A new partnership project between Brass Bands England, the youth music charity NYMAZ and Shepherd Group Brass Band aims to provide a six-month placement to support aspiring women conductors.

The paid conducting placement will take place from January — July 2024 and will be mentored by Katrina Marzella.

Open

The opportunity is open to 18-25 year-olds who identify as a woman, and who wish to develop their conducting and leadership skills. It aims to support aspiring women conductors in an encouraging and inspiring environment.

Speaking about the initiative, BBE's Chief Operating Officer Sarah Baumann told 4BR: "We are delighted to be working once again with NYMAZ to deliver a project for young people, focused on improving the diversity of the brass band sector.

We recognise that conducting is an area with significantly less women than men represented. Katrina is an inspiring role model who will provide excellent mentorship for the prospective candidate and Shepherd Group is a fantastic organisation providing superb support and opportunities for the project."

Excited

Adding their support, Craig Brown, Musical Director of Shepherd Group Youth Brass Band added: "The Shepherd Group Bands are excited to be working with NYMAZ and BBE in supporting young, women conductors.

With such a range of abilities in our banding organisation, we feel we are well placed to support conductors and we look forward to working alongside Katrina in helping promote and develop conductors of the future."

Rehearsal fee

NYMAZ is offering a £75 fee for each regular rehearsal (12 rehearsals in total, amounting to £900), plus travel budget and bursary to support further training and conducting experiences as agreed with NYMAZ.

The time commitment to the project will be three rehearsals each half-term throughout spring and summer.

Applications and further information

To apply please complete the application form by Friday 8th December (5.00pm)

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScs4lzz2DzvJ1SFic3mL5s5qMm8bNqK0TrJdS5y4BMH0H65AA/viewform

Submission applications can also be made by video. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 19th December in York.

For further information and support with applications, please contact NYMAZ at info@nymaz.org.uk or on 07761525709.