Middle School and Upper School Instrumental Music Teacher

The Summit Country Day School • Cincinnati, OH, US • 7h ago

Overview:

The Summit Country Day School is a nationally recognized leader in character education and offers a compelling combination of small classes, caring faculty, academic rigor, and strong spiritual values. For more than a century, The Summit has maintained a proud legacy of excellence in independent, Catholic education. We offer coeducational learning experience to students from Montessori 18 months through grade 12. The Summit is a place where values are affirmed, young minds are enriched, and dreams take flight. Learn more at www.summitcds.org.

The Middle and Upper School Instrumental Music Teacher leads and grows a comprehensive band program serving students across grades 5-12. This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for developing a cohesive, sequential instrumental music program; directing multiple ensembles; coordinating concerts and performances; and cultivating a culture of excellence, commitment, and joy in music-making. The Instrumental Music Teacher plays a central role in the performing arts department and contributes meaningfully to the broader life of the school through performances, liturgies, leadership initiatives, and student enrichment opportunities.

Responsibilities:

· Plans and delivers engaging, developmentally appropriate instruction for band courses in grades 5–12, including beginning, intermediate, and advanced ensembles.

· Develops and refines a vertically aligned instrumental music curriculum that builds technical skill, musical literacy, ensemble performance, and artistic expression over time.

· Directs and conducts all Middle School and Upper School band ensembles.

· Plans, coordinates, and executes all band concerts and major performances, including managing repertoire selection, rehearsal schedules, logistics, communication, and event coordination.

· Prepares students for performances at major school events, which may include:

· Middle School and Upper School concerts

· Middle School Graduation and Baccalaureate

· End-of-year celebrations such as the Gathering of Gratitude

· Naturalization Ceremony

· Middle and Upper School liturgies and special services

· Supports and prepares students for regional and state honor ensembles and festivals, including:

· OMEA Honor Band (Middle and High School)

· OMEA Solo and Ensemble (Middle and High School)

· Greater Cincinnati Catholic Honor Band

· Other appropriate regional ensembles (e.g., Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble)

· Attends and supports students at auditions, rehearsals, and festival performances outside regular school hours, including evenings and weekends as required.

· Provides individualized instruction and sectional coaching to support student growth and preparation for auditions and performances.

· Maintains the band library, inventory, equipment, and instrument maintenance systems in an organized and fiscally responsible manner.

· Partners with third party providers to provide instruments for students.

· Communicates effectively with students, parents, faculty, and administration regarding program expectations, performance schedules, and student progress.

· Fulfills assigned Middle School duties, including supervision, advising, and club sponsorship as needed.

· Participates in Upper School leadership teams and student organizations as assigned.

· Participates in professional development opportunities to remain current with best practices in instrumental music education and ensemble direction.

· Fosters a classroom and rehearsal environment rooted in respect, accountability, support, collaboration, and excellence.

· Attend faculty and administrative meetings as necessary.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Instrumental Music, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).

· Valid Ohio teaching license or certificate (or ability to obtain) preferred.

· Demonstrated experience directing band ensembles at the middle and/or high school level.

· Strong knowledge of instrumental pedagogy, ensemble rehearsal techniques, and wind band repertoire.

· Ability to teach a wide range of band instruments and support students at varying levels of experience.

· Experience preparing students for honor ensembles, auditions, and adjudicated festivals.

· Excellent conducting, organizational, and event-planning skills.

· Strong communication and relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues.

· Ability to manage a large, multi-grade program independently while collaborating effectively within a team.

· A passion for instrumental music education and a commitment to fostering student growth, confidence, and leadership through the arts.

· Demonstrated ability to plan and deliver engaging educational programming for diverse student populations.

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with students, teachers, parents, and community members.

· Commitment to fostering a culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion within the school community.

· Flexibility and adaptability in response to changing educational needs and priorities.

· Excellent organizational skills.

· Effective verbal and written communication.

Benefits: