MS Band Director - Woodwinds

Description

POSITION OVERVIEW

Join a growth-oriented, collaborative learning community committed to developing the whole person for college and life. Westminster hires and retains passionate, talented, and diverse educators like you to prepare our students to be lifelong learners, well-equipped to address local and global challenges. Westminster excels regionally and nationally in every area of school life, from academics to the arts and athletics, achieving excellence through a wide range of programming—and we need you to help us! 

Teacher of MS Beginning, Intermediate, & Advanced Band

The Middle School Band Director: Woodwind Specialist provides vision and direction in Westminster's Middle School Band Program in alignment with National Music Standards and Westminster's philosophy and strategic goals. This Director curates repertoire, teaches and conducts MS students, and has specific expertise in woodwind instruments. The Middle School Band Director: Woodwind Specialist will lead excellence in student musicianship while maintaining a climate that encourages student engagement, participation, and creativity. This role is seated in our Middle School and will include standard faculty roles within this division. They will work collaboratively with the MS Band Director: Brass Specialist and the Director of Percussion to ensure program continuity and excellence across all grade levels. The Middle School Band Director: Woodwind Specialist will divide podium time in an equitable manner with the MS Band Director: Brass Specialist and Percussion Director.

For our part, Westminster stands ready to support you with exceptional resources, including a Center for Teaching that provides workshops, cohorts, coaching, travel grants, and resources to help you be your best. At Westminster, you are more than just an academic expert; you make a difference in the lives of students, colleagues, and families – and they, in turn, make a difference in yours.

Supervisor: Hiring Manager, Head of Middle School; Dotted line, Director of Performing Arts

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None

Position Status:  Salaried, exempt, full-time, 10-month

Hours of Work: Typical hours are 7:45 am-3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Some weekend and evening work will be required.

Anticipated Start Date:   August 1, 2025

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements below represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for a successful candidate.

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or other relevant degree. A graduate degree in Music Performance or Music Education is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in woodwind instruments, particularly flute, clarinet, saxophone, and oboe, with the ability to teach the full range of woodwinds.
• Three or more years of classroom and ensemble teaching experience at the middle school level is preferred.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate band literature, including diverse and inclusive repertoire. Background in arranging or adapting music for student ensembles is preferred.
• Working knowledge of brass and percussion instruments to support balanced ensemble instruction preferred.
• A strong understanding of middle school students' developmental stages, including appropriate pacing, motivation techniques, and classroom management strategies, is preferred.
• Proficiency in music technology tools (e.g., notation software, digital audio platforms) to enhance instruction is preferred.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and parents, and that inspire students.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Ensemble Leadership

• Serves as co-conductor and teacher for Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Band as well as MS Jazz Band
• Partners with the Middle School Band Director: Brass Specialist, and the Percussion Director to choose repertoire. 
• Equitably divides podium time among the multiple conductors
• Prepares students for numerous performances throughout the year
• Leads sectional rehearsals with emphasis on woodwind instruction across all grade levels
• Participates in weekly cross-divisional Band meetings inclusive of all Band faculty.
• Collaborates with the Percussion Director to integrate the percussion ensemble for concerts and events.
• Along with MS Director of Band: Brass Specialist, co-manages the communication and coordination of the clinician specialist program with ultimate supervision, support, and oversight from the Director of Performing Arts

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Curriculum Development and Oversight

• Implements comprehensive Middle School band curriculum in collaboration with The Middle School Band Director: Brass Specialist
• Creates developmentally appropriate progression of skills from Beginning through Advanced grade
• Aligns curriculum with National Music Standards and school philosophy
• Develops assessment tools and rubrics for woodwind student progress
• Creates lesson plans and instructional materials that address diverse learning needs

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Woodwind Specialist Duties

• Provides specialized woodwind  instruction across all Middle School grade levels
• Leads woodwind sectionals and small group instruction
• Mentors students in proper woodwind technique and maintenance
• Develops specialized jazz woodwind skills for MS Jazz Band
• Collaborates with other instrumental specialists to ensure balanced ensemble development

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Administration and Organization

• Assists with management of the Middle School band music library
• Coordinates facility and equipment logistics. 
• Assists with concert and event production, including delivering poster and program information in a timely fashion to the Manager of Broyles Arts Center
• Organizes setup for concerts and events
• Supports registration for GMEA Events
• Maintains inventory of school-owned woodwind instruments
• Liaises with our facilities team in a timely fashion to facilitate large-scale moves of equipment

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Parent and Community Engagement

• Serves as a contact for the Middle School band program
• Plans and coordinates concerts and performance events in collaboration with MS Band Director: Brass Specialist
• Maintains regular communication with parents regarding student progress and program updates in collaboration with MS Band Director: Brass Specialist
• Coordinates parent volunteers for band events in collaboration with MS Band Director: Brass Specialist
• Assists with parent meetings as needed in collaboration with MS Band Director: Brass Specialist

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Assessment and Progress Tracking

• In conjunction with the full Westminster Band Team, develops and implements assessment strategies for individual percussion and jazz ensemble growth
• Maintains accurate records of student attendance and achievement
• Delivers grades and comments in a timely fashion, in conjunction with other Band Directors
• Documents student progress and prepares progress reports
• Perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch and crawl; talk and hear; engage in moderately strenuous physical activity both indoors and out; and smell. The employee may occasionally lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to become CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified is required.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and may frequently walk on slippery or uneven surfaces. Other physical demands include lifting and moving equipment, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces. The noise level in the work environment is often loud.

Westminster is a drug-free, smoke/vape-free campus.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the regular business day.  Overnight and out-of-area travel may also be required and is associated mainly with planned events, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

Driving a Westminster vehicle may be required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Westminster is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment.  It is Westminster’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities and administer terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran under applicable federal, state and local laws.  EOE/M/F/D/V.

Qualifications