What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director - Assistant/Orchestra (2025-2026 School Year) position at Katy Independent School District?
Reports to: Principal/Orchestra Director
Duty Day: 187 Days
Wage/Hour Status: Exempt
Pay Grade: Teacher Hiring Schedule
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree from accredited university
Valid Texas teaching certificate
Knowledge of overall operation of instrumental music program
Ability to manage budget and personnel
Knowledge of state, UIL, and TMEA policies governing Orchestra activities
Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data
Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills
Three years high school teaching and instrumental ensemble directing experience preferred
Primary Purpose:
Assist in directing and managing the overall orchestra program for the campus and district. Provide students with an opportunity to participate in extracurricular orchestra activities and ensure compliance with all state, University Interscholastic League (UIL), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), and district requirements. Be active in the planning and instruction of orchestra activities in accordance with campus and district expectations. Be active in the planning and preparation to provide students the opportunity to achieve district, region, state, and national recognition.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Direct high school orchestra performers, including string orchestra, full orchestra, soloists, and ensembles.
- Establish performance requirements, enforce academic requirements, and verify each student’s eligibility to participate in orchestra.
- Provide for orchestra participation at extracurricular events, including various performance venues such as concerts, district appearances, and in all UIL and TMEA activities.
- Arrange transportation, lodging, and meals for out-of-town events.
- Comply with federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, UIL rules, TMEA rules, and local school board policy in the orchestra area.
- Support orchestra booster club activities.
- Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to determine program effectiveness and to ensure that program renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
- Recommend policies to improve program.
- Ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
- Attend all professional and staff meetings as requested.
- Assist in compiling budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
- Assist in coordinating fundraising activities and management of funds.
- Maintain current inventory of all fixed assets within department.
- Oversee process of cleaning, repairing, and storing all orchestra equipment and performance apparel.
- Assist in development and implementation of plans for orchestra music program and show written evidence of preparation as required.
- Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for individual student differences.
- Present subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations including, but not limited to, the established Katy ISD curriculum for subject area through use of the Forethought program.
- 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 ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
- Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
- Apply and enforce student discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, student handbook, and orchestra handbook.
- Accompany and supervise on all trips.
- Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
- Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
- Maintain professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
- Assist with recruitment, selection, training, supervision, and evaluation of private lessons instructors.
- Work to provide campus, District, and community awareness of orchestra activities and performances.
- Provide supervisory leadership and management to all component groups within orchestra program.
- Provide additional instructional help, as available, to “cluster” junior high orchestra programs.
- Actively participate in District orchestra music events, as assigned, such as pre-UIL contests, etc.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
Will be defined by the head Orchestra Director which may include, but are not limited to:
- Individual section teaching responsibilities
- Preparation and conducting of string ensembles
- Recruiting and supervising campus private lessons program instructors
- Monitor/supervise campus private lesson program.
- Monitor/advise booster organization activities
Equipment Used:
Personal computer, copier, printer, and fax machine.
Working Conditions:
Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent district and occasional statewide travel; prolonged and irregular hours; outdoor and indoor work; exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather. Moderate lifting may be required.
The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.
