Music Director - WMS Theatre Program - Westonka Community Education and Services at Westonka Public Schools in Minnetrista, MN

Job description

WESTONKA COMMUNITY EDUCATION Westonka Middle School Theatre Program MUSIC DIRECTOR Organization: Westonka Community Education and Services Program: Westonka Middle School Musical Position: Music Director Reports To: Westonka Community Education Schedule: After school rehearsals, February through April Compensation: $3,000 - $3,500 POSITION OVERVIEW Westonka Community Education is seeking an enthusiastic, experienced, and collaborative Music Director to lead the musical portion of our Westonka Middle School Spring Musical. The Music Director will work directly with middle school students to teach and prepare the musical score, develop strong vocal and musical skills, and help students build confidence as performers. This position will collaborate closely with the Director, Assistant Director, and production team to create a cohesive and engaging musical experience for students. The ideal candidate is an encouraging educator and musical leader who enjoys working with middle school students and can bring energy, organization, and creativity to an after school theatre environment. PRODUCTION SCHEDULE The Music Director will work with students beginning in February and continue through performances in April. January: 2 afternoons of Auditions 3:00pm - 6:00pm February: Music rehearsals begin February - April: After school rehearsals, generally 3:00 - 6:00 pm The rehearsal schedule will be coordinated with the Assistant Director and may vary as the production progresses. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled closer to performances, including technical rehearsals. Performances: April 22�25 (On-site Directing during the performance in front of stage to help with musical entrances and staying with the Musical Track) Thursday - Saturday performances at 7:00 pm Sunday performance at 2:00 pm PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES Musical Leadership Teach and prepare the musical score for a middle school cast. Lead students in learning vocal parts, harmonies, lyrics, rhythms, musical terminology, and performance expectations. Develop students' vocal confidence, musicality, and ensemble skills. Help students understand the musical intent and emotional context of their songs. Prepare students to perform confidently and successfully in front of an audience. Monitor student progress and adjust rehearsal strategies to meet varying levels of musical experience and ability. Collaboration Collaborate closely with the Show Artistic Director and Assistant Director/Choreographer to create a unified production. Work as a team to coordinate musical staging, transitions, entrances, exits, and other elements that connect music and movement. Communicate regularly with the production team regarding student progress, rehearsal needs, and musical challenges. Work with the Director and Assistant Director to ensure the musical direction supports the overall vision of the production. Student Leadership & Development Create a positive, encouraging, and inclusive rehearsal environment. Work effectively with middle school students of varying ages, experience levels, confidence levels, and abilities. Build students' confidence while maintaining appropriate musical and performance expectations. Encourage teamwork, responsibility, preparation, and respect among cast members. Help students develop both individually and as an ensemble. Provide constructive feedback in a way that is age-appropriate, supportive, and motivating. Serve as a positive adult role model throughout the production process. Rehearsal Management Plan and lead productive music rehearsals within the available after-school schedule. Communicate rehearsal expectations clearly to students. Prepare rehearsal materials, recordings, practice tracks, or other resources as needed. Identify challenging musical sections and develop strategies to help students successfully learn the material. Maintain an organized rehearsal process and work efficiently within the production timeline. Communicate concerns or significant stud