MUSIC ASSISTANT - ACCOMPANIST

SUMMARY

Accompany choirs on piano during school day rehearsals, at choir concerts, and at special events/field trips. Assist the classroom teacher in general daily activities and assist small groups of students to improve music learning skills. Must have advanced skill in piano accompaniment, sight reading, and comfort working with a school vocal ensemble. 

The Saline Area Schools strives to hire individuals who are intrinsically motivated; have a deep desire to grow professionally; believe children deserve to learn in an environment that is the least restrictive and reflective of the highest level of cultural competence; possess a strong work-ethic; are committed to providing children with boundless opportunities; and who understand that an appreciation for diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to the success of an educator in the 21st Century.   

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education/Certification

• Advanced classical piano technique
• Advanced sight-reading ability
• Superior collaborative playing skills and the ability to artistically respond in real-time

Preferred Experience

• At least two years of prior experience as an accompanist.
• Experience working with high school students.
• Capability to play in multiple styles, including classical, jazz, and popular music.
• A willingness to come in every day prepared and to perform artfully.
• Competent sight reading skills and flexibility
• Experience playing piano in front of audiences
• Ability to play difficult music at an advanced level
• Ability to adjust playing style to match differing student/ensemble levels
• Prior training in diversity, equity and inclusion.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Accompany choirs during the school day up to 15 hours a week. 
• Accompany daily rehearsals up to four days a week.
• Choirs meet daily between 8:00am-11:45am. 
• Occasionally lead small group sections in rehearsal.
• Play for extracurricular events including concerts, choral festivals, and some community performances.
• Scheduled performances and concert events included in salary, full performance calendar communicated in August each year.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Professionally prepare choral song accompaniments and vocal parts.
• Accompany/help rehearse multiple choirs/choir sections during daily rehearsals, focusing on pitch and rhythm learning.
• Accompany multiple choirs and other select ensembles at several choir concerts a year. 
• Accompany choirs and ensembles for district and state choir festivals.
• Potential opportunity for independent contractor work accompanying department wide student musicians for Solo & Ensemble Festival events, high school musical, etc.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS; WORK HAZARDS

Work in standard office and school building environments requiring mobility, visual and auditory acuity, communication skills, interpersonal skills, organizational skills, problem-solving skills, adaptability, technology proficiency, physical stamina and environmental awareness

Note:  The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities.  It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

EQUIPMENT

Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone. Use of multiple sized pianos.

APPLICATION METHOD

EXTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified external applicants must complete an application and upload all necessary documents on the Talent Ed Website (please visit our HR web page at: https://saline.tedk12.com/hire/index.aspx# to access the SAS Job Openings. All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until the position has been filled.

INTERNAL CANDIDATES: All interested and qualified internal applicants must submit a letter of interest and a current resume via email to Kara Davis (davisk@salineschools.org). All letters of interest, resumes and applications must be received no later than the deadline listed or until filled.

NONDISCRIMINATION AND EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected category, (collectively, "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities.

Salary : $21