BAND TEACHER AT COLUMBIA MIDDLE SCHOOL

Certificated Base Salary Range

Benefits Available

Position Overview

The Middle School Band Director is responsible for developing and maintaining a comprehensive instrumental music program that inspires students to achieve musical excellence while fostering creativity, collaboration, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for music. The Band Director provides high-quality instruction in beginning and intermediate instrumental music, develops students' individual and ensemble performance skills, and creates a positive, inclusive learning environment where all students can succeed. The position includes planning and directing rehearsals and performances, assessing student progress, collaborating with staff and families, managing instruments and equipment, and supporting the school's academic and extracurricular programs through meaningful musical experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Music Education or related field; Master's degree preferred.
• Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate with an endorsement in Music.
• Demonstrated knowledge of instrumental music pedagogy, rehearsal techniques, and adolescent music education.
• Demonstrated understanding of research-based instructional strategies and assessment practices that support student learning in music.
• Experience directing beginning and intermediate instrumental ensembles preferred.
• Knowledge of state and district music standards and performance expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to differentiate instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate technology to enhance music instruction, student learning, and performance preparation.
• Demonstrated organizational and program management skills, including maintaining music libraries, instruments, equipment, and performance logistics.
• Ability to establish positive working relationships with students, families, colleagues, administrators, and community members.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding students, staff, and district information.

Essential Job Functions

Provides High-Quality Music Instruction by:

• Planning and delivering engaging standards-based instrumental music instruction aligned with district and state learning standards.
• Developing students' individual musicianship, instrumental technique, music literacy, ensemble performance, and critical listening skills.
• Communicating clear learning objectives and performance expectations.
• Utilizing research-based instructional strategies appropriate for adolescent learners.
• Differentiating instruction to accommodate varying skill levels and learning needs.
• Integrating music theory, music history, and performance practices into instruction.
• Incorporating technology to support music instruction, assessment, and student practice.
• Preparing students for successful performances and continued musical growth.

Develops Student Performance Skills by:

• Conducting effective daily rehearsals that maximize instructional time.
• Teaching proper instrumental technique, tone production, rhythm, intonation, and ensemble skills.
• Selecting age-appropriate and educationally meaningful repertoire.
• Preparing and directing concerts, festivals, assemblies, and other performances.
• Encouraging student leadership, responsibility, collaboration, and musical independence.
• Promoting high expectations for musical achievement while fostering enjoyment and appreciation of music.

Recognizes Individual Student Learning Needs by:

• Assessing student progress using a variety of formative and summative assessments.
• Providing timely, constructive feedback to improve musical performance.
• Differentiating instruction and performance opportunities based on student readiness and ability.
• Encouraging student reflection, goal setting, and self-assessment.
• Maintaining a belief that all students can develop musical skills through effort and effective instruction.

Creates a Safe and Positive Learning Environment by:

• Establishing a respectful, inclusive classroom culture that promotes teamwork and mutual respect.
• Maintaining consistent classroom expectations and effective behavior management.
• Organizing rehearsals and classroom procedures to maximize instructional time.
• Ensuring the safe handling, storage, and maintenance of instruments and equipment.
• Encouraging student ownership of instruments, materials, and rehearsal responsibilities.

Uses Assessment to Improve Student Learning by:

• Monitoring student progress through performance assessments, playing tests, written assessments, and classroom participation.
• Using assessment data to adjust instruction and improve student outcomes.
• Providing multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate musical growth.
• Maintaining accurate records of student achievement and participation.

Communicates and Collaborates with Families and the School Community by:

• Maintaining regular communication with families regarding student progress, performances, and program activities.
• Promoting family involvement and support of the instrumental music program.
• Collaborating with administrators, counselors, classroom teachers, and support staff to support student success.
• Representing the music program positively within the school and community.
• Coordinating concerts, performances, festivals, and other public events.

Supports and Manages the Instrumental Music Program by:

• Maintaining an organized inventory of instruments, music, uniforms (if applicable), equipment, and instructional materials.
• Assisting with instrument selection, rentals, and maintenance.
• Preparing budgets and making recommendations for equipment and instructional resources.
• Coordinating performance logistics, transportation, schedules, and festival participation.
• Ensuring compliance with district policies regarding equipment, facilities, and student safety.

Demonstrates Professional Responsibilities by:

• Participating actively in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), staff meetings, district professional development, and collaborative planning.
• Remaining current in music education pedagogy and instructional best practices.
• Maintaining positive professional relationships with colleagues, students, and families.
• Demonstrating sound professional judgment and decision-making focused on student success.
• Supporting school-wide initiatives and contributing to a positive school culture.
• Performing other duties as assigned consistent with the responsibilities of the position.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements

• May be required to travel between school buildings and attend district, regional, or state workshops, adjudications, festivals, and professional conferences.
• Required to work flexible hours, including evenings and occasional weekends for concerts, performances, festivals, parent meetings, and school events.
• Expected to prepare instructional spaces before the school year and secure classroom, instruments, and equipment following the conclusion of the school year.
• Classroom and rehearsal environment requiring frequent standing, conducting, walking, bending, lifting, carrying, and moving musical instruments and equipment (generally up to 50 pounds with assistance as needed).
• Frequent use of computers, music technology, audiovisual equipment, and instructional technology.
• Exposure to elevated sound levels during rehearsals and performances. Appropriate hearing protection may be used as needed.

The Moses Lake School District #161 does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boys Scouts and other designated youth groups. Inquiries regarding compliance and/or grievance procedures may be directed to the school district’s Title IX, Civil Rights, Affirmative Action, and Equal Opportunity officer, Michelle Musso, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766-2650, mmusso@mlsd161.org; OR Section 504/ADA Coordinator, Samantha Burgess, 1620 S Pioneer Way, Moses Lake, WA 98837, (509) 766- 2670, sburgess@mlsd161.org.