"Assistant Professor - Director of Bands"

Assistant Professor - Director of Bands

College: College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and The Arts - 321 College
Dept/School: Music - 32111
Vacancy Number: 16F-759
Position Number: 5514
Location of Workplace: Main UNCW Campus

Brief Summary of Work for this Position:
The Department of Music at the University of North Carolina Wilmington invites applications for a nine-month tenure-track position as Assistant Professor - Director of Bands, starting August 2026.

The Department seeks an inspiring and collaborative music educator to direct the UNCW Symphonic Band and teach conducting, along with other courses aligned with the candidate's expertise and departmental needs. The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong commitment to student mentorship, leadership in the music education community, and artistic excellence, motivating students to reach their full creative potential.

This is an opportunity to join a faculty of teaching artists and scholars who are dedicated to student-centered learning and to growth in new and current programs. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in teaching, engagement in creative/scholarly activities, and an ability to work effectively with faculty colleagues across all degree areas.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Direct the UNCW Symphonic Band and Pep Band
• Teach undergraduate courses in conducting and instrumental techniques
• Contribute to the curriculum based on individual qualifications and departmental goals
• Engage in student mentoring and serve on departmental committees
• Lead recruitment initiatives for wind and percussion areas

Additional Opportunities May Include:

• Teaching applied lessons
• Beginning band pedagogy
• Instrumental methods
• Performing with a faculty chamber ensemble
• Developing and directing a chamber winds ensemble
• Leading the OLLI New Horizons Band

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

• Master of Music degree (MM) at time of application
• Demonstrated success in working with diverse populations as a wind band conductor and educator
• Previous teaching experience and leadership of a wind band program as a Teaching Assistant, at the community college and/or high school level
• Proven effectiveness as a program builder and student recruiter
• Ability to teach and mentor undergraduate students

Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
Preference will be given to candidates with:

• Doctoral degree (DMA) in wind band conducting or (PhD) music education
• Previous teaching experience and leadership of a wind band program at the university level
• Leadership of an athletic band
• Leadership of a community wind band
• Leadership in the music education community
• Experience in teaching conducting
• Experience in teaching instrumental techniques, beginning band pedagogy and/or instrumental methods courses
• Ability to contribute as an applied teacher or in another secondary area that complements the department

Required Certifications or Licensure:
N/A

Special Notes to Applicants:
Prior to the official appointment to the university, the candidate(s) selected for hire must be able to demonstrate eligibility to teach assigned courses by successfully meeting the credentialing requirements based on official transcripts and other documentation as required.

Applications will be accepted until 11:59PM EST on the posting closing date.
To apply, please complete the online application below and attach the following materials as Adobe PDF documents including:

• Cover Letter/Letter of Application that includes a 1-2 page statement describing qualifications and teaching experience and interests addressed to Search Committee Chair
• Curriculum Vita
• Portfolio/Work Sample: 2 samples of teaching in conducting and instrumental music education courses. Examples may include course syllabi, assignments, or teaching video(s)
• Demo Reel: 2 videos of wind band conducting. Examples should include one live performance and one rehearsal
• List of 3 Professional references with contact information
• If needed, applicants may upload additional materials under the Other category.

Please note that a minimum of three references are required for all applications. References may be requested during the screening process.

Letters of application without the requested components will not meet the application requirements.

For questions about the position or online application process, contact department admin Sydney Stone at stones@uncw.edu.