6-12th Grade Instrumental Music Teacher Job Description
Chadwick School
Palos Verdes Peninsula, California
Chadwick School is an independent, K-12, coeducational day school dedicated to academic excellence, the development of exemplary character, and self-discovery through experience. A highly educated faculty and staff bring out the best in the talented student body through active learning, challenging academics, one-on-one mentoring, unparalleled global opportunities, nationally distinguished outdoor education and community service programs, outstanding athletic opportunities, and award-winning visual and performing arts.
The core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, fairness, and compassion are widely shared and fostered daily in classrooms, during co-curricular activities, and through the camaraderie of this close-knit community.
Located on a beautiful, 45-acre hilltop campus on the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County, Chadwick enrolls over 800 students drawn from more than 45 Southern California communities.
Job Title: 6-12th Grade Instrumental Music Teacher
Division/Department: K-12 Performing Arts
Reports To: Director of Performing Arts
Location: Palos Verdes, CA
Level/Grade: 6-12
Type of position/FLSA: Full-time Exempt
POSITION SUMMARY
Chadwick School’s Performing Arts Department is looking for an energizing, enthusiastic, committed individual with deep instrumental music experience (professionally and in the classroom). The ideal candidate will inspire a love of music, performance, reflection, creativity, courage, and community in Chadwick students.
The 6–12th grade instrumental music teacher will teach an Upper School music course (i.e. Advanced Music Theory, Jazz Ensemble, or other offerings aligned with strengths and interests) and direct instrumental ensembles. In addition, this person will serve as the Orchestra Director for the Middle School musical and the Upper School musical. This role includes opportunities to lead students in performances, competitions, festivals, and community events.
This role is supported by an exceptional performing arts department, including a Director of Performing Arts, teachers of Middle and Upper School Theater, Vocal Music, Dance, and Elementary School Music, as well as a departmental Technical Director. In close collaboration with the performing arts department members, this person will help continue to strengthen and evolve a robust music program and provide a rich learning atmosphere that aligns with Chadwick's mission and departmental curriculum and expectations.
ASSOCIATED RESPONSIBILITIES
Music-Related Responsibilities
- Teach an Upper School UC Accredited music course, such as AP Music Theory or Jazz Ensemble.
- Lead music/instrumental co-curriculars, such as 6th grade orchestra, middle school music, and upper school orchestra.
- Lead instrumental ensembles, which may include sixth-grade orchestra, Middle School music courses, and Upper School orchestra and/or ensemble offerings.
- Facilitate two large-scale instrumental performances per year, such as winter and spring instrumental concerts.
- Support the annual Upper School and Middle School musicals. Rehearsals generally take place during the school day, but there will be after-school, evening, and weekend commitments during set times of the year.
- Work with the Division Directors and Performing Arts Director to establish and manage the yearly performing arts calendar.
- Work with the Director of Performing Arts to steward and manage the instrumental music budget.
- Keep the music library up-to-date and organized. Order new music and maintain music folders for instrumental students and ensembles.
Additional Responsibilities
- Be on campus from 7:45 am until 3:45 pm on days when school is in session; times will be adjusted/augmented to accommodate rehearsal schedules, as there will be after-school, evening, and weekend commitments during various production times of the year.
- Positively contribute to the life of the school community.
- Create an inclusive classroom environment of mutual respect and rapport; incorporate anti-bias practices into the classroom culture and apply Chadwick's shared equitable assessment and grading practices.
- Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior required to provide an orderly and productive environment.
- Collaborate with department members to develop and teach a curriculum that aligns with departmental philosophy and needs.
- Use a variety of instructional techniques to engage students in active, experiential learning.
- Provide feedback on student learning; use Chadwick principles of assessment and grading to assess, record, and provide feedback on student learning and next steps in Upper School core courses.
- Submit grades, checklists, and student comments as instructed and on time.
- Keep information systems up to date, including class calendars, gradebooks, and course online sites.
- Attend all relevant department and faculty meetings and school events, including new faculty training, professional development, and student orientations before school starts, back-to-school night, parent-teacher conferences, etc.
- Communicate promptly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues.
- Read and follow employment policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
- Read and follow academic policies outlined in the relevant division Handbook.
- Communicate promptly and professionally with students, families, and colleagues.
- Perform other duties as assigned.