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Marching Band Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are building a 100+ piece marching band and are looking for a Director of Marching Bands who will recruit, design, and launch this program from the ground up. This leader must be deeply embedded ...

Serve as a marching band technician for an area of the Liberty University Marching Band. Essential Functions and Responsibilities 1. Participate in marching band leadership meetings and events. 2. ...

Serve as a marching band technician for an area of the Liberty University Marching Band. Essential Functions and Responsibilities 1. Participate in marching band leadership meetings and events. 2. ...

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Marching Band information

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How much do marching band jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for marching band in the United States is $17.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Marching Band Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Marching Band Director, you need a solid background in music education, conducting, and ensemble leadership, often supported by a degree in music or music education. Familiarity with music arranging software, drill design programs, and sound equipment is typically required. Strong communication, organizational skills, and motivational leadership help foster teamwork and discipline among band members. These skills are crucial for creating successful performances, maintaining high standards, and ensuring a positive and productive band environment.

What is the difference between Marching Band vs Drum Major?

AspectMarching BandDrum Major
CredentialsHigh school or college band experience, sometimes music or band-related certificationsLeadership skills, marching band experience, often a music or band background
Work EnvironmentPerforming outdoors during parades, games, and competitionsLeading rehearsals and performances, directing the band from the field
Industry UsagePrimary performers in marching eventsBand leadership and conductors during performances

While both roles are integral to marching band performances, the marching band consists of the performers who play instruments and march, whereas the drum major is the leader who directs and conducts the band during events. The drum major typically has leadership responsibilities, guiding the band and maintaining discipline, while the marching band members focus on performance and musical execution.

What Are Jobs That Work With Marching Bands?

Jobs that work with marching bands include directors, assistant directors, and choreographers. In this field, you may oversee rehearsals, help choreograph performances, schedule field shows and parades, and make arrangements for competitions. Most jobs with marching bands work for high schools or colleges, and these jobs should not be confused with working as one of the musicians in the band as an adult. Many jobs that work with marching bands require working evenings, nights, weekends, or holidays as necessary, especially while school is in session. Employers may also ask you to take part in other school activities when necessary, such as chaperoning during field trips or guiding emergency rehearsals.

What is a marching band?

A marching band is a group of musicians who perform music while marching, typically outdoors at events such as parades, sporting events, and competitions. The band usually consists of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, and is often accompanied by a color guard or flag team. Members learn coordinated movements and formations, combining music and visual performance. Marching bands are popular in schools, colleges, and communities, and often compete at regional and national levels.

What are some common challenges faced by members of a marching band, and how can new members best prepare for them?

Members of a marching band often face challenges such as balancing precise musical performance with complex marching formations, adapting to outdoor weather conditions, and building stamina for long rehearsals and performances. New members can best prepare by practicing their instrument regularly, participating in physical conditioning, and familiarizing themselves with drill charts and marching techniques. Being proactive about time management and seeking support from experienced bandmates also helps ease the transition into the demanding but rewarding marching band environment.
What cities are hiring for Marching Band jobs? Cities with the most Marching Band job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Marching Band jobs? The most popular types of Marching Band jobs are:
What states have the most Marching Band jobs? States with the most job openings for Marching Band jobs include:
Infographic showing various Marching Band job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Full Time, 80% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,707 per year, or $17.6 per hour.
Marching Band Director

Marching Band Director

Simpson University

Redding, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description
Simpson University is seeking a passionate, creative leader who will serve as an architect of music culture in Northern California for a generation. We are building a 100+ piece marching band and are looking for a Director of Marching Bands who will recruit, design, and launch this program from the ground up. This leader must be deeply embedded in the marching band world and willing to spend a significant portion of the first year attending high school performances, competitions, and events to personally recruit the students needed to form the inaugural class.
Simpson University's strategy is to engage strong Christian faculty and staff who disciple students toward a mature Christian life while participating in a vibrant campus experience such as marching band. Each faculty and staff member contributes to shaping campus culture by mentoring each of their students through their personal, academic, and spiritual development through graduation. The creator of a Marching Band program will inspire, teach, and direct the ensemble while embracing the unique challenges of launching a new program and continuously recruiting each incoming class.
Qualifications:
We are seeking a scrappy, entrepreneurial leader who is motivated by the opportunity to build something lasting and define their legacy over decades of leadership. Simpson University is seeking a long-term partnership with a director who can successfully balance recruiting, teaching, discipling, and fundraising. Seeking a candidate interested in making a long-term commitment to developing and growing the marching band program. They will need to have mentors in the marching band world who are willing to support their launch and turn to professional organizations and established leaders in the field to be inspired and learn from. With demonstrated sustained growth, Simpson University is prepared to support the director's continued academic advancement, including funding for master's and doctoral degrees as we would like for the Director to transition into a faculty role and teach music classes over time.
Candidates need:
  • An undergraduate degree with 4 years of marching band participation required; desire to gain or earned master's degree preferred.
  • Ability to lead, direct, recruit, promote, and give vision to a full marching band program required.
  • Ability to travel on thrifty budgets, work evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Experience managing traveling with large student groups and marching band equipment.
  • Must have a passion for working with diverse student populations and a commitment to inclusion and equity.
  • A personal commitment to Christ and faith integration at a Christian liberal arts institution is essential.

General Expectations:
  • Personal relationship with Jesus, a vibrant Christian faith, and a commitment to Christian community; capable of sharing faith and engaging in conversations about Christ
  • Demonstrate Simpson University Values in the performance of all duties
  • Maintain lifestyle in accordance with Simpson University Lifestyle Policy in Staff Handbook
  • Maintain the confidentiality of information, data and records
  • Properly exercise tact, diplomacy, discretion, and professional judgment
  • Demonstrate strong customer service skills in the performance of job duties
  • Demonstrate good organizational and communication skills in the performance of job duties
  • Supervises employees in accordance with Simpson University policies and procedures
  • Support the overflow needs of other departments within the respective university area
  • Perform other duties in accordance with this position as deemed necessary by the immediate supervisor

Primary Responsibilities:
The Marching Band Director is responsible for delivering high-quality competitive and comprehensive marching band program that supports student growth, performance excellence, and university engagement. They will represent Simpson University as Redding's hometown university in the following duties:
  • Recruit and retain 100 students or more for a co-curricular marching band program which would play at athletic and university community events.
  • Fundraise to grow resources for the marching band and travel to band competitions and parades.
  • Develop and implement a year-round program of rehearsals, performances, and competitions.
  • Promote a culture of excellence, discipline, teamwork, and pride within the band program.
  • Oversee, order, and fundraise for band inventory, maintenance, and organization of instruments, uniforms, and equipment.
  • Manage the band operating budget and over one million dollars in band scholarship discount rates used annually for recruiting talent.
  • Coordinate transportation, scheduling, and logistics for events and trips.
  • Ensure compliance with university policies and procedures, including safety protocols.
  • Disciple students in their faith with Jesus Christ and encouraging personal, academic, and musical growth.
  • Support student leadership development within the band program and hire and train assistant band staff as the program grows.
  • Communicate effectively with students, parents, staff, and administration.
  • Collaborate with music and other faculty and staff to support school initiatives and student success.

Physical Requirements:
Job Title:
Marching Band Director
Typical Working Conditions:
(Describe environment including exposure to heat, cold, fumes, chemicals, allergens, mold, etc.)
Will spend significant time traveling for recruiting and attending events. Mostly outdoors on grass in all types of weather conditions.
Equipment Used:
(List all manual and automated equipment used while performing essential functions.)
All types of musical instruments used in marching bands. Will use computer and recording technology in recruitment, communication, and social media.
Essential Physical Tasks:
(List all physical tasks encountered in performing essential functions - i.e. sitting for long periods of time using a computer, standing, climbing ladders, etc.)
Will need to load and move musical equipment, climb ladders for directing, work with students and performances in outdoor settings, will need to be able to stand and drive for long periods of time.
Analysis of Physical Demands to Perform Essential Functions:
Key (Based on typical week):
N=Never
R=Rarely (Less than 1 hour per week)
O=Occasional (1%-33% of time)
F=Frequent (34%-66% of time)
C=Constant (over 66% of time)
Activity
Frequency
Activity
Frequency
N
R
O
F
C
N
R
O
F
C
Lifting/Carrying
Twisting/Turning
Under 10 lbs
X
Reach over shoulder
X
11-20 lbs
X
Reach over head
X
21-50 lbs
X
Reach outward
X
51-100 lbs
X
Climb
X
Over 100 lbs
X
Crawl
X
Kneel
X
Pushing/Pulling
Squat
X
Under 10 lbs
X
Sit
X
11-20 lbs
X
Walk-Normal Surfaces
X
21-50 lbs
X
Walk-Uneven Surfaces
X
51-100 lbs
X
Walk-Slippery Surfaces
X
Over 100 lbs
X
Stand
X
Bend
X
Driving
Automatic Trans
X
Standard Trans
X
Other
Keyboard/Ten Key
X
Fingering (fine dexterity)
X
Handling (grasping, holding)
X
Repetitive Motion - Hands
X
Repetitive Motion - Feet
X
Salary Range: $70,000.00-$75,000.00 per annum