Introduction to Oak Park and River Forest High School
Oak Park and River Forest High School, located in the heart of Oak Park, Illinois, is a comprehensive public high school that has been a cornerstone of the community for decades. With a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and excellence, we offer a wide range of academic and extracurricular programs that cater to the diverse needs and interests of our students. Our school is proud to be a founding member of the national Minority Student Achievement Network, and we strive to create an inclusive and supportive environment that values student voice and promotes academic achievement.
About the Role
We are currently seeking an experienced and talented Music Director to join our team and lead our little theater show productions. As a key member of our artistic team, you will be responsible for bringing our musical productions to life, working closely with our director, choreographer, and stage manager to create an unforgettable experience for our students, staff, and community. If you are a creative and collaborative individual with a passion for music, theater, and education, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
- Attend and contribute to production meetings ahead of auditions, providing valuable input and expertise to the artistic team
- Audition singers and make casting recommendations to the director, ensuring that the best talent is showcased in our productions
- Schedule music rehearsals in collaboration with the director, choreographer, and stage manager, ensuring a smooth and efficient rehearsal process
- Teach cast members and orchestra their music, providing guidance, support, and feedback to help them achieve their full potential
- Lead music rehearsals for principals, chorus, and orchestra, fostering a positive and productive learning environment
- Support, attend, and contribute to full cast rehearsals, ensuring that all elements of the production come together seamlessly
- Serve as conductor for tech week and production, bringing the musical elements of the show to life
- Work with the sound designer to coordinate microphone use and sound levels, ensuring a high-quality audio experience for our audiences
- Study the script and music to understand music requirements in terms of setting, era, and character attributes, providing valuable insights to the artistic team
- Run sitzprobe rehearsal, bringing the orchestra and cast together for a final rehearsal before the production
- Supervise responsibilities of students in the Green Room, rehearsal spaces, and performance spaces, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all
- Set up and break down of orchestra pit instruments and set up with the musicians, ensuring that all technical aspects of the production are taken care of
- Return all music and script materials back to the publisher promptly at the conclusion of the production, maintaining our commitment to intellectual property and copyright laws
Essential Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you will need to have:
- Experience leading or teaching a diverse group of students, with a proven track record of promoting inclusivity and respect
- Proven experience in theatrical musical direction, with a strong understanding of musical theater and its various styles and genres
- Musical expertise both vocal and instrumental, with the ability to teach and direct a wide range of musical styles
- Ability to recruit, teach, mentor, and work with student actors and musicians, providing guidance and support to help them achieve their full potential
- Understanding of a range of styles and cultural/historical elements of the music of the production, with the ability to provide valuable insights and context to the artistic team
- Excellent communication and people skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, and community members
- Creativity and attention to detail, with the ability to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to challenges
- Ability to collaborate with the director and production staff, providing valuable input and expertise to the artistic team
- Organized with a positive attitude, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities while maintaining a positive and supportive demeanor
Preferred Qualifications
While not essential, the following qualifications are preferred:
- Experience working in a high school or educational setting, with a strong understanding of the needs and challenges of students in this age group
- Knowledge of theater production and stage management, with the ability to provide valuable insights and support to the production team
- Experience with sound design and audio engineering, with the ability to provide technical support and expertise to the production team
- Ability to play a musical instrument, with the ability to provide accompaniment and support to the cast and orchestra
Skills and Competencies
To be successful in this role, you will need to have:
- Strong musical skills, with the ability to read music, play a musical instrument, and provide accompaniment and support to the cast and orchestra
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with students, staff, and community members
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities while maintaining a positive and supportive demeanor
- Ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to challenges, with a strong understanding of musical theater and its various styles and genres
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with the ability to provide guidance and support to students and help them achieve their full potential
Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits
At Oak Park and River Forest High School, we are committed to providing our staff with opportunities for professional growth and development. As a Music Director, you will have the opportunity to work with a talented and dedicated team of educators and artists, and to develop your skills and expertise in musical theater and education. You will also have access to a range of professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and training programs, to help you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in musical theater and education.
Work Environment and Company Culture
Our school is a vibrant and dynamic community that values diversity, equity, and excellence. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment that promotes academic achievement, creativity, and personal growth. Our staff are passionate about education and the arts, and are dedicated to providing our students with a world-class education that prepares them for success in college, careers, and beyond.
Compensation, Perks, and Benefits
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings, and paid time off. We also provide our staff with a range of perks and benefits, including professional development opportunities, access to school facilities and resources, and a supportive and collaborative work environment.
Conclusion
If you are a talented and dedicated Music Director with a passion for musical theater and education, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a member of our team, you will have the chance to work with a talented and dedicated group of educators and artists, and to make a positive impact on the lives of our students. Don't miss out on this opportunity to join our community and contribute to the success of our school. Apply today and let's build the future together!
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