Long Term Substitute: Choir Teacher

Denver Christian Schools•Lakewood, CO

10d

About The Position

The Choir Teacher leads the secondary choral department and teaches middle school general music during the absence of the department’s regular director. The role provides continuity and high-quality musical instruction for middle and high school choir students, with support from a full-time accompanist. It requires strong conducting and music literacy skills, confidence leading multi-part rehearsals, and the ability to prepare and direct students in performance, including at least one evening concert. The Choir Teacher helps sustain a strong choral program and a positive, faith-centered learning environment. The position works Monday through Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., with evening hours required for concerts and rehearsals. At least one evening concert will be directed during the leave period. The role reports to the Middle School Principal. All employees are expected to support the school’s Christian mission, model professionalism consistent with community standards, and participate in school events, devotionals, and staff culture-building practices. The school’s stated core values are solution-oriented, relationally-focused, creatively-inspired, and effort-enthused.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Choral Music, or a closely related field.
Proficient music literacy, including the ability to read and interpret multi-voice-part scores.
Demonstrated conducting skills and comfort leading rehearsals with accompanist support.
Ability to teach middle school general music.
Willingness to direct at least one evening concert during the leave period.
Ability to work with students in grades 6–12 in a manner consistent with a Christian school environment.
Colorado teaching license or eligibility to hold one, or authorization to teach in a nonpublic school (the posting flags this detail for confirmation).
Strong conducting presence and clear rehearsal pacing.
Ability to teach and diagnose vocal and musical skills across a range of ages and abilities.
Classroom management skills and ability to build positive student relationships.
Flexibility and adaptability in stepping into an established program.
Professional communication with students, families, and colleagues.
Ability to collaborate with the accompanist and fine arts colleagues.
Dependability and consistent follow-through on deadlines and event commitments.
Ability to build ensemble culture and student confidence.
Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods during rehearsals and classes.
Ability to conduct for extended periods, including sustained arm movement.
Ability to move and set up classroom and performance equipment as needed, such as chairs, music stands, and risers.
Ability to speak and sing for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a music educator.
Experience directing both middle and high school choirs.
Experience with Kodály, Orff, or similar music teaching methods.
Familiarity with Christian worship and sacred choral repertoire.
Experience with student information systems such as FACTS/SIS and Google Workspace.
Experience with festival, adjudication, or honor choir preparation.

Responsibilities

Lead daily middle and high school choir rehearsals, developing vocal technique, tone, diction, and ensemble skills.
Conduct and rehearse multi-part music, including SATB, SAB, and SSA, and accurately read and interpret vocal scores.
Teach music literacy, including sight-singing, rhythm reading, and music theory fundamentals, at the appropriate level for each ensemble.
Select and prepare repertoire suited to each ensemble’s age and ability, balancing styles and sacred and secular selections consistent with the school’s mission.
Work daily with the accompanist to plan rehearsals and prepare music.
Plan and teach middle school general music courses aligned with the school curriculum and standards.
Develop engaging lessons that build music appreciation, listening skills, and basic performance skills.
Assess student progress, record grades, and communicate progress to students and families.
Prepare students for and direct at least one evening concert during the leave period.
Coordinate concert logistics, including program planning, rehearsal schedules, risers and staging, and student attire.
Communicate concert dates, expectations, and student responsibilities to families.
Provide leadership for the secondary choral department, maintaining program continuity and student engagement.
Maintain the choral music library, equipment, and rehearsal space, and submit supply or music purchase requests through internal systems.
Review the department calendar and make plans with the outgoing director to ensure a smooth transition.
Maintain a positive, orderly, and inclusive classroom culture and manage behavior in line with school expectations.
Communicate professionally with families, colleagues, and administrators.
Support student accommodations in partnership with Student Support.
Participate in faculty meetings, devotionals, school events, and staff culture-building practices.
Support the school’s Christian mission and model its stated values and professional standards.