ACS is seeking a Band Director

The Band Director will oversee and manage the 5th–8th grade band program at Ada Christian School. They will incorporate Biblical principles and perspectives into the curriculum, ensuring a Biblical worldview is integrated throughout. The director will support students in developing their musical skills while fostering their spiritual gifts, enhancing their appreciation for band music, and boosting their self-esteem through rehearsals and performances. This position is currently 40% time, with potential for growth.

Reports to: Principal

Qualifications:

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Music or a Music-related field 
• Experience as a band instructor is preferred
• Ability to arrange music, play a variety of wind and percussion instruments, and conduct music. 
• Holds current certification from the state of Michigan (or other state, while applying for certification from Michigan) in the area and grade level of responsibility for ACS.

Personal Traits

• Redeemed by Christ and committed to serve Him in all that they do.
• Model Christ and principles of Scripture in:
• Relationships of love and respect with students, staff and parents
• Personal and professional choices
• Hygiene, dress and speech
• Practice of the fruits of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
• Demonstrate service to Christ by carrying out responsibilities conscientiously and consistently, with a focus on others rather than self.
• Demonstrate support for the mission, vision and goals of Ada Christian School. 
• Agree and adhere to Ada Christian School's Statements of Belief. 
• Intentionally seek to apply Reformed Christian perspective to areas of their responsibility.
• Collaborate as valuable contributors to staff community and work, with a willingness to learn, discuss and make appropriate changes.
• Willingly follow school policies.
• Demonstrate commitment to ACS by serving on committees as needed.

Knowledge and Skills in Curriculum and Teaching

• Demonstrates knowledge of the curriculum for which s/he is responsible.
• Demonstrates ability to connect knowledge, skills and attitudes within and among disciplines for which s/he is responsible to teach. 
• Demonstrates ability and desire to connect Reformed Christian principles with the curriculum and classroom community.
• Communicates effectively orally and in writing.
• Translates curricular essential knowledge, questions and goals into meaningful and clearly-articulated lessons and experiences for all kinds of learners.
• Demonstrates the ability to model questions and higher order thinking.
• Gives clear and organized explanations.
• Chooses appropriate resources to enhance learning for students. 
• Chooses authentic assessments for students.
• Prepares lessons appropriate to the age and skill of students and time allotted for instruction. 
• Organizes instruction to maximize student learning.
• Demonstrates ability to redirect questions and activities in response to student misunderstandings.
• Demonstrate understanding and ability to teach students with multiple learning styles and abilities.
• Devotes time to reflection, evaluation of self and practice, and carrying out improvement plans for self and the school.

Knowledge and Skills in Relationships and Community

• Demonstrates knowledge of individual students – personality, strengths, areas for growth. 
• Demonstrates appropriate use of learning theories (brain, emotions, etc…) to best help students learn. 
• Establishes classroom climate of respect, order, and interaction for learning. 
• Maintains high learning and behavior expectations for students, while using love and grace to solve problems.
• Encourages student relationships that are effective for student growth.
• Solves problems wisely, while maintaining respect for those involved.
• Maintains a positive attitude, sense of humor, and reliance on God.
• Builds a sense of Christian community in the classroom, grade level and school.
• Demonstrates strong partnership with parents: respect, love and communication.
• Participates in school activities. 
• Provides service opportunities for students 

Responsibilities

• Teach 5th (1st year), 6th, 7th, and 8th grade bands.
• Help students have a clear understanding of worship and the use of their gifts as well as engage students in prayer and worship. 
• Teach music theory and instrument techniques to help accomplish the performance level of music. 
• Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
• Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principal, and teachers. 
• Direct the band when it represents the school at programs and/or chapels.
• Manage band finances.
• Oversee the band room including: the music library, music stands, and equipment. 
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of school-owned instruments; collect instrument borrow agreements from students as well as associated fees. 
• Coordinate and organize the Christmas Program and Spring Program in collaboration with music department, teachers and administration. 

Evaluation:

Evaluated once a year for the first three years in position and once every three years following by the Principal. See Policy Book for details.