Music Assistant (Mariachi)

Bellflower Unified School District•Bellflower, CA

About The Position

The Music Assistant supports school music programs by assisting with instruction, rehearsals, performances, and student supervision under the general supervision of a certificated music teacher, department staff, or designee. The role focuses on vocal and instrumental music and requires demonstrated musical performance skills. The assistant performs alongside students, leads or supports sectionals, and helps with music-related technical and production needs, including sound, staging, and equipment. For the Mariachi assignment, the assistant performs on a variety of mariachi instruments with students, reinforces rhythms, repertoire, and cultural context introduced by the teacher, and helps students practice music reading and playing by ear. The position is one vacancy, scheduled for 3.5 hours per day for 9 months. Work takes place in school classrooms, rehearsal and performance spaces, and off-site venues, indoors and outdoors, including evenings and weekends. The position does not exercise supervisory authority, though it may provide informal guidance to student assistants, volunteers, or student leaders.

Requirements

Graduation from high school or equivalent, supplemented with coursework or training in music education, performance, theory, or a closely related field.
Ability to perform instrumental parts alongside students during rehearsals and performances.
Ability to demonstrate and reinforce music fundamentals, including rhythm, notation, and instrumentation, to individuals and small groups.
Ability to adapt to various musical styles and ensemble settings, including mariachi.
Ability to operate and perform basic troubleshooting for sound systems, microphones, recording devices, and related equipment.
Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate program activities, events, and logistics supporting rehearsals and performances.
Ability to supervise and monitor students in classroom, rehearsal, and performance settings.
Effective oral and written communication skills and ability to establish cooperative working relationships.
Ability to follow instructions, including those related to student support plans and accommodations, and to learn and apply school and district policies and procedures.
Ability to model communication and interactions that respect and include individuals and their languages, abilities, religions, and cultures.
Must be available evenings and weekends to assist with performances.
Ability to lift and carry objects weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance.

Nice To Haves

Experience assisting with music instruction, performance, or related school, community, or youth music programs is desirable.

Responsibilities

Assist with music instruction and supervise students during rehearsals, classes, and performances; perform alongside students to model musicianship and ensemble skills.
Assist with instrumental music fundamentals across ensembles and styles, including culturally specific traditions such as mariachi.
Prepare students for performances, competitions, and public events.
Conduct and supervise small-group sectional rehearsals, demonstrating techniques and playing with students to reinforce concepts.
Assist in planning, coordinating, and supervising musical performances and events; perform with student ensembles as needed.
Set up, arrange, and break down rehearsal and performance spaces, including equipment, staging, and seating.
Set up, operate, and maintain sound systems, recording equipment, and other audio-visual technology for rehearsals and performances.
Maintain inventories of instruments, equipment, uniforms, and music library materials, tracking condition, location, and usage.
Perform minor instrument adjustments and maintenance and report repair needs to appropriate personnel.
Maintain assigned student records, attendance, schedules, and progress documentation.
Supervise student behavior and maintain discipline during music activities and events; model professional performance standards and conduct.
Collaborate with special education staff and related service providers to support student access, participation, and performance accommodations.
Transport equipment and travel to performance sites, festivals, and competitions as assigned; participate in performances with students.
Perform on a variety of mariachi instruments alongside students; reinforce rhythms, repertoire, and cultural context introduced by the teacher; help students practice music reading and playing by ear.
Perform related duties as assigned.