About the Program

Bridge Los Angeles is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with LAUSD schools to remove barriers to arts and music access for students. Through The Mariachi Project, Bridge LA already places instructors at John F. Kennedy High School and is now placing a Color Guard Coach to support the school's existing Color Guard program, working under the direction of Wilber Ibarra, who oversees band, color guard, choir, jazz band, and mariachi within the JFK Music Department.

Position Summary

The Color Guard Coach will primarily focus on the visual and design side of the program: choreographing equipment work (flag, and where applicable, rifle and/or sabre), coordinating color and staging choices, and shaping the overall visual presentation of routines. The role also includes general instruction, supervision, and support at rehearsals, football games, competitions, and performances, all under the direction of the Music Teacher & Department Co-Chair.

Key Responsibilities

Choreograph and teach flag work (and rifle/sabre work, if applicable) appropriate to students' skill levels

Design and coordinate the visual elements of routines — formations, color coordination, and overall aesthetic presentation

Collaborate with Mr. Ibarra (and, where relevant, band/drill staff) to align Color Guard visual design with the broader music program

Provide instruction and supervision during after-school rehearsals

Support the Color Guard program at football games, competitions, and other performances as scheduled

Maintain a safe rehearsal and performance environment, including proper handling and storage of equipment

Track dates and hours of service and report them to Bridge Los Angeles for billing and recordkeeping

Communicate regularly with Mr. Ibarra on scheduling, student progress, and program needs

Qualifications

Required:

Prior experience in color guard and/or winter guard — as a performer, instructor, or choreographer

Experience with equipment work (flag required; rifle and/or sabre experience a plus)

Ability to teach and choreograph for high school-age students at a range of skill levels

Strong communication and organizational skills

Ability to pass a background check (Livescan fingerprinting) and provide current, unexpired TB clearance, consistent with LAUSD requirements for on-campus staff

Reliable transportation and availability for after-school hours, evenings, and occasional weekends (competitions and games)

Preferred:

Experience coaching or teaching at the high school level

CPR/First Aid certification

Familiarity with color guard competition circuits (e.g., WGI — Winter Guard International — or regional/scholastic circuits)

Experience collaborating with school band, orchestra, or music programs

Compensation & Schedule

Stipend: $2,000 per semester ($4,000 total for the 2026–2027 school year), paid in fixed monthly installments regardless of exact hours worked

Schedule: As-needed, based on the Color Guard program's rehearsal, game, and competition calendar, as set by Mr. Ibarra

This is a part-time, stipend-based position and is not a benefits-eligible employee role

Working Conditions & Compliance

Work is performed on the John F. Kennedy High School campus and at off-site games, competitions, and performances

Requires standing, walking, and demonstrating physical movement during instruction and rehearsals

Subject to background check (Livescan), fingerprinting, and TB clearance prior to any contact with students, consistent with LAUSD vendor and on-campus staff requirements

Equal Opportunity

Bridge Los Angeles does not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic under federal or California law.