Field Instructor & Drill Choreographer

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

1d•$22 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Field Instructor and Drill Choreographer (FIDC) is responsible for assisting the Associate Director and Director in guiding all aspects of the USC Trojan Marching Band (TMB). This role involves representing the TMB to external constituencies and professional organizations, working closely with the Director in a team-centered environment, and administering the 300+ student Trojan Band Program. The FIDC will also assist with administrative duties, field supervision of student leadership, maintaining attendance records, enforcing program policies, and acting on behalf of the Director in their absence. Collaboration with other university departments is key for event implementation. The FIDC will be responsible for the creation, teaching, and management of all marching drills and maneuvers, ensuring members are prepared and troubleshooting as needed. This role may involve directing smaller ensembles and traveling within Southern California. Additionally, the FIDC will assist in developing the academic curriculum for Leadership Training and provide pedagogical training to novice members. Specific duties vary by semester, including assisting with Band Camp, teaching marching drill, managing access to Ultimate Drill Book, providing specialized instruction, managing attendance, assisting student leaders, attending rehearsals and games, and running rehearsals in the absence of directors during the Fall. In the Spring, duties include assisting with Basketball and University Band, providing specialized instruction, attending basketball games, acting as Assistant Conductor for the USC Concert Band, preparing scores, and conducting. During the Summer, responsibilities include assisting with Summer Performances, attending Orientation/Recruitment Events, and planning/implementing Band Camp. The FIDC may also oversee other band activities as deemed necessary by the director.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Five years (minimum) of successful marching/athletic band teaching at the collegiate/university level.
Demonstrated success leading marching/athletic bands.
Teaching at the university level.
Specialized experience and training in applicable performing or visual arts.
Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education.

Nice To Haves

Experience in budget management.
Experience in marketing and communications, including website development and maintenance, and other digital communications.
Experience in personnel administration.
Experience in volunteer management.
Associate's degree (minimum education listed, but Bachelor's preferred).
3-5 years of preferred work experience.

Responsibilities

Assisting the Associate Director and Director in guiding all aspects of the TMB.
Representing the TMB to important external constituencies and other professional organizations.
Working closely with the Director in a team-centered environment.
Administering the 300+ student Trojan Band Program.
Carrying out administrative duties during the workweek and after standard working hours.
Working alongside the Office Staff for the successful implementation of all TMB affairs.
Assisting the Director and Associate Director with the field supervision of Student Leadership.
Maintaining attendance records for field rehearsals.
Enforcing program policies regarding student interactions.
Attending all staff meetings and acting on behalf of the Director, Associate Director, or Assistant Director in their absence.
Working closely with other university departments and maintaining an open line of communication for event implementation.
Responsible for the creation, teaching, and management of all marching drills and maneuvers, as well as the associated technology and pedagogical methodologies.
Ensuring that all members are prepared with their marching materials and field rehearsals and available for troubleshooting.
Working closely with the Assistant Director of Gig Bands and directing smaller ensembles as needed, potentially traveling by van to remote corners of Southern California.
Assisting the Associate Director in developing the academic curriculum for Leadership Training.
Responsible for the pedagogical training of the novice members of the TMB, providing hands-on training during Fall field rehearsals and in the Spring semester during University Band.
Assisting the Director with the implementation of Band Camp (Fall Semester).
Assisting the Associate Director with the creation and teaching of Marching Drill (Fall Semester).
Assisting in the management of access to Ultimate Drill Book for all members (Fall Semester).
Providing specialized instruction to the novice members (Fall Semester).
Managing attendance for all field rehearsals (Fall Semester).
Assisting Student Leaders with section management (Fall Semester).
Assisting the director in all rehearsals (Fall Semester).
Attending all home football games (Fall Semester).
Attending full-band trips (Fall Semester).
Attending class trips as deemed necessary by the Director (Fall Semester).
Running full-band rehearsals in absence of Director and Associate Director (Fall Semester).
Assisting the Associate Director with Basketball and University Band (Spring Semester).
Providing specialized instruction to the novice members (Spring Semester).
Attending home Basketball games as needed (Spring Semester).
Acting as the Assistant Conductor for the USC Concert Band when needed (Spring Semester).
Attending rehearsals (Spring Semester).
Preparing all scores (Spring Semester).
Conducting in the Director’s absence or as needed by Director (Spring Semester).
Assisting the Director with Summer Performances (Summer Months).
Attending all Orientation/Recruitment Events (Summer Months).
Planning and Implementing Band Camp (Summer Months).
Overseeing band activities as deemed necessary by the director.