Music Director - WMS Theatre Program - Westonka Community Education and Services

**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 student/rehearsal issues to the appropriate Westonka Community Education staff.

Performance Preparation

* Prepare students for technical rehearsals and performances.
* Attend and participate in scheduled technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals.
* Work with the Director, Assistant Director, and production team to ensure students are musically prepared for all performance elements.
* Provide musical notes and direction throughout the final rehearsal period.
* Be present for all scheduled performances.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

* Bachelor's degree in Music Education, Vocal Performance, Music, Theatre, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
* Experience directing or teaching musical theatre, vocal music, choir, or ensemble performance.
* Experience working with middle school or adolescent students strongly preferred.
* Strong knowledge of vocal technique, music theory, and musical theatre repertoire.
* Ability to teach students with a wide range of musical experience and ability.
* Strong communication, collaboration, organization, and classroom/rehearsal management skills.
* Ability to create a positive and encouraging environment while maintaining appropriate expectations.
* Comfortable collaborating with Directors, Choreographers, and other production staff.
* Reliable and organized, with the ability to manage an accelerated rehearsal and production schedule.
* Commitment to creating an inclusive theatre experience where every student feels valued and supported.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal Music Director is someone who **loves working with middle school students and loves musical theatre**.

This person should be able to take a group of young performers with different levels of musical experience and help them become a confident, cohesive ensemble. They should be encouraging and patient while also being able to maintain focus, establish expectations, and move rehearsals forward.

The Music Director will play an important role in helping students not only learn the music, but also understand what it means to be part of a production team. We are looking for someone who can **teach, motivate, organize, collaborate, and inspire students to do their best work.**

Most importantly, the Music Director should help create a rehearsal environment where students feel **safe, included, challenged, and excited to be part of the production.**