Wind Ensembles Assistant Director

Title: Wind Ensembles Assistant Director

Department: Orch Kids

Reports to: Director of Education

Classification: Part-Time

Compensation: Hourly teaching rate

Locations: Mary Ann Winterling Elementary (Tuesday) and Highlandtown Elementary/Middle #237 (Wednesday)

The Orch Kids Wind Ensembles Assistant Director is a dynamic educator who will support the Orch Kids wind and percussion ensemble students which may range from grades 1-12. Ensembles are separated into three groups:
Prelude Level (beginner), Concert Level (beginner-intermediate), and Symphonic Level (intermediate-advanced). The primary role of the Wind Ensemble Assistant Director is to collaboratively help the Associate Director of Ensembles and Chamber Music prepare and at times lead the musical rehearsals of the program’s ensemble rehearsals and sectional plans. The Assistant should be prepared and ready to step in as the rehearsal or performance conductor in case the director is absent (at the $70/hr Ensemble Leader rate).

• Collaborate with the Ensemble Director to create rehearsal plans and concert goals
• 4 hours of compensated planning time for every 10 hours of teaching ($30/hr)
  • Supporting in weekly sectional plan creation
  • Weekly check-ins with the Ensemble Director
  • Score study
  • Assistance with simplified part creation as needed
• Help develop warm up and pedagogy exercises related to the repertoire
• Collaborate on developing opportunities and supports needed for student conductor opportunities
• Teacher communication practice packets each semester
  • Collaboratively create templates with the Ensemble Director
• Strategic planning meeting attendance as needed
• Monthly ensemble leaders meeting attendance
• Being present to lead sectional work in ensemble rehearsals and at all Ensemble Intensive Days
• Being prepared and knowledgeable on the repertoire selection for the ensemble

• Serve as a consistent and compassionate mentor to Orch Kids students
• Hold students to high artistic standards, cultivating both their technical and ensemble skills
• Embrace Orch Kids’ mission, goals, and guiding principles
• Perform administrative duties in support of ensemble, at times including photocopying, room set up and breakdown
• Attend required concerts, meetings, events and professional development sessions
• Actively incorporate into classes the perspectives, strategies, language, routines, and other pedagogical tools conveyed through the Orch Kids professional development sessions
• Maintain professional, prompt lines of communication with Orch Kids staff
• Creating substitute rehearsal plans if there is a necessary absence
• Collaboratively deciding on and communicating ensemble repertoire selection at the start of each semester
  • Researching and programming diverse and dynamic instrumental genres, styles, and composers
• Additional tasks/responsibilities:
  • Maintaining the scores and instrumental parts once copies are provided
  • Supply requests/maintenance/managing ensemble needs
  • Respond to emails within 48 hours

• Basic conducting skills ensemble leading experience
• Passion for working with youth and desire to serve as a role model to students
• Strong classroom management skills
• Considerable experience leading beginner – intermediate level student ensembles
• In‑depth knowledge of beginner to intermediate pedagogy and repertoire relevant to wind ensemble instruments
• Willingness to jump in and embrace Orch Kids’ approach to music‑making through creative composition, improvisation and playing a variety of musical genres
• Flexibility and ability to work collaboratively with the Orch Kids team and instrumental departments
• Punctuality, professionalism and excellent interpersonal skills