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April 30, 2024

Conductor: NextGen Beginning Band (Junior Hawks) 

Term: August – December 2024, with the possibility of renewal 

Position description:  

The ³Ô¹ÏÍø Academy of Music and Arts invites applications for a passionate music educator and  conductor to lead the NextGen Junior Hawk Concert Band, commencing August 1, 2024.  The successful candidate will be responsible for leading 75-minute rehearsals for the full ensemble on a bi-weekly basis. Rehearsals will be supported by instrument-specific coordinators who will lead 75-minute, bi-weekly, instrument-specific rehearsals on the opposite weeks.  

This position also includes working closely with the NextGen Steering Committee to develop innovative programming and professional connections with local music educators as part of the recruitment process. Other duties may be added as they emerge. The successful candidate must be passionate about engaging beginner,  elementary school-aged students in the joys of music learning and performing with their peers. 

Ensemble description:  

Historically, instrumental music education was a key component of the elementary school curriculum.  However, ongoing funding cuts and the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have significantly impacted this generation of elementary school instrumental music education. The NextGen Junior Hawk Concert Band introduces students between ages 9 to 11 to the formative experience of playing music with their peers before being introduced to their school band in grade 7. The goal of NextGen is to empower young artists and allow them to act as leaders in their music classrooms.  

Each instrumental group (flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, etc.) will meet bi-weekly with a section coordinator for 75 minutes and then come together as a concert band on alternating weeks for a 75-minute rehearsal.   

Conductor responsibilities: 

• Lead full concert band bi-weekly 75-minute rehearsals 
• Conduct at least one performance  
• Assist with student recruitment 
• Work with NextGen Steering Committee to develop innovative concert programming  
• Provide rehearsal goals for instrument-specific coordinators  
• Nurture a constructive and inspiring working environment for performers 
• Establish and maintain community partnerships for performance opportunities 
• Consistently stay up to date on public school music curriculum to support music classes and teachers in the community  
• Liaise with LAMA and FoM staff on administrative needs (student registrations, promotion, acquiring scores, etc.)   

Applicants for this position must have the following qualifications:  

• Minimum Bachelor of Music degree (specialization in Music Education) 
• Evidence of excellence and experience (3+ years) in conducting youth instrumental ensembles 
• Arranging/transcribing/modifying musical scores to accommodate the ensemble’s instrumentation is required 
• Competency in music notation software (Finale, Sibelius, etc.) is required  

Applications must include:   

• a letter of interest that speaks to the required qualifications for the position 
• a curriculum vitae;  
• A video(s) of conducting in performance (10 minutes max);  
• a Philosophy of Teaching and Pedagogical Values statement, with concrete examples;   
• the names of three referees that can speak to professionalism, teaching effectiveness, character, and collegiality. Only shortlisted applicants will have their referees contacted for letters. 

Application deadline – June 1, 2024 

All applications should be addressed to:  

Completed electronic applications should be emailed to the address listed above by the deadline of June 1, 2024.