Middle & Upper School Music Teacher
Middle and Upper School Music Teacher
Friends Select School is seeking a full time Middle and Upper School music teacher to lead their creative ensemble classes. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent musicianship, be an effective instructor, and value authentic connections with Middle and Upper School students. Under this individual’s guidance, students will be encouraged towards instrument development appropriate to their level through ongoing process and practice. Embracing a growth mindset while maintaining positive energy and strong communication skills will be essential to this position.
Responsibilities:
- Take a friendly and collaborative approach to teaching in order to create an inclusive learning environment for all students
- Cultivate growth and creativity within the music department, providing instruction around the following instruments, as selected by the enrolled students: vibraphone, glockenspiel, xylophone, concert bass drum, drum set, snare drums, cymbals, Samba drums, and other auxiliary instruments
- Through teaching the Middle school 5/6 and 7/8 creative ensembles, ensure middle school students build skills in listening and playing cohesive with a group, read notated music, and develop the strong sense of maintained focus needed to make live music with others
- Teach general music theory and curriculum to middle school students not taking ensembles
- Lead the Upper School creative ensemble, further developing the student’s skills around understanding and performing live music
- Organize and prepare students for ensemble performances throughout the school year
- Collaborate with the music department and the wider faculty
- Support the overall division, through additional faculty responsibilities as needed such as recess duty, grade level advisor, club leader, etc.
Qualifications:
- Experience with teaching, preferably with middle and/or upper school students
- At minimum, a Bachelor's degree in a related field
- Broad knowledge of rehearsal techniques
- Experience with arranging live music ensembles
- Commitment to Quaker values, anti-racism and social justice
- Experience and proficiency with online learning tools
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references to Desiree Harmon, Director of the Middle School, via the school’s website at:
https://www.friends-select.org/about/employment-opportunities
Additional materials may be requested during the application process. References will not be contacted unless the candidate is a finalist for the position. Materials accepted until the position is filled.
Friends Select School is a co-educational, pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade, college preparatory, independent school located in Center City Philadelphia, serving over 600 students. As a Quaker school committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, FSS actively seeks and warmly welcomes applicants from diverse and underrepresented populations. Friends Select School provides programs and services and equal opportunity in the administration of its educational and admissions policies, financial aid programs, employment and the selection of its governing board without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status.