Upper School Music Teacher and Choral Director
THE POSITION
Park seeks a full-time Upper School Music Teacher/Choral Director to grow an inclusive choral program and serve as Music Director of Upper School mainstage musical theater productions. The Upper School Music Teacher/Choral Director will provide leadership and coordination for Park choral programs in all three divisions, including the larger choir and smaller ensembles.
Devoted to intellectual inquiry, a collaborative spirit of learning, and an appreciation for the diversity of human experience, The Park School of Baltimore is a community founded on positive expectations of our students and respect for individual differences.
We cultivate children’s innate curiosity by nurturing their interests and engaging them as active participants in their own education.
We support young people in becoming confident questioners and responsible citizens of the world.
The Park School is a non-sectarian, independent, coeducational day school of 845 students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. Founded in 1912 as one of the early progressive schools, The Park School continues to practice a distinct educational philosophy. The core values today, as in 1912, are a belief in children’s capacity to love learning, to grow academically and emotionally when inspired by highly qualified, caring teachers, and to develop self-discipline, confidence, and creative problem-solving skills through deep exploration and constant challenge. At every grade level, from Pre-Kindergarten through Upper School, Park actively encourages questioning and conversation as essential elements of the learning process. The school philosophy emphasizes a belief in positive expectations and expects that students, as they mature, will take increasing responsibility for their own learning.
In addition to serving as Music Director of the fall musical theater production and leading the high school SATB chorus and auditioned a cappella group(s), the Upper School Music Teacher/Choral Director will identify and implement community-oriented choral opportunities for both the Pre-K-12 music program and wider Park community, including the possible creation of new ensembles. The successful candidate should demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of choral repertoire, rehearsal techniques, performance ability, and piano skills sufficient to run a rehearsal without assistance. Additionally, the Choral Director will oversee administrative functions of the choral groups. While not a requirement, experience with jazz and direction of jazz instrumental ensembles is also highly desired.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Conduct the choir and smaller ensemble(s) in rehearsals and performances of a diverse range of choral repertoire
- Teach Upper Level, Advanced Placement Music Theory and upper-level music electives based on interest and expertise
- Serve as Music Director of the musical theater fall production
- Develop new vocal ensembles as appropriate
- Develop curriculum and choral activities to attract students to Park
- Promote repertoire selection that is diverse, inclusive, and representative of the expansive nature of choral music throughout the world, with music in genres ranging from, but not limited to jazz, classical, gospel, pop, and contemporary
- Create an exciting and challenging teaching and performing environment that fosters a successful learning atmosphere
- Have an openness to cross-divisional teaching
- Collaborate effectively with colleagues in a Pre-K-12 music and interdisciplinary arts department; coordinate curricula
- Represent Park in professional organizations; develop and maintain relationships with choral organizations in Baltimore and beyond
- Seek the best use of materials, equipment, space, and staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness
- Respect the culture, diversity, and rights of all students, their families and the community
- Prioritize duties in a manner consistent with organizational objectives and growth
- Perform other duties as assigned
EXPERIENCE
- Significant professional conducting, performance, and directing experience
- Significant experience in leading choirs singing various genres including, but not limited to jazz, gospel, pop, classical, and contemporary music
- Experience teaching vocal music in ensemble settings
- Aptitude for embracing diversity in individuals, perspectives, musical styles, and curriculum
- Strong managerial, administrative, and organizational skills
- Ability to navigate a Pre-K-12 educational setting and build relationships
- Strong proactive approach to solving problems
- Strong teamwork and collaborative skills
- Passion for music and the creative process
QUALIFICATIONS
- Education: B.A. degree in choral conducting or music education or equivalent professional/educational experience. Master’s preferred.
- Successful candidates will demonstrate experience in curriculum design and implementation as well as a proven ability to differentiate instruction
- Candidates from diverse backgrounds and/or who have experience in cultural competency work are strongly encouraged to apply
- Candidates with an openness to working with students in other divisions are strongly encouraged to apply
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Park’s salary and benefits are highly competitive with those in other leading area independent schools. For new appointments, salaries reflect experience and training equated to Park’s scales. In addition to normal retirement and health benefits, the school offers the following distinctive programs:
- Faculty and Curricular Advancement (FACA) Program
- This program supports summer professional work by faculty on a distinctive scale. Established in 1989, FACA is supported by a $5.6 million endowment; currently, over 40% of all Park faculty participate in projects annually. Grants cover full salary and benefits for group or individual projects selected through a formal review process.
- Tuition Remission
- Under current policy, employees who have been at Park full-time for two years are eligible to receive full tuition remission for their children who attend Park. All candidates, including employee children, must meet Park’s standards for admission. (During the first two years of employment, faculty may apply for aid through the need-based tuition assistance program.)
APPLICATION PROCESS
Due to the large volume of incoming résumés, we cannot accept phone calls. Send a letter of interest, personal statement, and résumé. Please indicate whether you plan to attend any national recruitment forums. Please also indicate whether there are any special circumstances that will affect the timing of your search, availability for interviews, and decisions for the coming year.
CONTACT
Priscilla Morales, Associate Head of School
The Park School
2425 Old Court Road
Baltimore, MD 21208
academicresources@parkschool.net
The Park School of Baltimore does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, ancestry, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or any physical or mental disability unrelated to a reasonable performance of an employee’s duties.