We are very sorry to announce that our Musical Director, Mr Christopher Lawrence, has decided to step down from the band from September 2026, and so CSD will be in need of a new conductor. We are enormously grateful to Chris for his transformative effect on the band’s functioning and for his musically ambitious programming over the last four years.
Prospective candidates to take up the baton from Chris should read the information below. We look forward to hearing from you.
C SD Brass
CSD Brass is a non-contesting, musically confident brass band of around 25 members in the heart of Cambridge, playing at a fourth-section standard. We perform a summer season of lighter music at bandstands and village fetes, carols at Christmas and for the last few years, we have put on two Sunday afternoon concerts each year of substantial original works for brass band. We rehearse at St Luke’s Church, Victoria Road, Cambridge, on Monday evenings from 19.45-21.45. The band is run by an elected committee; musical vision, repertoire decisions and the running of rehearsals are delegated to the Musical Director. We have a loyal audience and usually sell out our concerts.
The Role
We’re looking for a Musical Director from September 2026 to provide a clear musical vision for the band, whose demeanour and personality make rehearsals enjoyable for players.
What You’ll Do
Lead weekly rehearsals on Monday evenings, keeping the band focused, working together, and making the best use of our time.
Prepare repertoire for our own public concerts as well as summer engagements.
Balance encouragement with clear direction, helping individuals and the group grow in confidence.
Work alongside the committee to plan music, performances, and the band’s future development.
What We’re Looking For
An experienced brass player, whether in brass bands or not.
Someone with experience of brass banding or leading musical groups.
A good communicator who can motivate and inspire players.
Someone organised and capable of working as part of a team.
What We Offer
An experienced committee who will keep the band organised while supporting your freedom to choose your own musical vision.
A band with very few vacancies and predictable attendance at rehearsals.
An established reputation and loyal audience at concerts.
A friendly and welcoming atmosphere, with members of the band keen to commit to their own musicianship and keep learning new things.
A warm, comfortable ‘home’ rehearsal and concert venue at St Luke’s Church in Cambridge, with parking.
An honorarium of £40 per rehearsal for the right candidate.
Please send an email with a short explanation of why you could be right for CSD and a suggestion of what your musical vision could be for the band to csdbrass@gmail.com. We expect to hold auditions for prospective MDs at a Monday rehearsal in the spring.
