"Tenure-track Director of Bands/Music Education Fall 2026-2027 I02448"

Job Details

Posting Details

Position Details

Posting Number
I02448

Classification Title
Tenure-track Director of Bands/Music Education Fall 2026 I02448

Working Title
Tenure-track Director of Bands/Music Education Fall 2026-2027 I02448

Employee Group
Faculty

Bargaining Unit
APSCUF

Location
Main Campus

Department
Music

Pay Rate

Employment Type
Regular FT

Work Schedule
As assigned and needed to accommodate the season of the Marching Band and its 200+ members (along with Color Guard), as well as the Department of Music as a whole.

Position Summary

The Music Department at Slippery Rock University invites applications for an inspiring and collaborative Director of Bands to lead a vibrant and growing instrumental program. Primary duties include conducting the Wind Ensemble (Fall and Spring), Marching Band (Fall), and Concert Band (Spring). As a teaching institution, faculty teach twelve credits per semester; the remaining workload will consist of teaching instrumental methods courses, observing preservice music educators in the field, and other departmental courses based on the candidate’s expertise and the department’s needs.

We seek a dynamic musician and student-centered educator who combines artistry, leadership, and innovation in music education. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellence in rehearsal techniques, ensemble performance, and student mentorship; foster a culture of musical excellence, inclusion, and community; and bring creative approaches to developing 21st-century band programs that reflect diverse musical traditions and practices. We seek a colleague who values collaboration across all areas of the department and is dedicated to mentoring students (both majors and non-majors who participate in ensembles) as reflective, skilled, and compassionate musicians and/or educators/aspiring professionals.

Slippery Rock University has an impressive record of success with stable enrollments, strong programs, as well as a unionized and collaborative faculty: we enroll some 8600 students, and the Department of Music is one of the largest of those within the College of Liberal Arts. Located in a rural small town just an hour north of Pittsburgh, our campus is safe, inviting, and blessed with up-to-date facilities that enrich our programs and help sustain our high student retention and graduation rates. Our four nationally-accredited programs in the fine and performing arts collectively have one of the highest enrollments in the entire institution, and within the past five years, we opened newly-renovated facilities for the performing arts that help boost opportunities for students as well as our record of robust success.

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctoral degree in Conducting ( ABD considered but the degree MUST be completed by August 3, 2026).
• Successful experience directing a marching band program.
• Demonstrated success in recruiting students
• Demonstrated success in retaining and mentoring students
• Demonstrated success in community engagement through band/music activities
• Successful experience in ensemble leadership at the collegiate and/or secondary level
• Demonstrated collaboration with music faculty, colleagues, and community partners
• Demonstrated success in recruitment, retention, and community engagement through band activities.
• Successful experience directing a marching band program.
• Valid US driver’s license.
• Successful performance in an interview.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with diverse repertoire and inclusive programming reflective of multiple musical cultures and traditions.
• Demonstrated success in engaging and inspiring students within and beyond the classroom
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and access in music performance and education.
• K–12 Music Educator Certification and documented public school teaching experience.
• Evidence of expertise in music education and experience guiding future music teachers.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Date

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
No

Special Instructions to Applicants

Graduate and undergraduate transcripts are required for this position: unofficial transcripts or copies of transcripts are acceptable for the application process. Applicants may either upload copies using the “Transcripts” tab under Optional Applicant Documents or mail them the search chair at the address below.

Also required is a video link or similar evidence of directing a marching band program successfully; links to such documentation may be uploaded using the “Other” tab under Optional Applicant documents.

Official transcripts will be required prior to appointment. Recommended candidates will be required to complete criminal background check, including Act 34 Background Check and Act 151 (Child Abuse) Background Check and Federal Criminal ( FBI ) clearance prior to appointment. The successful candidate will also be required to submit a completed Act 24 form ( PDE -6004) prior to employment. Full consideration will be given to applications received by January 31, 2026.

Applicant Documents

Required Documents

1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
3. Unofficial Transcripts
4. Unofficial Transcripts 2
5. Unofficial Transcripts 3

Optional Documents

1. Teaching Philosophy
2. Other Document
3. Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness (e.g. peer reviews, student evaluations, honors and awards, etc.)
4. Artist Statement
5. Sample Syllabus and Class Assignments