Indoor Percussion Director (High School)

About the role

The Upper Moreland Township School District is an educational institution working in partnership with the community to provide all students with educational opportunities to develop knowledge, skills, behaviors, and habits of mind necessary for excellence and success as critical thinkers, as caring and confident individuals, and as contributing members of society. The District reflects the shared values of a diverse community of stakeholders and focuses on student success socially, emotionally, physically, and academically. Students of the Upper Moreland Township School District will be provided with the foundation and skills necessary to excel in the exciting, complex, and interdependent world in which they live.

The Director of Upper Moreland Indoor Percussion is responsible for the overall leadership, artistic development, educational quality, and successful operation of the indoor percussion program. This position oversees all aspects of the ensemble, including instructional staff, program design, rehearsal planning, student development, competitive preparation, and administrative coordination. The Director is expected to foster a positive, inclusive, disciplined, and achievement-oriented environment that promotes musical excellence, personal growth, teamwork, and accountability. The Director serves as the primary point of contact between the indoor percussion program, its staff, students, families, and program administration.

Responsibilities

• Program Leadership and Administration: Establish and communicate a clear vision, philosophy, and set of goals for the program. Oversee all aspects of program operations throughout the season. Develop and manage the seasonal calendar, including rehearsals, performances, competitions, and special events. Coordinate with program administration regarding scheduling, facility needs, transportation, equipment, and other logistical requirements. Ensure program activities align with established organizational expectations, policies, and procedures. Maintain regular communication with program administration regarding progress, challenges, and operational needs. Participate in planning meetings and provide timely updates as requested.
• Staff Leadership and Management: Provide leadership, direction, and supervision to all instructional and design staff. Collaborate with administration on staff selection, assignments, and responsibilities. Establish clear instructional expectations and performance standards for staff members. Coordinate staff schedules and ensure appropriate instructional coverage at rehearsals and events. Facilitate regular staff communication to maintain consistency in instruction and program objectives. Address staff performance concerns professionally and promptly in coordination with administration. Foster a collaborative, respectful, and supportive working environment.
• Program Design and Artistic Direction: Lead the development and implementation of the ensemble's competitive production. Collaborate with designers, arrangers, choreographers, and instructional staff to create a cohesive musical and visual program. Establish artistic priorities appropriate to the ensemble's classification, abilities, and competitive goals. Oversee the development, teaching, and refinement of musical and visual content. Evaluate the effectiveness of program design throughout the season and coordinate necessary adjustments. Ensure all design elements, including music, staging, props, costuming, and visual presentation, support the overall production.
• Instruction and Student Development: Establish instructional standards that prioritize fundamental skills, technical development, musicality, performance quality, and ensemble achievement. Develop and oversee a structured rehearsal process with clear objectives and measurable progress. Provide direct instruction and feedback as appropriate. Ensure instructional methods accommodate varying student experience and skill levels. Promote student leadership, personal responsibility, professionalism, and accountability. Establish a positive rehearsal culture that balances high expectations with encouragement and support. Address student behavioral or participation concerns in accordance with organizational policies.
• Competitive Preparation and Performance: Prepare the ensemble for participation in applicable indoor percussion circuits, including MAIN and WGI events. Establish competitive goals and monitor progress toward those objectives. Review adjudicator feedback, scores, and performance evaluations to identify opportunities for improvement. Communicate competitive priorities and necessary adjustments to instructional staff and students. Oversee performance-day preparation, including warm-ups, equipment readiness, scheduling, and ensemble conduct. Ensure students and staff represent Upper Moreland professionally at all events.
• Budget and Resource Management: Collaborate with program administration to develop and operate within an approved seasonal budget. Identify equipment, supplies, design, and instructional resources necessary for program success. Coordinate equipment maintenance, inventory, storage, and transportation. Obtain required approvals before committing program funds or making purchases. Promote responsible use and care of organizational resources.
• Communication and Professional Responsibilities: Maintain timely, professional communication with students