Indoor Percussion Director (High School)

**UPPER MORELAND TOWNSHIP SCHOOL DISTRICT JOB DESCRIPTION**

**Position:** Indoor Percussion Director
**Department:** High School
**Reports to:** Athletics & Activities Director
**FLSA Status:** Stipend
**Schedule:** Seasonal

**MISSION STATEMENT:**
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.

**Position Overview**

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.

**Primary Responsibilities**

**1. 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.

**2. 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.

**3. 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.

**4. 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.

**5. 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.

**6. 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.

**7. Communication and Professional Responsibilities**

* Maintain timely, professional communication with students, families, staff, and administration.
* Communicate rehearsal expectations, attendance requirements, schedules, and important program information.
* Respond appropriately to concerns raised by students, families, or staff.
* Model professionalism, integrity, reliability, and respect.
* Follow all applicable student safety, supervision, and participant protection policies.
* Support the broader mission and educational values of the Upper Moreland music programs.

**Qualifications and Expectations**

* Demonstrated experience in indoor percussion, marching percussion, music education, or a related performing arts discipline.
* Previous instructional or leadership experience with competitive percussion ensembles preferred.
* Strong knowledge of percussion performance techniques, ensemble development, and competitive indoor percussion.
* Familiarity with MAPs and WGI rules, adjudication systems, and competitive expectations preferred.
* Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to manage staff, establish priorities, and make sound decisions.
* Commitment to student development, inclusive instruction, and professional conduct.
* Availability for scheduled rehearsals, competitions, performances, and required meetings.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. It is the responsibility of the employee to inform the Director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.

Upper Moreland Township School District shall not discriminate in their educational programs, activities or employment practices based on race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, religion, veteran status, ancestry, genetic information, or any other legally protected classification. This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Sections 503 and 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act. Information relative to special accommodation, grievance procedure, and the designated responsible official for compliance with Title VI, Title IX, and Section 504 may be obtained by contacting the school district.