Director of Scramble Band

McKendree University, located in Lebanon, IL and home of the Bearcats, invites qualified applicants to join our team. McKendree University offers a competitive compensation and benefits package and the opportunity to influence the future leaders of tomorrow.

The mission of McKendree University is to provide a high-quality educational experience to outstanding students. We guide our students in the pursuit of academic excellence, which will prepare them for leadership roles in our society. To achieve this end we encourage broader vision, enriched purpose, engagement with community, commitment to responsible citizenship, openness to new ideas and dedication to lifelong learning. In keeping with our history and traditions, we provide our students with a rigorous, broadly based liberal arts curriculum joined with specialization in a specific discipline.

Position Summary and Key Responsibilities

• Will direct, supervise, and provide high-quality musical instruction to band members through regular rehearsals and small group sectionals.
• Develop students’ musicianship, performance confidence, and collaborative skills in a supportive learning environment.
• Schedule and conduct weekly rehearsals during the Fall and Spring semesters, with additional practices as needed for game-day preparation.
• Select, teach, and arrange music appropriate for the Scramble Band’s unique style while maintaining high standards of musical quality and school spirit.
• Organize and maintain the music library, ensuring accessibility and variety that support both student learning and performance needs.
• Guide student leaders in peer-to-peer instruction and foster opportunities for student ownership and creativity within the band.
• Provide mentorship and support to students, encouraging leadership development, teamwork, and personal growth.
• Maintain the band’s instrument inventory, uniforms, and rehearsal space in an organized and professional manner.
• Collaborate with Athletics and Student Affairs to ensure the band contributes to a spirited and engaging game-day atmosphere.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and enthusiastic team culture that welcomes students of diverse backgrounds and skill levels.
• Communicate proactively with the Department of Student Affairs on instructional needs, updates, and program development.
• Lead recruitment efforts by promoting the Scramble Band at campus events, Involvement Fairs, and through active outreach to current and prospective students.
• Develop a structured recruitment pipeline in collaboration with Admissions, Athletics, and Student Affairs.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Education.
• 2–3 years of experience conducting athletic ensembles, wind/percussion ensembles, or concert band at the high school or collegiate level.

• Proven ability to recruit, motivate, and retain student musicians across varying skill levels.
• Strong conducting and instructional ability for wind, brass, and percussion players.
• Commitment to attend all home football and basketball contests, as well as occasional campus or community events.
• Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills with the ability to inspire enthusiasm, teamwork, and Bearcat pride.
• Dedication to McKendree’s mission of fostering academic excellence, student success, and a vibrant campus community.

• Master of Music or Master of Music Education.
• 3 years of experience conducting athletic ensembles, wind/percussion ensembles, or concert band at the high school or collegiate level.

Work Conditions

• Availability is required to coincide with student performance, student practice, and recruiting obligations.
• Weekend and evening hours are expected.

Required Application Materials

Cover Letter
Resume/CV

Equal Opportunity Employer

McKendree University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other statuses protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination.