Junior High Orchestra Director (2026-2027)

Joliet Public Schools District 86•Joliet, IL

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Junior High Orchestra Director is responsible for the complete instruction of one or more Jr. High School level (grades 6, 7, 8) band(s) or orchestra(s). The Junior High level ensemble(s) meet as a curricular class on a daily basis during the school day. It is the director’s duty to evaluate each student as an individual and the ensemble as a whole to provide appropriate instruction. In addition to the Jr. High Band or Orchestra Class, the director teaches before school sectional lessons four to five days a week. The director may add after school sectionals as needed. The director also provides elementary lessons during the school day to fifth grade students. The director travels to each of the elementary schools 2-3 times per week. Once per week after school the elementary students travel to the junior high school for a large-group rehearsal. The band/orchestra director is responsible for the preparation of students for all performances including but not limited to concerts and contests. The director will provide “music room duty” both before and after school to provide supervision of students and equipment in the band/orchestra room(s). The director may also be assigned various building duties by the building administration. The director will attend music department concerts and events as assigned throughout the school year. The director will follow all district and department guidelines directly related to the position. The director will take an active role in maintaining and improving the equipment inventory, facilities, music library, and the uniform inventory. The director will create and maintain proper records pertaining to the music classroom, including, but not limited to grades, communications, performance notifications, and concert programs. The director is expected to attend and participate in several meetings throughout the school year, including meetings of the Music Parents Association, the Illinois Grade School Music Association, and the Illinois Music Education Association. The director will also attend all meetings of the instrumental music staff and Fine Arts Department staff as assigned. The band/orchestra director will follow all guidelines as described in the Music Staff Handbook.

Requirements

Professional Educator License with K-12 Music Endorsement /Certification or equivalent
Bachelor’s degree in Music Education or Applied Music
Thoroughly familiar with instructional methods, best practices, literature, and books pertaining to band/orchestra and music education at the elementary and middle levels.
Highly proficient on at least one band/orchestra instrument.
Demonstrated capabilities in leadership, public and community relations, and academic competence.
Applicants must be able to structure a classroom to maximize student learning.
Applicants must be able to establish effective communication with a variety of stakeholders.
Maximum 10 years full time Certified Teaching Experience

Responsibilities

Create and maintain an atmosphere conducive to equitable learning in accordance to the district’s mission and vision.
Guarantee that every child shall have an equal opportunity to develop musical talents.
Instruct children.
Inspire and motivate students to achieve the maximum of their capabilities in learning new skills and knowledge.
Encourage each child and help them to develop a sense of worth, dignity, purpose, and self-discipline.
Implement the various programs designed to achieve the educational objectives of the District.
Seek assistance from building level administration and/or the Fine Arts Coordinator, as may be necessary, in case of behavioral problems.
Keep accurate records for each child as may be required by the Fine Arts Coordinator, the Principal, and the District.
Requisition through the Office of the Fine Arts Coordinator instructional materials and supplies as they are required, per music department guidelines.
Attend meetings called by the Fine Arts Coordinator or Principal(s).
Uses available data to drive instructional decision making.
Attend music department concerts and events as assigned by the Fine Arts Coordinator.
Follow all District 86 and Fine Arts Department guidelines as authorized by the District Superintendent, Fine Arts Coordinator, or designee.
Conduct ongoing professional communication with parents of students, including parent-teacher conferences.
Participate in in-service training programs authorized by the District Superintendent.
Participate in workshops and clinics as assigned by the Fine Arts Coordinator or designee.
Develop and prepare a personal plan for continued professional growth.
Instruct students in the care and maintenance of their musical instruments and cases as well as their music, supplies and other musical equipment.
Check periodically that each child is taking the best possible care of the aforementioned items.
Seek assistance from the Fine Arts Coordinator, Principal(s), other Administrators, Music Faculty peers, consultants, or other specialists to improve teaching abilities, skills and management techniques.
Assume other responsibilities and duties as may be assigned by the Fine Arts Coordinator or designee in keeping with the policies of District 86.
Provide "music room duty" both before and after school to provide supervision of students and equipment in the band/orchestra room(s).
Take an active role in maintaining and improving the equipment inventory, facilities, music library, and the uniform inventory.
Create and maintain proper records pertaining to the music classroom, including, but not limited to grades, communications, performance notifications, and concert programs.
Attend and participate in several meetings throughout the school year, including meetings of the Music Parents Association, the Illinois Grade School Music Association, and the Illinois Music Education Association.
Attend all meetings of the instrumental music staff and Fine Arts Department staff as assigned.
Follow all guidelines as described in the Music Staff Handbook.