Title: Wind Ensembles Assistant Director 

Department: OrchKids 

Reports to: Director of Education

Classification: Part-Time

Compensation: Hourly teaching rate

Locations: Mary Ann Winterling Elementary (Tuesday) and Highlandtown Elementary/Middle #237 (Wednesday) 

Job Summary:

The OrchKids Wind Ensembles Assistant Director is a dynamic educator who will support the OrchKids wind and percussion ensemble students which may range from grades 1-12. Ensembles are separated into three groups: Prelude Level (beginner), Concert Level (beginner-intermediate), and Symphonic Level (intermediate-advanced.) The primary role of the Wind Ensemble Assistant Director is to collaboratively help the Associate Director of Ensembles and Chamber Music prepare and at times lead the musical rehearsals of the program’s ensemble rehearsals and sectional plans. The Assistant should be prepared and ready to step in as the rehearsal or performance conductor in case the director is absent (at the $70/hr Ensemble Leader rate). 

Planning and Leadership Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Ensemble Director to create rehearsal plans and concert goals
• 4 hours of compensated planning time for every 10 hours of teaching ($30/hr)
  • Supporting in weekly sectional plan creation
  • Weekly check-ins with the Ensemble Director
  • Score study 
  • Assistance with simplified part creation as needed
• Help develop warm up and pedagogy exercises related to the repertoire
• Collaborate on developing opportunities and supports needed for student conductor opportunities
• Teacher communication practice packets each semester 
  • Collaboratively create templates with the Ensemble Director
• Strategic planning meeting attendance as needed
• Monthly ensemble leaders meeting attendance 
• Being present to lead sectional work in ensemble rehearsals and at all Ensemble Intensive Days
• Being prepared and knowledgeable on the repertoire selection for the ensemble 

General Responsibilities:

• Serve as a consistent and 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
• Perform administrative duties in support of ensemble, at times including photocopying, room setup/breakdown
• Attend required concerts, meetings, events and professional development sessions
• Actively incorporate into classes the perspectives, strategies, language, routines, and other pedagogical tools conveyed through the OrchKids professional development sessions
• Maintain professional, prompt lines of communication with OrchKids staff
• Creating substitute rehearsal plans if there is a necessary absence 
• Collaboratively deciding on and communicating ensemble repertoire selection at the start of each semester
  • Researching and programming diverse and dynamic instrumental genres, styles, and composers 
• Additional tasks/responsibilities:
  • Maintaining the scores and instrumental parts once copies are provided
  • Supply requests/maintenance/managing ensemble needs
  • Respond to emails within 48 hours

Qualifications:

• Basic conducting skills ensemble leading experience
• Passion for working with youth and desire to serve as a role model to students
• Strong classroom management skills
• Considerable experience leading beginner – intermediate level student ensembles
• In-depth knowledge of beginner to intermediate pedagogy and repertoire relevant to wind ensemble instruments

• Willingness to jump in and embrace OrchKids’ approach to music-making through creative composition, improvisation and playing a variety of musical genres

• Flexibility and ability to work collaboratively with the OrchKids team and instrumental departments
• Punctuality, professionalism and excellent interpersonal skills

APPENDIX I:  ORCHKIDS MISSION

OrchKids provides Baltimore youth with equitable access to community-based, high-quality music instruction and programming that teaches musical and social skills transferable to all areas of their lives.

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APPENDIX II:  BSO SHARED VALUES

In October 2021, the BSO Board of Directors approved the following shared values, or “BSO Creed”: 

CREATIVITY

• We believe the BSO is first and foremost an artistic institution that is dedicated to the finest creative musical expression.   
• We seek to facilitate opportunities for creative approaches that allow musicians, staff, board, and partners to collaborate to serve our mission.    
• We strive to inform all decisions with our commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

RESPECT   

• We believe the BSO should value, appreciate, and treat all individuals – patrons, staff, musicians, guest artists, and volunteers with compassion, respect, and dignity.    
• We seek to create a welcoming, safe, and enjoyable environment for all.   
• We strive to embrace all human differences and commit to caring and civility towards all with whom we work and serve. 

EXCELLENCE   

• We believe it is an honor to present great music to stir and nurture the soul.   
• We seek to attract, develop, and retain the best talent in all musicians, staff, board, and volunteers. Everyone who works at the BSO has an important role to play in our success.        
• We strive to act with uncompromising integrity and transparency.  

ENGAGEMENT / EDUCATION   

• We believe deep connections to the diverse communities we serve are essential to our mission.   
• We seek to inspire and educate with powerful and meaningful musical experiences for audiences of all ages.    
• We strive to nurture the talents of musicians of all ages with accessible educational initiatives and programs.     
• We strive to create a culture where musicians, staff, board, and volunteers communicate, collaborate, understand, and appreciate each other’s work.   

DIVERSITY

• We believe diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – with respect to race, gender, and personal identity – are cultural and strategic imperatives.    
• We seek to create a culture of excellence that ensures access and inclusion of diverse voices in all that we do.  
• We strive to use the universal language of music to bring people together and embrace our multicultural society