Orchestra/Strings Teacher

Reports To: Director of Visual & Performing Arts / Building PrincipalsPosition OverviewBillerica Public Schools is seeking a visionary and versatile Orchestra Director to lead a comprehensive, vertically aligned string program. This role is designed for a specialist who can navigate the entire developmental arc of a musicianfrom the first "pizzicato" in 4th grade to advanced symphonic literature at the high school level. The successful candidate will be responsible for pedagogical consistency, student retention, and the cultivation of an elite orchestra culture that serves as a cornerstone of the Billerica arts community.Key ResponsibilitiesElementary Foundation (Grade 4)Recruitment: Organize "Instrument Petting Zoos" and parent demonstrations to inspire 4th-grade enrollment in the string program.Core Instruction: Deliver small-group lessons focused on the "Big Four" (violin, viola, cello, and bass), emphasizing proper posture, bow hold, and foundational aural skills.Early Ensemble: Conduct initial combined rehearsals to introduce the mechanics of following a conductor.Middle School Development (Grades 5-7)Direction & Retention: Lead middle school string ensembles, ensuring a smooth transition from the elementary lesson model to a formal ensemble setting.Balanced Pedagogy: Continue technical development (shifting, vibrato, and advanced bowing) while preparing students for regional festivals and assessments.Outreach: Actively mentor 5th and 6th-graders to ensure high retention rates as they enter the middle school ecosystem.High School Excellence (Grades 8-12)Program Building: Establish a robust 8-12 program that includes Chamber Orchestra, String Orchestra, and potentially collaborating with the Band Director for Full Symphony opportunities.Advanced Repertoire: Select and conduct challenging literature that spans Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Contemporary genres.Leadership: Develop a student leadership tier (Principal players, Tri-M Music Honor Society) to foster a sense of ownership within the program.Provide other related duties that the Principal and/or Director of Visual & Performing Arts may assign.Performance & Community EngagementConcert Programming: Organize and direct seasonal evening concerts (Winter/Spring) for all grade levels.Competitions & Festivals: Prepare and register ensembles for festivals or similar competitive evaluations.Travel Coordination: Oversee logistics for contest travel and field trips.Community Outreach: Coordinate "informal" performances at town events, senior centers, or collaborative district-wide performances to increase program visibility.QualificationsCertification: Valid Massachusetts DESE License in Music: Instrumental (PreK-12).Expertise: Mastery of string pedagogy (upper and lower strings). Proficiency in secondary instruments is highly preferred.Experience: * Proven success in building or revitalizing a strong program.Experience in orchestral conducting and rehearsal techniques for various age groups.Strong organizational skills regarding library management and instrument maintenance.Interpersonal Skills: Ability to collaborate with the Band and Choral directors to create a unified Fine Arts Department.Working ConditionsEnvironment: Requires travel between elementary, middle, and high school buildings.Schedule: Must be available for evening rehearsals, concerts, and weekend competitions/travel as scheduled in the district music calendar.The Billerica Mission: We believe that every string student deserves a world-class education from day one.

We are looking for an educator who is as excited about a 4th grader's first scale as they are about a high schooler's senior masterpiece.Salary based on Teacher contract salary schedule, which can be found at: https://www.billericak12.com/human-resources. Go to collective bargaining agreements (BFT -2025-2028 /page 43)