Existing members of APO who wish to stay in the wind pool should use the form linked below to confirm this. Reserve players, those who are unsure if they are in the wind pool already, and any other wind players who wish to apply, can use the same form. This is so that we can take stock of who has played in the wind section for APO in the last few years and ensure that the wind pool membership comprises players who meet the general standard, and who meet the other requirements set out in the APO Rules and Regulations document. To be clear, this means that existing members of the wind pool are not guaranteed to continue as such, if there is a reserve player who is better placed/suited.
Once the application deadline has passed, the music director and assistant music director will meet with each of the wind principals (see below) to decide on pool members/reserve list players. We will then inform everyone who is a member of the pool and who is on the reserve list.
Applications invited for APO wind principals
Wind players who are current members of APO wind pool or have played regularly as a reserve member are invited to use the same form to apply for the position of wind principal for their instrument section (flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, trumpets, lower brass). The final decision on selection will rest with the music director, who will contact all applicants to explain selection decisions and offer feedback. The requirements for principals, as stated below, mean that it does not necessarily follow that principals must always play the first part, or that players who apply for and are not accepted for a principal position cannot play first.
If there are no suitable candidates from APO’s membership, the position(s) in question will be advertised for external candidates. External applicants who are not known to the orchestra will be required to undertake an audition, the parameters of which will be decided as the need arises.
Requirements for principals
As a wind or string principal, you’ll be an experienced orchestral player with an advanced level (post grade 8/diploma) of instrumental technique. This includes being able to play with confident sound and tuning across your instrument’s range, but particularly in the higher parts. You’ll also have a rhythmic discipline, a strong inner pulse and musical awareness that supports connection with the wider ensemble. You’ll display an appropriate level of assurance and poise, helping your section to play securely, using breathing and gesture to lead, when appropriate.
Nobody expects perfection from any player, let alone ones who are practising for APO in their spare time. As such, even though you’ll be seeking continual improvement, you’ll be able to analyse your performance to have an awareness of your limitations, being able to work on them without undue stress and anxiety. You’ll have a positive relationship with your section, other players and the conductor, choosing the right moment and communication method to flag any issues and offer feedback, during and outside rehearsals.
(Wind principals only) In conjunction with the music director and assistant music director, you’ll be responsible for fixing your section and allocating parts in a timescale that suits the players, according to the wind pool and reserves list process (outlined below). You’ll set an example by being well prepared for rehearsals, coordinating preparation and practice activities with your colleagues. Although you may need to miss the odd rehearsal or concert, you’ll aim to play in most and to coordinate the section so that there is consistency of rehearsal attendance, with well-prepared deps booked well in advance to cover unavoidable absences.
(String principals only) In conjunction with the music director and assistant music director, you’ll assist with seating and take the lead on bowing your section’s parts, when leading. You’ll set an example by being well prepared for rehearsals, coordinating preparation and practice activities with your colleagues. Although you may need to miss the odd rehearsal or concert, you’ll aim to play in most.
Wind pool and reserves list process
Each section will have an appropriate number of regular pool players who are asked first when fixing is undertaken by the principal (or the music director, if no principal is appointed). Where possible, part allocations (either within or between concerts, depending on individuals’/section preferences) must be shared fairly, subject to the relevant competencies (again, it does not necessarily follow that a wind principal will always play the first part). A list of reserve players will be kept for occasions when there are insufficient pool players for an event. This will be ordered by who gets asked first, though in urgent circumstances all reserves can be asked simultaneously. If this is the case communications to the reserve list must indicate this by using the term ‘asking elsewhere’.
All players in the pool and on the reserve list will have access to a document detailing the wind pool and reserves (this document will not include any personal details other than names). Notes on specific competencies (i.e. able to play 1st parts/specialist in related instruments/2nd parts only/low parts only) will be included in this document. The music director will discuss the competencies assigned to each individual player with them, in line with section 7 of the APO Rules and Regulations: ‘Standards and feedback’.
The music director will discuss with the relevant players and make decisions about membership of the wind pool in the event of:
- A pool player being unable to commit such that a reserve player is playing more regularly than them, with a view to the reserve taking their place in the pool, with the existing pool player becoming a reserve.
- A pool player being unable to maintain their playing competence to the general standard, especially if a suitable reserve is in a position to take their place in the pool.