Itinerant Music Teacher- Percussion Specialist

Job Type: Full-time, Nine (9) months (182 days) per year according to PPSB

School Year: 2026-2027

Salary Range: $61,667 - $90,223 for Certified Teachers and $54,560 - $57,970 for Uncertified Teachers (Teachers with Temporary Authorities to Teache – TAT)

Ad Valorem - 2.40 parish property (ad valorem) tax mills are dedicated to employee salaries. The annual receipts from this tax are distributed to employees twice a year, one-half in January and one-half in June. The amount of each employee’s supplement is the employee’s salary multiplied by the annual percentage (computed each year based on actual tax revenues)

Position Summary

The Itinerant Percussion Specialist provides specialized instructional support to district band programs through travel between assigned schools. This position collaborates with campus band directors to strengthen percussion pedagogy, student performance, and program consistency across the district. The Percussion Specialist provides individual, small-group, sectional, and ensemble instruction in concert and applied percussion skills; supports curriculum and performance preparation; and helps students become technically strong, musically literate, and performance-ready contributors to their school band programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Instruction and Student Support

• Provide specialized instruction in percussion, including snare drum, keyboard percussion, timpani, accessory percussion, and other concert percussion instruments as appropriate to district needs.
• Deliver individual, small-group, and sectional instruction for beginning, intermediate, and advanced percussion students.
• Develop strong student fundamentals in grip, stroke development, rhythm accuracy, reading fluency, technique, tone production, timing, coordination, and musicianship.
• Support students in developing both concert percussion and general percussion literacy appropriate to their level and ensemble role.
• Assist campus directors with student placement, skill development, and instructional interventions for individual learners.
• Reinforce sight-reading, rhythmic precision, ensemble listening, and stylistic performance practices through targeted percussion pedagogy.

Program and Ensemble Support

• Team teaches with campus band directors in rehearsals, homogeneous classes, sectionals, and performance preparation.
• Assist with preparation for concerts, marching performances where applicable, assessments, honor band auditions, solo and ensemble events, and community performances.
• Support student recruitment and retention efforts within the district band program.
• Collaborate with directors across campuses to promote vertical alignment and consistent instructional expectations.
• Help identify student growth areas and recommend next steps for continued musical development.

Communication and Collaboration

• Maintain professional working relationships with directors, administrators, students, and families.
• Share student progress, instructional recommendations, and program observations with campus directors.
• Participate in music department meetings, performances, professional development, and other assigned district activities.

Operational Responsibilities

• Travel regularly between assigned schools based on the district schedule.
• Assist with maintaining instructional resources and the appropriate care of school-owned materials and equipment.
• Follow all district, school, and program procedures regarding supervision, safety, student conduct, and participation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal or district administrator.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Music Education, Instrumental Music, or a related field.
• Valid Louisiana teaching certificate, or the ability to obtain one with appropriate endorsements
• Demonstrated expertise in percussion pedagogy and performance.
• Strong understanding of percussion development at the beginning and secondary levels.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.

Preferred

• Experience teaching band in a school setting.
• Experience in percussion section coaching, chamber coaching, or private instruction.
• Experience preparing students for auditions, assessments, and solo and ensemble performances.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel between schools on a regular basis.
• Ability to stand, conduct instruction, and actively supervise students for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, and transport instructional supplies and equipment as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Plaquemines Parish School System is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, religion or any other legally protected status in its educational programs, activities or employment practices. The district is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect.