Job Description

Position Overview:

The Band Director is responsible for the music education of all students at KIPP: Infinity MS. They work with both an instructional coach and directly with the Principal, who provides guidance and direction to provide a holistic music education for all students.

The Band Director is responsible for introductory music instruction as well as advanced music instruction for students who specialize in certain instruments. To support our music program, the Band Director also supports existing program partnerships with organizations like Jazz at Lincoln Center, The Manhattan School for Music, and The Juilliard School.

Duties and Responsibilities:

General responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

(1) Teach 8-10 week intro to music courses for lower school (Grade 5 and Grade 6) students four times per year

• Assign classwork, homework, quizzes, and tests to assess student growth and mastery
• Teach students to read and perform notes on treble clef and bass clef staff
• Teach students to identify, subdivide, clap, and perform basic rhythms, using a proven method (e.g. Kodaly or Orff)
• Teach students sight singing using a proven method
• Teach students to identify melodic diatonic intervals by ear and on a staff

(2) Teach a year-long advanced music class for upper school (Grade 7 and Grade 8) students

• Assign classwork, homework, quizzes, and tests to assess student growth and mastery
• Teach students to read and perform notes on a treble and bass clef staff, including up to three ledger lines above and below the staff
• Teach students to identify and perform accidentals
• Teach students to identify key signatures, and perform music in a range of key signatures.
• Teach students major and corresponding minor scales up to four sharps and four flats in the key signature.
• Teach students to identify, subdivide, clap, and perform rhythms including triplets, tied rhythms, and dotted rhythms
• Teach students chromatic melodic intervals by ear and on a staff
• Teach students rehearsal and performance skills etiquette, including how to follow a conductor, and how to follow a section leader
• Manage a sectional schedule for each group of instruments, including flutes, clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, trombones, and a variety of percussion instruments.

(3) Lead whole-school musical performances

• Develop and conduct at least three performances (minimum one per trimester) in either stand-alone performances or as past of existing shows (eg, The Winter Wonderland Show, Multicultural Show, 8th Grade Advancement, etc.)

(4) Continue collaboration with all external music partnerships and programs

• Hosting musicians for master classes
• Leading field trips to music performances
• Collaborating with music fellows who support on-site sectional instruction

(5) Other responsibilities as needed:

• Manage the inventory of instruments, including monitoring for necessary repairs and instrument replacements
• Manage a relationship with a repair technician to schedule repairs
• Maintain and develop a library of band exercises and arrangements
• Collaborate with and support other electives like Art, Technology, etc.
• Work with KIPP NYC music teachers and foster a collaborative work relationship
• Coordinate purchases and expenses with principal and DOO to manage a yearly Band budget

Qualifications

• At least three years of full time classroom teaching experience
• Model of effective and high-quality teaching
• Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative
• Extreme flexibility to accommodate multiple priorities and a strong work ethic to accommodate high level of responsibilities
• Strong interpersonal skills that contribute to a professional working environment and a healthy measure of the character traits we value: Commitment to Excellence, Team and Family, Find a Way or Make One, Change Our World and Our Place Within It
• A passion for being part of a team-oriented, mission-driven school culture
• Bachelor’s degree required

Additional Information

Compensation and Benefits:

KIPP NYC offers a competitive salary ranging from $70,829 - $136,704. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience relevant to the role, NYS initial or professional certification, and longevity within the KIPP network. KIPP NYC will evaluate a candidate’s years of experience, certification, and longevity at the point of hire to determine the step/level a new hire will be placed within our teacher salary scale.

KIPP NYC offers a generous benefits package including, but not limited to, the following:

• Robust benefits that include medical, dental, and vision.
• Generous Time-Off including 5 school vacation weeks, sick and personal days, and an extended summer break.
• Up to 12 weeks 100% parental leave.
• Bright Horizon Back-up Child and Elder care.
• Employer paid Life Insurance and Short term/Long term disability.
• Employee incentives including 8 Weeks paid Sabbatical after 10 years, annual professional development funds, and tuition reimbursement.

** This description is intended to describe the type of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required by the employee.**

** This role is based in NYC and will require travel to our schools. If you relocate outside of a commutable distance or out of the state of NY, your employment will be subject to review, which may include separation from KIPP NYC. You must notify HR if you move or have plans to relocate.**

** KIPP NYC LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. KIPP NYC LLC is committed to the principles of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment.**

** KIPP NYC LLC does not offer visa sponsorship or work authorization.**

** KIPP NYC LLC is an anti-racist organization that believes in the importance of being diverse, equitable, and inclusive. We are committed to creating a welcoming environment that includes employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving students and families throughout New York City.**