Middle & Upper School Music Program Assistant - Part Time
Instrumental and/or Choral Music
At Good Hope Country Day School, children are the heart of all we do. Our teachers and staff inspire students’ curiosity, nurture their growth, and expand their horizons every day, utilizing best practices in teaching and learning and guiding them as they become their best selves. Collaborating with colleagues and the island community, GHCDS faculty and staff implement our mission; live our values of Integrity, Respect, Citizenship, and Scholarship; and bring alive our school’s mantra, “The Island is our Classroom, the World is our Responsibility.”
The Middle & Upper School Music Program Assistant is a part-time position designed to support the school’s Middle and Upper School instrumental and/or choral music program. The position is approximately one class period per school day (1/7 of a full teaching load), with additional participation in rehearsals and performances as arranged.
The Music Program Assistant works under the direction of and in collaboration with the Middle & Upper School Music Teacher. Depending upon the skills and experience of the successful candidate, responsibilities may focus on instrumental music, choral music, or both.
For instrumental music, the assistant will primarily support the band program through sectional rehearsals, individual or small-group coaching, and additional instruction designed to help students develop instrumental technique and ensemble skills.
For choral music, the assistant will primarily provide piano/keyboard accompaniment, assist with sectional rehearsals and vocal coaching as appropriate, and support students and the music teacher in preparing repertoire for performances.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Works approximately one regularly scheduled class period per school day (1/7 teaching load) in support of the Middle & Upper School music program.
2. Works collaboratively with and under the direction of the Middle & Upper School Music Teacher to support student learning and the goals of the music program.
3. Instrumental responsibilities may include:
- Leading instrumental sectionals and small-group rehearsals.
- Providing individual or small-group coaching to students at beginning through advanced levels.
- Reinforcing instrumental technique, musicianship, rehearsal skills, and assigned repertoire.
- Assisting the Music Teacher in preparing instrumental ensembles for concerts and performances.
4. Choral responsibilities may include:
- Providing piano/keyboard accompaniment during choral rehearsals.
- Accompanying students during concerts and other performances as arranged.
- Leading or assisting with vocal sectionals when appropriate to the candidate’s training and experience.
- Supporting students in learning and preparing choral repertoire.
5. Assists the Music Teacher with planning and preparation for concerts, assemblies, and other student performances.
6. Participates in additional rehearsals and performances when scheduled and agreed upon in advance.
7. Helps maintain an effective, positive, and appropriately structured rehearsal environment with clear expectations for student conduct.
8. Communicates regularly with the Music Teacher regarding student progress, repertoire, rehearsal needs, and areas in which students may benefit from additional support.
9. Collaborates, as appropriate, with other members of the GHCDS music faculty to support the overall music program.
10 Attends meetings directly related to music-program planning or performances when requested and mutually arranged. Regular attendance at general faculty or committee meetings is not required for this part-time position.
11. Adheres to the provisions of the GHCDS Employee Handbook and the school’s expectations for professional and ethical conduct.
12. Performs other music-program-related tasks and duties as mutually agreed upon and appropriate to the scope and part-time nature of the position.
ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in music, music education, performance, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional training and significant music experience will be considered.
- Demonstrated training and proficiency appropriate to the area in which the candidate will work—instrumental music, choral music/accompaniment, or both.
- Continuing professional development in music, music education, performance, or related areas is valued.
Experience:
- Experience working with Middle and/or Upper School-aged students is preferred.
- Prior experience teaching, coaching, directing, accompanying, or working with student musicians is preferred.
- Experience working with musicians of varying levels, from beginning through advanced, is strongly preferred.
- Knowledge of and/or desire to learn about the culture and peoples of St. Croix.
Required Skills and Attributes:
- Strong musicianship and demonstrated proficiency in the candidate’s area of responsibility.
- For instrumental applicants: proficiency in instrumental instruction and the ability to lead sectionals and coach students on technique, musicianship, and ensemble repertoire.
- For choral/accompaniment applicants: strong piano/keyboard skills and the ability to accompany choral rehearsals and performances; experience supporting vocalists and/or leading vocal sectionals is preferred.
- Candidates interested in fulfilling both components should demonstrate proficiency in instrumental instruction as well as piano/keyboard accompaniment and choral support.
- Ability to work effectively with students ranging from beginning through advanced levels.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with the lead Music Teacher and other school personnel.
- Flexibility, reliability, and the ability to work with appropriate independence while supporting the direction and goals established by the Music Teacher.
- Creative and practical problem-solving skills.
- Integrity and good judgment.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to perform the physical duties of the position on the GHCDS campus.
- Must demonstrate a strong commitment to the mission and values of GHCDS.
- Must be available during the regularly scheduled music class period(s) associated with the position and for agreed-upon rehearsals and performances.
Good Hope Country Day School is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Please note, in your cover letter, please indicate area of interest:
- Instrumental Music Assistant
- Choral Accompanist/Assistant
- Combined Instrumental and Choral Music Program Assistant
Pay: From $12,000.00 per year
Application Question(s):
- Are you currently living on the island of St. Croix, if no, please detail your availability for relocation to St. Croix.
Work Location: In person
