ABOUT NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL
Notre Dame High School, a Catholic, college preparatory school sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross, educates the hearts and minds of students who are diverse in ethnicity, talent, and culture. As a community of faith, Notre Dame strives to form each student – spiritually, intellectually, and socially – to recognize the dignity of all persons and to serve the evolving needs of the world. Notre Dame faculty are expected to be men and women of integrity and able to espouse Catholic, Holy Cross, and Notre Dame mission values that will set a positive example for all students.
OVERVIEW OF POSITION
The Irish Knight Band Director is a full-time exempt role reporting to the Performing Arts Department Chair and the Administrative Team of the Principal and Vice Principals. The Band Director will direct and manage the overall program of instrumental music for Notre Dame High School. They will provide students with an opportunity to participate in extracurricular band activities, supervising and coordinating the marching band, pep band, concert and Jazz Band activities. They support band students in achieving a higher level of personal skill, in gaining an enhanced appreciation for band music and an increased level of self-esteem through rehearsals and performances. Coordinates IKB fundraising efforts and the Band Booster activities in support of the band.
This position also requires teaching Band classes each semester, which may include multiple preps. Teachers are also expected to dedicate time outside regular school hours for essential responsibilities such as grading papers, lesson planning, attending department and faculty meetings, and participating in school-wide events.
Guided by our Holy Cross mission, we believe teaching is not just a job but a vocation. We expect our educators to support students by caring about their well-being both inside and outside the classroom. This includes occasionally attending events such as athletic games, theater productions, or other school-related activities to show encouragement and build community.
The Band Director is expected to be on campus on all designated workdays during the school year, which runs from August to mid-June, Monday through Friday from 7:45am to 3:15pm, and until 4:15pm on Mondays. Additionally, the position requires some extended hours, nights, and/or weekend attendance and travel for school events and professional growth. Evening and weekend commitments may include Open House events, admissions activities, curriculum nights, and department-specific workshops. Additional responsibilities include assisting with admissions interviews and fulfilling other department-related duties as needed.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Teach Band I: Winds, Band II: Concert Band, Band III: Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band courses.
- Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials and equipment that reflect an understanding of the learning styles and needs of students in band courses and show written evidence of preparation as required.
- Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal testing.
- Establish and maintain open communication by conducting conferences with parents, students, principals, and teachers.
- Oversee the Percussion Ensemble and Dance Guard and coordinate with moderators as a part of the Irish Knight Band.
- Organize and direct band practices, including sectional practices.
- Promote the band program and develop public relations for the band in conjunction with the administration.
- Direct the band when it represents the school at band reviews, parades, festivals, and other public events.
- In conjunction with the Athletic Director, Deans and/or Director of Student Activities, organize band participation at football games, home basketball, volleyball games, and other athletic contests.
- In conjunction with the Admissions Department, organize participation in Admissions Events and outreach to feeder schools.
- Develop and implement plans for improvement and growth of the band program and show written evidence of preparation as required.
- Recruit students yearly for the band program by initiating outreach to middle school music programs and other means necessary including overseeing the Saturday Elementary Band and Summer Band Programs to attract students.
- Oversee, prepare and submit the Band Budget to the Principal, Vice Principals, and Performing Arts Department Chair.
- In coordination with the Performing Arts Department Chair, manage band finances and fundraising
- Oversee the activities of the Band Booster Club.
- Oversee the band room and all of its facilities.
- Arrange transportation, lodging, and meals for band events.
- Design and deliver culturally responsive and inclusive lessons that reflect the school’s DEI mission and initiatives.
- Willingness to differentiate instruction to reach a range of student learning styles.
- Commitment to engaging students with culturally responsive and inclusive approaches to the curriculum.
- Participate in school-wide and departmental faculty meetings, and professional growth opportunities held after the school day.
- Engage in the life of the school community through presence at school Masses, assemblies, rallies, class retreats, sporting events, visual and performing arts events, etc.
- Chaperone and supervisory responsibilities during school day and some evening and weekend events.
- Meet with students and parents as needed, before and after school.
- Teach the jazz band class during X period.
- Write college letters of recommendation for students when appropriate.
- Deliver instruction both on campus and occasionally via remote learning.
