Woodwind Instructor (Clarinet), Sistema Ravinia West Side

Ravinia Festival Association • Chicago, IL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

Sistema Ravinia is a flagship Reach Teach Play program that focuses on social development, community building, and musical excellence through intensive, after-school orchestral music education. This program serves over 300 students in grades 3-12 across 15 Chicago and Lake County public schools, using an El Sistema-inspired model of daily ensemble-based instruction. The Woodwind Instructor (Clarinet) will lead woodwind studio classes (flute, clarinet, or saxophone), teach woodwind sectionals, and supervise students during all on-site program activities for elementary and middle school students in the Sistema Ravinia West Side nucleo in Chicago. This role reports to the Program Manager, receives direction from the Artistic Manager, and collaborates with a team of instructors dedicated to maintaining musical excellence and upholding the values of Reach Teach Play. The ideal candidate is an exceptional teacher, artist, mentor, and role model who believes in the potential of every student with access to high-quality music instruction and support.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of beginning and intermediate-level woodwind pedagogical practices
• Ability to build and maintain a rehearsal culture that sets high expectations while demonstrating warmth, care, and support for each student
• Ability to serve as a motivational mentor and positive role model for students
• Superior interpersonal skills needed to collaborate effectively with parents, students, administrators, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds
• Strong background in music education with experience teaching beginning to intermediate string students in a group setting
• Strong classroom management skills
• Experience and desire to work with children and adults from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds
• Bachelor's degree (Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Music Education preferred) or equivalent professional experience

Responsibilities

• Lead woodwind studio and woodwind sectional rehearsals for beginning and intermediate-level students in grades 4–8
• Teach repertoire and develop student technical facility and musicianship in alignment with the Sistema Ravinia curriculum and Artistic Manager's direction
• Actively participate in instructor and conductor meetings, professional learning opportunities, and student/parent meetings as needed
• Assess student progress on an ongoing basis
• Facilitate and supervise all on-site activities, including snack time, restroom breaks, transitions, and dismissal
• Work in partnership with Sistema Ravinia West Side administration to track and maintain student attendance records, supports, and interventions
• Cultivate a community environment that contributes to the well-being and agency of every student

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Access to confidential resources that support mental health, well-being, and work-life balance
• Eligibility for paid time off in accordance with the City of Chicago’s Paid Leave Ordinance
• Accrued sick leave in compliance with Chicago Sick Leave requirements, available for personal illness or to care for eligible family members
• Workers compensation coverage if you are hurt while working
• Eligible to File for Unemployment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level