Head Orchestra Director JH

Reports to:                Principal/ Executive Director of Fine Arts

Duty Day:                  187 Days

Wage/Hour Status:   Exempt

Pay Grade:                 I00

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree from accredited university

Valid Texas teaching certificate

Knowledge of overall operation of instrumental music program

Ability to manage budget and personnel

Knowledge of state, UIL, and TMEA policies governing orchestra activities

Ability to interpret policy, procedures, and data

Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Minimum of three years teaching and instrumental ensemble directing experience, preferred

Primary Purpose:

Direct and manage the overall program of instrumental music for the campus and district. Provide students with an opportunity to participate in extracurricular choir activities and ensure compliance with all state, University Interscholastic League (UIL), Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), and district requirements. Plan and administer orchestra activities in accordance with campus and district expectations.  Plan and prepare to provide students the opportunity to achieve district, region, state, and national recognition.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Engage and plan with high school orchestra director(s) to align program curricular and extracurricular activities with “cluster” high school orchestra program, as determined by the high school director.
2. Direct junior high school string performers, including beginning classes, all large orchestra performance ensembles, soloists, and small ensembles.
3. Establish performance requirements, enforce academic requirements, and verify each student’s eligibility to participate in orchestra.
4. Provide for orchestra participation at extracurricular events, including various performance venues, such as concerts, community events, and at all UIL and TMEA activities.
5. Arrange transportation for all events taking place off campus.
6. Comply with federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, UIL rules, TMEA rules, and local school board policy in the orchestra area.
7. Support orchestra booster club activities, if applicable.
8. Obtain and use evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to determine program effectiveness and to ensure that program renewal is continuous and responsive to student needs.
9. Recommend policies to improve program.
10. Ensure that programs are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
11. Attend all professional and staff meetings as requested.
12. Compile budgets and cost estimates based on documented program needs.
13. Coordinate fundraising activities and manage funds.
14. Maintain current inventory of all fixed assets within department.
15. Oversee process of cleaning, repairing, and storing all orchestra equipment and performance attire.
16. Develop and implement plans for orchestra program and show written evidence of preparation as required.
17. Prepare lessons that reflect accommodations for individual student differences.
18. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations including, but not limited to, the established Katy ISD curriculum for subject area through use of the Forethought program.
19. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students assigned.
20. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
21. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social, and emotional development of students.
22. Apply and enforce student discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct, student handbook, and orchestra handbook.
23. Accompany and supervise on all trips.
24. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
25. Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
26. Maintain professional relationship with colleagues, students, parents, and community members.
27. Assist with recruitment, selection, training, supervision, and evaluation of assistant orchestra director(s).
28. Work to provide campus, District, and community awareness of orchestra activities and performances.
29. Provide supervisory leadership and management to all component groups within orchestra program.
30. Actively participate in District music events, as assigned, such as pre-UIL contests, district sponsored special events, etc., as requested.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Administer and supervise duties of Assistant Orchestra Director(s) if applicable.
• Administer and supervise all booster club/parent volunteer activities, if applicable.
• Prepare annual program budget, and disburse funds in accordance to District policy.
• Recruit, supervise, and evaluate private lessons instructors for campus/cluster.
• Monitor/supervise campus private lesson program.
• Communicate with principal/counselor regarding scheduling/staffing needs.

Equipment Used:

Personal computer, copier, printer, and fax machine.

Working Conditions:

Maintain emotional control under stress. Frequent district and occasional statewide travel; prolonged and irregular hours; outdoor and indoor work; exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather. Moderate lifting may be required.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.