TEAM LEADER - MUSICIAN

Big Noise Douglas

Job Description

POST:

Team Leader Musician Big Noise Douglas

REPORTS TO:

Director of Music

BASED:

Douglas, Dundee

SALARY:

37,091 to 40,182 per annum (all new staff are appointed on

the first point of the scale)

HOURS OF WORK: Full time position working generally Monday to Friday office
hours
STARTING DATE:

April 2017

LEAVE:

We offer the equivalent of 8 weeks paid holiday per year; 4 of

these weeks are set when we operate shut down periods over
Christmas and New Year, and the first 2 weeks of August. The
other 4 weeks of the year staff can take in agreement with their
line manager.
We also offer the equivalent of up to 2 weeks unpaid leave per
year to allow staff to benefit from other work and commitments
throughout the year should they choose to do so.

PENSION:

After a 3 month probationary period, staff are auto enrolled into

a contributory pension scheme where Sistema Scotland match
employees contributions up to 5%. Staff can choose to opt out
of the scheme.

OTHER:

You will ideally be a string player but we may consider

exceptional applications from non-string players

HOW TO APPLY:

See full details on page 7 of this document

SISTEMA SCOTLAND INFORMATION

Sistema Scotlands core mission is:

deprivation.

to transform childrens lives with music;

to empower communities;
to grow future inclusive orchestras; and
to focus this work on communities in most need, in areas of

This pioneering programme emulates the Venezuelan orchestral system El Sistema

which has reached hundreds of thousands of children from deprived communities
over the last 40 years.
Sistema Scotland delivers its work through the creation of Big Noise programmes
within communities, and currently runs three programmes in Raploch in Stirling,
Govanhill in Glasgow and Torry in Aberdeen. We are excited to be launching our
fourth Big Noise centre in Douglas, Dundee.
Based on the same principles developed in Raploch, Govanhill and Torry, Big Noise
Douglas will start with young children (0-8 years old) and build and expand the inschool and after-school orchestral programme, continuing to work with these children
as they grow and each year recruiting the subsequent generation. Working with the
children and their families, the programme is focused on early intervention and
stimulating generational social change, increasing confidence, aspiration, community
cohesion, pride and developing high level skills in the young people involved.
For more information, please see our website www.sistemascotland.org.uk /
www.makeabignoise.org.uk
1.

PRINCIPAL AIMS

1.1 To provide visionary musical and people leadership to Big Noise, Douglas,
based on the core values of Sistema Scotland and the existing Big
Noise programmes.
1.2

To establish and manage a team, embedding them and the programme

successfully into the fabric of Douglas community

1.3

To have lead responsibility for the successful implementation of the Big

Noise Curriculum in Douglas.

2.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

The following gives an indication of the duties and responsibilities that the post may
involve. The exact nature of these duties and responsibilities will change over time
and the post holder will be expected to work flexibly and carry out any work that is
reasonably required and is appropriate to the role.

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
2.6
2.7
2.7
2.8
2.9
2.10
2.11
2.12
2.13
2.14
2.15
2.16
2.17
2.18
2.19
2.20
2.21
2.22

Set Up Phase
Build and sustain positive relationships with the key partners and act as a
champion for the programme
Design a community engagement programme, in partnership with Operations
Manager, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Music, which will ensure
maximum support for Big Noise Douglas.
With the Director of Music, appoint, lead and manage the musicians to ensure
best outcomes for all the children.
Lead on the programme coordination and implementation of the in-school and
after-school curriculum
Teach on the programme, modelling best practice in delivery, planning and
reflection
Research the community desk based research and on-the-ground
Responsibility for implementation of the Big Noise curriculum in Douglas
Ongoing
Line management and supervision of the Musicians
Line management and supervision of the Operations Manager
Line management and supervision of the Support Workers
In consultation with the Director of Music allocate musicians to areas of work
based on skills set and needs of programme
In consultation with the Director of Music and cross centre Curriculum
Specialists set termly and annual goals for all orchestral groups and
curriculum areas.
In consultation with the Director of Music and cross centre Curriculum
Specialists lead curriculum focused training sessions
In consultation with the Director of Music and cross centre Curriculum
Specialists design the programme (structure and content) to meet the
changing needs of the children
In consultation with the Director of Music and cross centre Curriculum
Specialists observe, review and monitor the programme delivery across the
staff team, leading on the development of consistency and quality.
Responsibility for people management of Big Noise After-school; content of
delivery and supporting the Operations Manager with daily huddle and
general logistics
Establishing (and involvement in) local stakeholders groups (e.g. Curriculum,
parent forums, community groups)
Lead contact for Child Protection concerns raised at Big Noise Douglas
Overseeing and ensuring effective communication with parents
Lead responsibility for managing the Big Noise Douglas budget lines
Delivery of Professional Development System and Training Coordination
based on priorities agreed with DoM
Developing and managing a Cover Musician programme
Liaising with the other Big Noise Teams

3.
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4

All Posts Will Meet The Following Requirements

To contribute to the development of a professional working and learning
environment in the organisation.
To contribute to the organisations understanding of diversity and its
implications for the arts, education and community and to ensure this
understanding informs all the organisations activities.
To ensure adherence to the organisations policies and procedures with
particular reference to equality, diversity and health & safety.
To work in a flexible manner in line with the organisations social and
corporate objectives and to be willing to undertake other duties as reasonably
requested.

Team Leader Big Noise Douglas

PERSON SPECIFICATION
KNOWLEDGE AND QUALIFICATIONS
ESSENTIAL
Educated to degree level or equivalent.
Professional standard of instrumental playing and a good knowledge of all
orchestral instruments.
Excellent knowledge of beginner level teaching techniques on string
instruments.
Sound knowledge of variety of music teaching methodologies.
Understanding of orchestral playing and arranging.
Proven commitment to personal and professional development.
DESIRABLE
Training or professional development in leadership techniques / people
management.
Sound knowledge of beginner level teaching techniques on a variety of
instruments.
EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
A track record of success of:
Working with children in a music education and / or community music context.
Delivering instrumental lessons, including to young children and beginners, in
individual and small and large group settings
People management experience and leading teams
Professional performing experience
Experience of working within a challenging and high-pressure environment
DESIRABLE
Experience and training in positive behaviour management and motivation
techniques.
Experience of project management
Experience of outreach work and delivery of community learning and
development work.
SKILLS & ABILITIES

Ability to build and sustain positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders

Proven track record of ability to lead and work as part of a dynamic team.
Excellent communication skills with children and adults.

Ability to motivate and inspire all learners, regardless of ability.

General musicianship workshop skills.
Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage a high-pressure work
load.
The ability to monitor and evaluate childrens development and progress

PERSONAL QUALITIES

Commitment and understanding of the social benefits of music and the Big
Noise programme
Socially motivated
Can demonstrate a national perspective and awareness, whilst remaining
community focused
Belief in opportunities for all, and high expectations for all
Passion and commitment to inclusive practice
Strength of character and a sense of humour
A belief in and determination for others to succeed

OTHER QUALITIES

Ability to work flexibly, in the evenings and at weekends as appropriate. Travel

may be required occasionally.
Commitment to the long term goals of the programme and team, the
participants, and the communities they live in.

HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for this role you must complete our online application form at
http://makeabignoise.org.uk/jobs/ where you will also find the full job description and
person specification (no CVs please). As well as detailing your qualifications and
work experience, you will also have the opportunity to explain why you are interested
in working for Sistema Scotland at Big Noise Douglas and how you meet our
requirements as detailed in the job/person specification.
On the application form we will also ask you to give us the names and contact details
for two referees, one of these should be your current or most recent employer
(please state if you would prefer us not to contact your current employer until you are
provisionally offered the role).
Closing date for applications is Thursday 9 February at 10am.
The selection process will be held during March 2017 in Douglas, Dundee and
will involve a panel interview, an audition, a demonstration lesson with a group
of children and a presentation to a group of representatives from the
community.
For any additional information please e-mail hr@sistemascotland.org.uk or telephone
01786 462923.
The successful applicant will be subject to PVG check although having a criminal
record will not necessarily be a bar to working with Sistema Scotland.