Woodwind Instructor (Clarinet), Sistema Ravinia West Side

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. The Woodwind Instructor (Clarinet) leads woodwind area studio classes (flute, clarinet, or saxophone), teaches woodwind sectionals, and supervises students during all on site program activities for elementary and middle school aged children participating in the Sistema Ravinia West Side nucleo in Chicago. The Woodwind Instructor (Clarinet) reports to the Program Manager, will receive direction and feedback from the Artistic Manager, and works with a team of instructors that are responsible for maintaining a standard of musical excellence and upholding the values and mission of Reach Teach Play. The ideal candidate will be an extraordinary teacher, artist, mentor, and model for Sistema Ravinia students and upholds the belief that every student can succeed in music with access to high quality music instruction and support from their instructor, family, and community.

Key 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

Knowledge and Skills Required

• 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

Education and Experience

• 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

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

This position is housed at Catalyst Circle Rock located at 5608 W Washington Blvd. in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. The teaching schedule is: Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 2:45-5:15pm and Wednesdays from 2:15-5:45pm. The school year runs from mid-September through mid-May; summer programming runs for three weeks in August. Interact professionally with young students, adult learners, parents, and administrators while ensuring that student safety and well-being remain the highest priority at all times. Travel to Ravinia (Highland Park, IL) is required occasionally for performances and field trips.

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