Choir Director – Grades 7-12

Position Description

At Regents School of Austin, we see music education as central to a child’s education, not only because of what it teaches them but also how it shapes them. Martin Luther said, “Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world. It controls our thoughts, minds, hearts, and spirits…” A classical approach to education demands that we immerse students in great music of the ages, nurture a rich musical vocabulary in all students, and inspire students to love and joyfully participate in music-making. To do this at Regents School of Austin, music teachers establish foundational knowledge and skills through experience and memorization (Grammar), developing an understanding of theory and application of technique (Logic), and directing individual and collaborative preparation and performance (Rhetoric). At the Rhetoric level, students exhibit mastery of musical skills, technical understanding and synthesis, and communication of expression. In Rhetoric, music ceases to be a collection of notes and becomes a language.

Regents is a place of challenge, joy, service, and community preparing students to thrive in life. Our beautiful 83 acres in southwest Austin, Texas provide a tremendous setting for a Classical, Christian K-12 experience for over 1000 students combining robust academics/fine arts with co-curriculars that are central to the whole student experience. Our award-winning Fine Arts programs are a vital component of helping our students see and experience what is true, good, and beautiful. Regents incorporates instrumental ensembles, choral arts, dance, theatre and visual arts into its Fine Arts Department to give students expressive outlets to develop their full potential in the fine arts that will last a lifetime.

ROLE SUMMARY

Regents School of Austin seeks a part-time 7th-12th Grade Choir Director. The Choir teacher must be a committed Christian who appreciates music and is committed to helping improve and build our distinctly classical choral program. The individual must have strong interpersonal skills to retain, recruit, and inspire student artists in our choral program.

Principles for Conducting Work

• Pursue full devotion to Christ and live a life that reflects joyful obedience to Him
• Model the fruits of the Spirit in communications, relationships, and daily work
• Demonstrate teachability, a positive attitude, and a willing heart for service
• Embody other-centered servant-leadership in all interactions
• Prioritize according to non-urgent but important matters
• Maintain clear communication channels with the students, employees, and parents

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ideal candidates align themselves with our Philosophy of Music Education, which approaches teaching music from a classical and Christian perspective. Some of the responsibilities include:

• Teaching in light of classical pedagogy and with backward design
• Preparing the choirs for performances in fall and spring
• Planning a choral music tour every other year
• Seeing the classroom as an opportunity to disciple students for Christ