Jazz Ensemble Band Leader – Swing Band

Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Monday 2nd February
Reports to: Senior Programme Leader
Location: Gateshead, The Glasshouse International Centre for Music
Working hours: Weekly sessions will take place on Fridays 6 – 7.30pm, during term time. 10 week term.
Salary: Scale Point 50 including planning and preparation (£47.47 per session)

Freelance applications may also be considered at an equivalent rate (less employer on costs), please state whether this is your preference in your application.

About the band

The Swing Band at The Glasshouse celebrates the sound that shaped so much of the music we still love today. Big band. Swing. Jump blues. Jazz with drive, joy and serious groove.

Drawing on the music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Quincy Jones, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Thad Jones, Harry James and more, this ensemble is about honouring those traditions while keeping them alive and kicking in the North East.

Sessions focus on swing feel and classic repertoire – the building blocks of modern music – played by a full big band line-up. Saxophones, trombones and trumpets sit alongside a rhythm section of drums, bass, piano, guitar and keys to create that unmistakable sound.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for a leader to guide the ensemble week to week, shaping a strong, confident band sound while supporting each player to grow.

The main focus of the role is developing ensemble playing, encouraging improvisation in a space that feels safe and supportive, and helping players build their individual technique and reading skills. You’ll work with groups of adults, meeting people where they’re at and helping them move forward together.

You’ll be comfortable leading a mixed-instrument ensemble, balancing structure with flexibility, and keeping sessions focused, welcoming and musically satisfying. You know how to get a band swinging – and how to help people enjoy the process of getting there.