Title: Substitute Teaching Artist 2022-23 School Year 

This position will be offered to qualified teaching artists who will be contacted in the event that a substitute teaching artist in their area of expertise is needed. 

Reports to: Director of Education and Program Managers
Classification: Contractual, hired on an as-needed basis
Compensation: $40/hour
Location: Any one of our OrchKids program sites (7 locations across Baltimore City)
Hours: Dependent on the position and site where the substitute teacher is required

Organizational Summary:
OrchKids uses music as a vehicle for students to develop 21st century skills (creativity, collaboration, leadership, etc.) that are transferable to all areas of their lives. Marin Alsop, Music Director Laureate of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and OrchKids Founding Director, shaped OrchKids into the cornerstone of the BSO’s community engagement efforts across the city with her artistic leadership and direction. OrchKids was founded in 2008 with 30 students at one elementary school with seed funding from Marin Alsop and Founding Donors Rheda Becker and Robert E. Meyerhoff.

OrchKids now works with seven schools in Baltimore City, serving over 1,800 children from Pre-K through 12th grade during school, after school, and in weeklong workshops. 

In collaboration with several community partners OrchKids provides music education, instruments, academic assistance, meals, mental health resources, connection to social services, as well as performance and mentorship opportunities at no cost to students and families. OrchKids is an acknowledged leader in the El Sistema and social-change through music movement throughout the world.

Job Summary:
Our Teaching Artists are dynamic educators who teach instrumental and choral group classes to students, ranging in grades from Pre-K to 12th, depending on the instrument and class. The classes are based on student level/age and meet for one hour, 3-4 days/week. The OrchKids educational philosophy focuses on student-centered learning, holistic and evidence-based teaching practices relevant to our students’ lives, creation and improvisation, inclusion, student voice and agency, and ensemble music-making. Embracing OrchKids educational philosophy, our teaching artists help guide the musical development of the program’s students through these classes. This methodology aims to promote synchronicity and community as well as simultaneously cultivating high artistic instrumental skills (i.e. technique, learning challenging repertoire) and fostering creativity (e.g. improvisation and composition).

Substitute Teaching Artist positions include: strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion (orchestral percussion and bucket drumming), harp, and early childhood musicianship. 

Responsibilities:

• Arrive at scheduled time on site
• Group or private lesson classes in accordance with the OrchKids curriculum and educational philosophy
• Follow the lesson plan outline provided by the students’ primary OrchKids teacher 
• Serve as a compassionate mentor to OrchKids students 
• Hold students to high artistic standards, cultivating both their technical and ensemble skills
• Embrace OrchKids’ mission, goals, and guiding principles
• Supervise students during transitions and breaktime
• Maintain professional, prompt lines of communication with OrchKids staff

Qualifications:

• Passion for working with youth and desire to serve as a role model to students.
• Strong classroom management skills
• Completed Background Check from Baltimore City Schools (100% of the cost will be reimbursed by OrchKids)
• Considerable experience teaching beginner – intermediate level music students, preferably in a group setting
• In-depth knowledge of instrument specific pedagogy and repertoire 
• Flexibility and ability to work collaboratively
• Punctuality, professionalism and excellent interpersonal skills

OrchKids Principles of Inclusion:

BSO OrchKids believes in the principles of diversity and inclusion for students and all parties involved in the program regardless of race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or socio-economic status. We are proud to serve students of all backgrounds and abilities and our expectation is that all students will be treated equally, nurtured to ensure their success and we will meet them where they are. As a team, we expect and are prepared to make reasonable accommodations to address and support differences in learning styles, behaviors, and cultural differences. Our expectation is also that we treat all parties involved in BSO OrchKids (teaching artists, staff, school staff, families, community members, etc.) with respect and in accordance with our principles of inclusion.

The Baltimore Symphony is an Equal Opportunity Employer:
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, differing physical abilities, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.

How to Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume to orchkids@bsomusic.org. Please no phone calls. 

Applications are currently being received on a rolling basis and candidates will be contacted based on openings and qualifications. Finalists will be asked to demonstrate teaching and rehearsal skills in the interview. Should a position no longer be available at the time of the candidate’s interview, they may be asked to be listed on the OrchKids substitute teacher list.