King School is a PreK–12 independent, college preparatory day school located in Stamford that serves the diverse families of Fairfield and Westchester counties. King School seeks more than achievement for our students. We open minds and spark courageous thinking. Our students discover and forge their unique paths to excellence.
Diversity is foundational to academic and professional excellence and is a core value at King. We think, learn, and work more deeply due to the many facets of diversity in our community, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, age, ability, and learning style. We leverage cultural differences and intellectual diversity to create an inclusive and vibrant learning community, endeavoring for each person to feel seen, heard, valued, and respected.
Division: Middle and Upper School
Reports to: Head of Upper School and Music Department Chair
Summary (2026–2027 Academic Year):King School seeks an experienced, full-time Director of Bands to lead and grow a comprehensive instrumental music program. Reporting to the Music Department Chair and the Head of Upper School, the Director of Bands will oversee all aspects of the band program across the middle and upper school divisions, including curricular ensembles, co-curricular groups, and external performance opportunities.
This role includes teaching responsibilities consistent with Upper School faculty expectations, including a teaching load equivalent to four sections and one co-curricular assignment. The Director of Bands will foster a culture of musical excellence, collaboration, creativity, and student-centered learning while building a cohesive and inclusive program across grade levels.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Leadership and Instruction
- Direct Upper School band (Jazz Band/Concert Band)
- Direct 1-2 Middle School Bands
- Teach courses in music electives depending on enrollment: AP Music Theory or MS Music Production Class
- Develop students’ technical proficiency, musical literacy, and ensemble performance skills.
- Cultivate students’ artistic expression, creativity, and collaborative musicianship through rehearsal and performance.
- Plan and conduct concerts, festivals, tours, and other performance opportunities including the annual King El Sistema Residency
- Track/Guide students who are pursuing a Upper School Music Distinction
- Maintain Core Community Partnership with Project Music, an after-school music program for underserved students.
Program Development
- Sustain a vertically aligned band program (grades 6–12 or PreK–12 as applicable).
- Help Coordinate Lower School Band Unit (5th grade)
- Recruit and retain students in the instrumental music program through outreach and community engagement.
- Oversee repertoire selection that reflects diverse composers, styles, and cultural traditions.
- Manage inventory, budgeting, instrument maintenance, and music library resources.
Student Engagement and Community
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-expectation rehearsal environment.
- Support students’ social-emotional development through ensemble participation and leadership opportunities.
- Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, performances, and program updates.
Collaboration
- Collaborate with Music and Theater faculty to align curriculum, performances, and interdisciplinary opportunities.
- Work with the Director of Teaching and Learning to support student growth and differentiated instruction.
- Partner with the Department Chair and DEIB Coordinator to ensure inclusive practices and culturally responsive teaching.
- Participate in all required department, divisional, and school-wide meetings and initiatives.
Skills and Requirements:
- Advanced degree in Music Education, or a related field experience preferred.
- Demonstrated experience directing band ensembles at the secondary level: grades 9–12 and middle school level: grades 6-8
- Strong conducting, rehearsal, and instrumental pedagogy skills.
- Ability to teach improvisation and have a strong musical theory background that includes both jazz and classical music.
- Ability to adapt musical arrangements to fit flexible instrumentation. (Arranging/Composing skills a plus)
- Proven ability to build and sustain a comprehensive instrumental music program.
- Ability to teach a range of learners using differentiated, student-centered instructional practices.
- Demonstrated ability to cultivate and collaborate with Community Partnerships.
- Experience integrating music technology into instruction and performance.
- Commitment to fostering student creativity, independence, and artistic growth.
- Understanding of adolescent intellectual and social-emotional development.
- Demonstrated cross-cultural competence and ability to engage effectively in a diverse school community.
- Strong organizational, communication, and collaborative skills.
- Proficiency with educational technology platforms (e.g., Google Classroom, Gmail, music notation software).
- Demonstrated alignment with King’s Mission and Virtues and commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion principles.
Classifications:
Full-time, exempt
King goes beyond stating that we are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our goal is to intentionally hire a diverse pool of world-class staff and faculty to enrich the educational experience of students. King seeks candidates committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment where varied identities are valued and respected.
