Tenure-track Director of Bands/Music Education Fall 2026-2027 I02448
About The Position
The Music Department at Slippery Rock University invites applications for an inspiring and collaborative Director of Bands to lead a vibrant and growing instrumental program. Primary duties include conducting the Wind Ensemble (Fall and Spring), Marching Band (Fall), and Concert Band (Spring). As a teaching institution, faculty teach twelve credits per semester; the remaining workload will consist of teaching instrumental methods courses, observing preservice music educators in the field, and other departmental courses based on the candidate's expertise and the department's needs. We seek a dynamic musician and student-centered educator who combines artistry, leadership, and innovation in music education. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in rehearsal techniques, ensemble performance, and student mentorship; foster a culture of musical excellence, inclusion, and community; and bring creative approaches to developing 21st-century band programs that reflect diverse musical traditions and practices. We seek a colleague who values collaboration across all areas of the department and is dedicated to mentoring students (both majors and non-majors who participate in ensembles) as reflective, skilled, and compassionate musicians and/or educators/aspiring professionals. Slippery Rock University has an impressive record of success with stable enrollments, strong programs, as well as a unionized and collaborative faculty: we enroll some 8600 students, and the Department of Music is one of the largest of those within the College of Liberal Arts. Located in a rural small town just an hour north of Pittsburgh, our campus is safe, inviting, and blessed with up-to-date facilities that enrich our programs and help sustain our high student retention and graduation rates. Our four nationally-accredited programs in the fine and performing arts collectively have one of the highest enrollments in the entire institution, and within the past five years, we opened newly-renovated facilities for the performing arts that help boost opportunities for students as well as our record of robust success.
Requirements
- Doctoral degree in Conducting (ABD considered but the degree MUST be completed by August 3, 2026).
- Successful experience directing a marching band program.
- Demonstrated success in recruiting students
- Demonstrated success in retaining and mentoring students
- Demonstrated success in community engagement through band/music activities
- Successful experience in ensemble leadership at the collegiate and/or secondary level
- Demonstrated collaboration with music faculty, colleagues, and community partners
- Demonstrated success in recruitment, retention, and community engagement through band activities.
- Successful experience directing a marching band program.
- Valid US driver's license.
- Successful performance in an interview.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with diverse repertoire and inclusive programming reflective of multiple musical cultures and traditions.
- Demonstrated success in engaging and inspiring students within and beyond the classroom
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and access in music performance and education.
- K-12 Music Educator Certification and documented public school teaching experience.
- Evidence of expertise in music education and experience guiding future music teachers.
Responsibilities
- Conducting the Wind Ensemble (Fall and Spring)
- Conducting Marching Band (Fall)
- Conducting Concert Band (Spring)
- Teach instrumental methods courses
- Observing preservice music educators in the field
- Other departmental courses based on the candidate's expertise and the department's needs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Industry
Educational Services
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
501-1,000 employees
