Teacher, Head Band Director (Grapevine Middle School)

Job Title:        Teacher, Head Band                                 Wage/Hour Status: Exempt

Reports to:      Principal                                                Pay Grade:  Teacher Payscale plus a stipend

Dept./School:  Grapevine Middle School                        Date Revised: Spring 2025

Primary Purpose:

Provide students with outstanding learning activities and experiences in music so they develop pedagogical and technical mastery, musical understanding, and a love of music. The director will encourage lifelong learning and participation in music beyond the middle and high school settings.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited university
• Valid Texas teaching certificate with required endorsements for teaching music with specific training in band
• Demonstrated competency or potential as a head middle school band director

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with a team of fine arts teachers at the campus and district level
• Must be able to recruit students to the program and instill a love of music
• Ability to create a positive culture for students, parents, and staff
• Must have high expectations of their own work and the work of their students
• Ability to work positively and collaboratively with parent support organizations
• Ability to instruct students and manage behavior in both small and large ensembles
• Knowledge of specific band pedagogy to include, but not limited to: wind and percussion instrument pedagogy, rehearsal techniques, conducting, ear training, counting systems, and music theory
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of curriculum and instruction with specific knowledge of scope and sequence in a band setting
• Knowledge of UIL and TMEA rules, entry requirements, and important dates and deadlines
• Ensure the proper use, maintenance, and tracking of the school’s instrument, equipment, and music inventory
• Knowledge of outside-of-school activities to enhance students’ musical experiences

Experience

• At least 3 years of successful band directing experience as defined by UIL ratings, student achievement, and class enrollment 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Musical Performance

• Present high-quality large ensemble performances for the school and community
• Present high-quality large ensemble performances in accordance with the standards of UIL and selected festivals and contests
• Teach sight-reading skills in accordance with the standards of UIL
• Present high-quality solo and small ensemble performances for the school, community and selected festivals and contests

Instructional Strategies

• Effectively use instructional and rehearsal strategies
• Recruit and retain students into the program through high quality instruction
• Develop and implement lesson plans that fulfill the requirements of district’s curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required
• Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for differences in student learning styles
• Present subject matter according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations
• Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned
• Conduct assessment of student learning styles and use results to plan instructional activities
• Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education Plans (IEP)
• Work with other members of staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and methods according to district requirements
• Plan and supervise assignments of assistant director, teacher aide(s), student teacher(s) and volunteer(s)

Student Growth and Development

• Monitor and encourage student growth and development
• Use technology to strengthen the teaching/learning process
• Help students analyze and improve study and practice methods and habits
• Conduct ongoing assessment of student achievement through formal and informal evaluation
• Assume responsibility for extracurricular activities as assigned
• Sponsor outside activities approved by the campus principal
• Be a positive role model for students, support mission of school district

Classroom Management and Organization

• Create a classroom environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students
• Recruit and retain students into the program by creating a positive culture and growth mindset
• Manage student behavior in accordance with Student Code of Conduct and student handbook
• Manage band finances in a fiscally responsible manner in accordance with district policy
• Organize and lead a strong booster club and volunteer program
• Interview, screen, hire and manage private lesson staff
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Assist in selection of books, equipment, and other instructional materials
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers
• Maintain a professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members
• Use effective communication skills to present information accurately and clearly

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district, and school regulations and policies for classroom teachers
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise assigned assistant directors, teacher aides, private lesson staff, and student teachers.

Working Conditions

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pulling, and pushing
• Move large instruments, sound shells, and sound equipment as able
• Move small stacks of textbooks, media equipment, desks, and other classroom equipment as able
• Some work outdoors