and relationship-building skills, as these are crucial for nurturing a supportive environment for amateur musicians.
✨Engage with the Community
Research the local music scene and think about how you can connect with other musical groups in the North East. Be ready to discuss your ideas on fostering relationships and collaborations that align with the theatre's mission of community engagement.
✨Be Ready for Practical Demonstrations
Since the interview involves observation of your work, prepare a short session plan or rehearsal outline. This will give the interviewers insight into your conducting style and how you engage with musicians during practice.