Percussion Director Jobs in Decatur, GA (NOW HIRING)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Join a growth-oriented, collaborative learning community committed to developing the whole person for college and life. Westminster hires and retains passionate, talented, and diverse educators like you to prepare our students to be lifelong learners, well-equipped to address local and global challenges. Westminster excels regionally and nationally in every area of school life, from academics to the arts and athletics, achieving excellence through a wide range of programming — and we need you to help us! 

The MS/US Band Director is responsible for supporting Westminster's band program across all divisions, aligning with National Music Standards and Westminster's philosophy and strategic goals. This role spans both the Middle and Upper School divisions and includes conducting the Upper and Middle School Jazz Bands. They will work collaboratively with the Middle School and Upper School Band team to ensure program continuity and excellence across all grade levels. 

Supervisor: Reports directly to the Head of Upper School with secondary reporting lines to the Director of Performing Arts and the Head of Middle School. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:  None

Position Status:  Salaried, exempt, full-time, 10-month

Hours of Work: Typical working hours are 7:45 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Some weekend and evening work will be required.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements below outline the knowledge, skills, and abilities expected of a successful candidate.

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or other relevant degree. A graduate degree in Music Performance or Music Education is preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in playing a variety of percussion instruments is preferred.
• Three or more years of classroom and conducting experience at the high school and middle school levels is preferred.
• Knowledge of age-appropriate band literature, including diverse and inclusive repertoire. Background in arranging or adapting music for student ensembles is preferred.
• Working knowledge of brass and woodwind instruments to support balanced ensemble instruction is preferred.
• A strong understanding of middle and upper school students' developmental stages, including appropriate pacing, motivation techniques, and classroom management strategies is preferred.
• Proficiency in music technology tools (e.g., notation software, digital audio platforms) to enhance instruction is preferred.
• Proficiency in percussion instrument maintenance and set-up preferred.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and parents, and to inspire students.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Ensemble Leadership, Curriculum Development, Instruction, and Oversight

• Instructs MS and US students at age-appropriate levels in all ensembles of the Westminster Bands
• Partners with the other MS and US Band Directors to choose appropriate repertoire
• Serves as the primary conductor for the Upper School Jazz Band; Co-leads Middle School Jazz Band
• Prepares percussion students for numerous performances throughout the year, primarily with Band
• Conducts full MS and US Band repertoire in collaboration with colleagues
• Collaborates with our other music ensembles to provide instrumental support without compromising the Band repertoire
• Leads percussion sectional rehearsals across all grade levels
• Participates in weekly cross-divisional Band meetings, inclusive of all Band faculty
• Coordinates additional clinicians and guest artists as needed, with ultimate supervision, support, and oversight from the Director of Performing Arts
• Co-teaches a three-week immersive, interdisciplinary course during Westminster’s JanTerm, fostering deeper learning through project-based and experiential education
• In collaboration with colleagues, provides comments and grades for Band students, incorporating feedback from other Band Directors as appropriate.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Administration and Organization

• Co-manages the Westminster music library
• Co-manages maintenance, repair, and inventory of Band equipment across campus
• Liaises with our facilities team in a timely fashion to facilitate large-scale moves of equipment
• Coordinates equipment transportation for off-campus events
• Assists with concert and event production, including delivering poster and program information in a timely fashion to the Director of Broyles Arts Center
• Manages equipment budget and purchasing

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Parent and Community Engagement

• Plans and coordinates ensemble performances and Jazz Band concerts
• Maintains regular communication with parents regarding student progress

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Assessment and Progress Tracking

• In conjunction with the full Westminster Band Team, develops and implements assessment strategies for individual and jazz ensemble growth
• Maintains accurate records of student attendance and achievement
• Documents student progress and prepares progress reports
• Perform other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES - Community Art-making

• As part of Westminster’s “flagship” extracurricular performing arts event, will play in the pit for the Fall Musical and, when appropriate, lead band students to join.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, and feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl; talk and hear; engage in moderately strenuous physical activity both indoors and out; and smell. The employee may occasionally lift or assist with moving more than 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The ability to become certified in CPR, AED, and First Aid is required.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is occasionally exposed to outdoor weather conditions and frequently walks on slippery or uneven surfaces. Other physical demands include lifting and moving equipment, climbing ladders, and working in confined spaces. The noise level in the work environment is often loud.

Westminster is a drug-free, smoke/vape-free campus.

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the regular business day.  Overnight and out-of-area travel may also be required and is associated mainly with planned events, conferences, and professional development opportunities.

Driving a Westminster vehicle may be required for this position.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

Westminster is committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment.  It is Westminster’s policy to provide equal employment opportunities and administer terms and conditions of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran under applicable federal, state, and local laws.  EOE/M/F/D/V.