High String Instructor (Middle School), Sistema Ravinia

Position Summary

A flagship Reach Teach Play program, Sistema Ravinia emphasizes social development, community building, and musical excellence through intensive, after-school orchestral music education. Sistema Ravinia programming reaches over 300 3rd-12th grade students in 15 Chicago and Lake County public schools utilizing an El Sistema-inspired model of daily ensemble based instruction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead violin and viola studios and/or high string sectional rehearsals for beginning and intermediate level students in grades 6-8
• Teach repertoire and develop student technical facility and musicianship in alignment with the Sistema Ravinia curriculum and Artistic Manager
• Active participation in instructor and conductor meetings, professional learning, and student/parent meetings as needed
• Assess student progress on an ongoing basis
• Facilitate and supervise all on site activities including snack, restroom breaks, transitions, dismissal
• Work in partnership with Sistema Ravinia Lake County 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

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Strong knowledge of beginning/intermediate level violin and viola pedagogical practices
• Ability to build and maintain a rehearsal culture that sets high expectations with warmth and care for each student
• Superior interpersonal skills needed to collaborate with parents, students, administrators, and colleagues from diverse backgrounds

Education and Experience

• Strong background in music education with experience teaching beginners - intermediate string students and teaching in a group setting
• Experience and desire to work with children and adults from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds
• Bachelor’s degree (Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education preferred) or equivalent job experience

Success Factors

• High levels of student engagement, participation, and retention
• High quality student outcomes, growth, and development
• Representation of Ravinia’s mission and vision, positive collaboration with Ravinia Reach Teach Play administrators, teachers, and community

Work Environment

• Tuesdays from 1:45-5:45pm at the Ravinia Festival in Highland Park (time is inclusive of a weekly instructor curriculum planning meeting)
• Wednesdays from 2:45-5:45pm at John Lewis Middle School in Waukegan
• Thursdays from 2:45-5:45pm at Ravinia Festival in Highland Park

Employee Benefits

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

Ravinia is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We encourage individuals of all identities and abilities to apply.