What are the responsibilities and job description for the Orchestra Teacher position at Breck School?
Breck School
Job Description
Title: Orchestra Teacher
FLSA Status: Exempt
Reports to: Performing Arts Division Director and Middle School Department Head
Salary: $50,000-$97,000 annual
Updated: 11/2025
Location: All positions are in person
School Overview
Breck School is a preschool through twelve, coeducational college preparatory, Episcopal day school located in Golden Valley, Minnesota, with a national reputation for excellence and achievement in academics, athletics, and the arts. Our Schools Episcopal roots are lived through an unwavering commitment to equity, inclusion, and belonging where we respect the dignity of every human being. We prioritize lifelong learning and a commitment to the greater good.
We are a community of highly engaged and motivated students, faculty, staff, and school leaders focused on building trusting relationships and strong academic scholarship through a practice of bridging research to practice. Upon graduation, Breck students are prepared for a life of intellectual curiosity, self-knowledge, and social responsibility, matriculating to colleges and universities throughout the world.
Position Overview
Responsible for organizing, implementing and providing instruction for Middle and Upper School orchestra classes where students have the opportunity to fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical spiritual and psychological growth. Responsibilities include the direction of 5 levels of orchestra classes of increasing ability (3 levels of Middle School Orchestra and 2 levels of Upper School Orchestra)
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Planning and Instruction
- Demonstrates knowledge of and proficiency with subject matter, which includes managing and directing 5 levels of orchestra (e.g., placement by ability, literature selection)
- Prepares, directs, and executes all aspects of semester-end performances
- Designs and implements effective instruction to engage student learning
- Plans and delivers instruction for a variety of learners
- Develops lessons that consider multiple perspectives
- Engages and motivates students in an active learning process
- Understands and uses assessment to promote student learning
- Demonstrates a collaborative mindset and openness to feedback
- Empowers students to engage productively with those who are different from them
Classroom Environment
- Creates an environment that promotes respect, rapport, and learning
- Establishes effective relationships with students
- Communicates clear and consistent expectations for learning, behavior, and achievement
- Monitors and manages student behavior effectively
Communication
- Communicates effectively with families, students, and colleagues
- Communicates student progress in a timely and thorough manner
- Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills
Professional Responsibility
- Exudes energy and articulates a vision that excites and attracts students to orchestra classes and the orchestra program
- Experience in arranging for different levels of orchestras (preferred)
- Demonstrates an ability to connect with adolescent students to grow an orchestra program
- Supports the mission and values of the school
- Supports the programs and priorities of the department, division, and school
- Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with faculty, students, and parents
- Maintains confidentiality
- Demonstrates professional behavior
- Seeks and develops opportunities for professional growth
- Attends and participates in required meetings, school events, and committee work
- Performs duties as required/requested
Education and/or Experience
- Bachelors Degree
- A strong record of proven ability/experience in teaching strings and directing an orchestra
- Minimum 3 years of classroom teaching experience preferred
- Experience with using technology in teaching and learning
Salary : $50,000 - $97,000