Description
Founded in 1863, Saint Mary's is a residential campus nestled 20 miles east of San Francisco in the picturesque Moraga Valley. Based in the Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts traditions, Saint Mary's currently enrolls more than 4,000 students from diverse backgrounds in undergraduate and graduate programs. The De La Salle Christian Brothers, the largest teaching order of the Roman Catholic Church, guide the spiritual and academic character of the College.
As a comprehensive and independent institution, Saint Mary's offers undergraduate and graduate programs integrating liberal and professional education. Saint Mary's reputation for excellence, innovation and responsiveness in education stems from its vibrant heritage as a Catholic, Lasallian and Liberal Arts institution. An outstanding, committed faculty and staff that value shared inquiry, integrative learning and student interaction bring these traditions to life in the 21st century. The College is committed to the educational benefits of diversity.
The Performing Arts Department requires a part time faculty member to teach and direct the jazz band in
Fall of 2026 and
Spring of 2027.
Mondays, 7:00-10:00 pm
The Jazz Band Director is responsible for recruiting members to participate; rehearsing the jazz band, setting, organizing, and presenting two to three concerts per semester. Rehearsals are Mondays from 5:00 to 7:00pm. Recruiting includes additional hours on or off campus and includes activities such as the new student orientations. Additional hours required for setting up and presenting concerts. Additional duties will be to research performance and sight-reading literature appropriate for the skill level of the class.
This position is focused exclusively on instructional responsibilities, as all logistical aspects, including concert scheduling, programming, and music procurement, will be overseen by the Director of Instrumental Studies. While attendance at events beyond assigned rehearsals is not obligatory, enthusiastic participation is encouraged should the candidate desire it. We are seeking candidates with teaching and conducting experience in instrumental hybrid ensembles, ideally encompassing both collegiate and K-12 levels.
Course Description:
Intermediate to advanced level students prepare charts from a variety of jazz styles with a focus on jazz performance practices as they develop musicianship, ensemble cohesion, and artistry. The group performs 2-3 times each semester.
Qualifications
Required:
1. Minimum Master's Degree in Music (Performance, Education, etc.).
2. Minimum of ten years of successful jazz band instruction at the college level or the equivalent.
3. Professional music performance experience (itemized on CV, verifiable).
4. Display ability to encourage, motivate, and inspire students while maintaining a high level of performance.
5. Ability to maintain and recruit members.
Recommended:
1. Access to big band jazz literature library
2. Active professional network among local high school jazz instructors and professional musicians living in the surrounding communities of Saint Mary's College
Vibrant, encouraging, and engaging personality is a plus, as well as a pro-active, program-building attitude. SMC is looking into growing and expanding our instrumental program.
Candidates must reside in California.
Salary: $4,965 - $6,872 depending on qualifications
The salary range for this position is covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the College and SEIU, Local 1021, available here.
Application Instructions
Include a cover letter that specifically addresses how you meet the qualifications and are prepared to support the mission of the college. Please also include:
- A resume or CV
- The name and contact information for three (3) professional references.
In applying for a position, candidates sign a consent authorizing a broader inquiry which may include reference checks, a motor vehicle check, and a third-party background check.
Applicants to all available course sections who are members of the Saint Mary's College bargaining unit or agency fee payers covered by the agreement with SEIU 1021, who have previously taught the course, or Perfa 19, or who have been determined qualified through the process outlined in Article 10, have only the following application requirements:
- Indicate interest via application to the posting
- Complete the SMC Per Course Adjunct Faculty Questionnaire to identify as a Saint Mary's College bargaining unit faculty member or agency fee payers covered by the agreement with SEIU 1021
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Saint Mary's is an equal employment opportunity employer. We support inclusive excellence and are committed to creating a safe and welcoming community for all.
College policy prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, gender stereotyping, and gender identity, taking a protected leave (e.g. family medical or pregnancy leave), or on any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Saint Mary's College annually collects information about campus crimes and other reportable incidents in accordance with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. To view the Saint Mary's College Report, please go to the Public Safety website at http://www.stmarys-ca.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report-0. To request a paper copy please call Public Safety at (925) 631-4284. The report includes the type of crime, venue, and number of occurrences.
