Choir Director & Music Teacher - Middle School

Chaminade College Preparatory seeks a dynamic and engaging CHOIR DIRECTOR & MUSIC TEACHER with great organization, management, and interpersonal skills for our Middle School campus (grades 6-8) in Chatsworth, California. This is a full-time position with a possible opportunity to teach classes.

The successful candidate is experienced leading a range of choral ensembles and developing musicianship and technique of beginner and more experienced singers. The Choir Director & Music Teacher should be knowledgeable about a variety of music, including but not limited to: cultural, Broadway, classical, folk songs, spirituals, Catholic liturgical music, jazz, pop, etc. The Chaminade Choir Director is motivated to use their expertise, experience, and creativity to refine a long-established, high quality existing choral program to ensure it remains distinctive, engaging, and highly successful.

Key Responsibilities

• Directs the C-Notes, a large non-auditioned ensemble choir open to interested students in 6th-8th grade. In C-Notes, the Choir Director teaches proper vocal reading technique, music reading, and how to perform a wide variety of song repertoire.
• Directs smaller audition-only ensembles, such as the C7 A Cappella group (by audition only), the Chaminotes boys' barbershop (by audition only), and the Chaminets girls' barbershop (by audition only). The audition-only ensembles are a tradition at Chaminade whereby the Choir Director collaborates with former Middle School graduates who come to mentor young students. While the new Choir Director is encouraged to continue the tradition of collaborating with former Middle School graduates, the new Choir Director will have flexibility in re-imagining existing and/or creating different smaller ensembles that support a thriving, lively choir program. At present, the direction of C-Notes and audition-only smaller ensembles takes place after the traditional school day.
• Directs the smaller non-auditioned Liturgical Choir ensemble during school Masses and prayer services. At present, the Liturgical Choir rehearses at the end of the school day the week of a Mass or prayer service.
• Prepares the C-Notes and smaller audition-only ensembles for two main concerts (Winter / Spring) and a Community Concert at St. Mary's College for the Carondelet Sisters.
• Prepares the C-Notes and smaller audition-only ensembles for on-campus events, such as Open House and 8th Grade Graduation.
• Oversees and prepares the C-Notes and small audition-only ensembles to attend and perform in at least one adjudicated choral festival. The C-Notes and band do perform at an annual music festival at Disneyland each year. While the school would like the C-Notes to continue performing as "the feature choir" annually at the National Youth Festival at Carnegie Hall, this is not required.

Should there be an opportunity for teaching, these are the key responsibilities:

• Under the supervision of the vice principals, develops and teaches a standards-based music curriculum. In a timely manner, plans lessons; provides feedback and grades on assignments; maintains grades, attendance, and other school records; and communicates with students, their families, and counselors when students need support.
• Collaborates with department members to evaluate, monitor, and update curriculum, assessment, and pacing guides under the guidance of the Department Chair.
• Ensures that instructional strategies respect students' diverse social identities while corresponding to Catholic Marianist values and the mission of the school.
• Integrates technology by using Schoology Learning Management System (LMS), Google Apps for Education, Microsoft 365, and other digital collaboration and productivity tools licensed by the school (*Note: All students use a school-issued tablet daily).
• Is knowledgeable about new trends and developments in educational and music theory, instructional strategies, and assessment.
• In addition to teaching responsibilities, Chaminade educators are involved in the life of the school, which includes leading a student advisory group; presence and participation during student activities and assemblies; supporting and participating in our campus-wide House system; attending faculty, department, and grade-level meetings; assigned supervision duties during lunch, and/or before and/or after school; and participating in faith activities, including Masses, prayer services, staff retreats, and student retreats.

Qualifications

• Has a passion for teaching music and voice at the secondary level and is skilled at working with Middle School students. (Prior experience in youth liturgical music or music ministry would be beneficial).
• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in the subject discipline is required. A teaching credential and/or a Master's degree in the subject discipline is preferred. Please note: applicants must be able to demonstrate their ability to read music in a professional capacity and (at minimum) play piano or guitar accompaniment with accuracy and expertise.
• Prior teaching experience, especially in a Catholic educational setting, is preferred; however, relevant experience in the field is also strongly considered.
• Experience planning choir tours is preferred (either having worked with WorldStrides, Heritage, Forum, or independently planning); experience which demonstrates relevant skills is also strongly considered.
• Wants to work in a setting committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion of all school stakeholders.
• Wants to work in a setting committed to balancing teaching/learning, health, and well-being of all stakeholders.
• If teaching class(es), is comfortable delivering instruction on campus, via remote learning, and/or in a hybrid model (or motivated to learn)

Deadline for Submission of Applications

Applications are being accepted immediately. This position is open until filled.

Salary

This is a salaried/exempt from overtime position. Chaminade faculty are paid on a salary schedule based on degrees and years of prior teaching experience. The full-time salary at hire is expected to be $ 59,000 - $ 89,000 annually. Part-time positions are prorated accordingly.

Application Process:

Interested applicants may apply online through our employment webpage at: www.chaminade.org/employment.

In addition, candidates invited to interview are encouraged to share a curated portfolio that demonstrates their philosophy of teaching and reflects their knowledge of Choral instruction and directing choral ensembles, including samples of lessons, assignments, student work, and assessment criteria. Portfolios may be shared digitally or via hard copy.

About Chaminade

Chaminade is an independent co-educational Catholic school in the Marianist tradition serving a diverse student body in grades 6-12 across two beautiful campuses in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. We are a mission-centered community with an unwavering commitment to growing one's faith, serving others, and ensuring the success and well-being of every student and employee. Chaminade sets the standard for Catholic college preparatory excellence with a rigorous, relevant, and innovative academic curriculum and extensive extracurricular offerings.

Our Mission:

We inspire young people to love, learn, and lead through our Catholic and Marianist traditions of a living faith, academic excellence, and moral responsibility.

Our Vision:

Chaminade College Preparatory graduates are prepared, inspired, and equipped to:

• Share God's love by caring for others and seeking justice and peace.
• Learn, adapt, and grow with the world around them.
• Become servant leaders and positive contributors to society.

The Characteristics of Marianist Education

Chaminade's mission and culture are deeply rooted in the five Characteristics of Marianist Education which are:

• Educating for Formation in Faith
• Providing an Integral Quality Education
• Educating in Family Spirit
• Educating for Service, Justice, and Peace and the Integrity of Creation
• Educating for Adaptation and Change

Chaminade's Commitment to Diversity

Chaminade College Preparatory is committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the value that a rich and diverse community brings to our school. Our employee culture is deeply rooted in our Catholic faith and the five Characteristics of Marianist Education. Our Catholic Marianist tradition is lived on our campuses every day, and is evident in our Chaminade Family Spirit where each of our faculty and staff is valued for their unique and varied gifts and talents. Chaminade's faculty, staff, and administration come from all faiths, ethnicities, races, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds and we are stronger for it.

For more information about Chaminade, visit our website at: www.chaminade.org

Equal Employment Opportunity

Chaminade College Preparatory is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, color, national origin or ancestry, gender, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, or genetic information, or other basis protected by law for employment in a Catholic school. Applicants who need an accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment and hiring process should contact the human resources department in order to discuss reasonable accommodation.