JOY After School Orchestra TA

Hours (Part Time Contracted): 7-14 total hours per week, 2-4 days a week for the school year with additional time for program and site meetings, and occasional evenings or weekends for performances

Reports to: JOY Program Director, JOY Site Director

Desired Start Date: August 2025

Pay Rate: Starting at $35 per hour teaching and up to $20 per hour admin rate

No TSPC Licensure required

Closing Date: April 28, 2025

Organization Overview

The Junior Orchestra of Yamhill County (JOY) is a collaborative project of the Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES), a 501(3)c organization dedicated to transforming the lives of Yamhill County youth by providing access to music and literacy enrichment. JOY is an El Sistema member organization. JOY is committed to supporting the growth of curricular strings programs in Yamhill County and is currently operating in the Newberg and McMinnville School Districts. JOY consists of in school programming for kindergarten and first grade students during their general music classes, After School learning orchestras for grades 2-5, and, coming fall 2025, are our audition based JOY Youth Orchestra offerings. JOY is currently growing and is adding offerings by grade level at each school.

Position Overview

Functions and responsibilities may include the following and are subject to review.

The JOY Teaching Artist’s (TA) primary responsibility will be to lead and co-teach rehearsals in the After-School orchestra program. Collaborating with other members of the instructional team, the TA will be directly involved in developing, implementing, and carrying out the curriculum and defined teaching objectives at the guidance of the Site Director. As a TA, the candidate must be able to demonstrate proficient performance technique, communication skills, and equitable classroom management strategies. Knowledge of orchestral instrumental performance and pedagogical practices and their implementation are a must.

As TA, the candidate would be working with violin, viola, and cello students in grades 2-5 on basic string and orchestra technique and providing specialized feedback and assistance with your main instrument to students in both group rehearsal, sectionals, and the occasional one-on-one lessons. The ideal candidate would demonstrate proficiency in teaching and playing the violin, viola, or cello. TAs are also expected to participate in and lead concerts with the teaching team.  

Schedule

This is a part time contracted position. The JOY After School program is held 2-4 days (depending on the site) a week for 2.5 hours a day. 2^nd-5^th grade students have chosen to learn the violin, viola, or cello. There are three levels of orchestras that meet twice a week. JOY runs during the school year from September-June with performances throughout the year.

As part of onboarding and prep, JOY Staff take part in training days before the start of the academic year in August. Additional hours may be available or added based on program needs. Examples include staff and student recruiting, summer camp, concerts, public performances, fundraisers, and special events. Additional hours may be added based on opportunities for professional development through El Sistema USA, OR-ASTA, and other state and national music education organizations may be provided.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

• Completed undergraduate degree in music discipline (music education preferred)
• Demonstrated mastery of your primary instrument.
• Ability to teach foundational violin, viola, or cello skills in both group and individual settings.
• Passion for impacting students’ lives through music, especially primary age students and underserved youth.
• Ability to work well in a racially and culturally diverse community.
• Commitment to creating a nurturing atmosphere with evident mutual respect for students, parents/guardians, volunteers, and co-workers.
• Effective and equity-driven classroom management.
• Prior experience teaching school-age, elementary children.
• Attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Creativity and excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills
• Ability to work well on a team and collaboratively-minded.
• Punctuality, professionalism, and a commitment to excellence.
• Attendance at August meetings and events.
• Must pass a Newberg and/or McMinnville School District background check

Preferred

• Bilingual (Spanish and English)
• Basic knowledge of upper and lower string posture and technique.
• Masters degree in music education or other music related field
• Two years teaching experience (applied studio, group/classroom instruction, or both)
• Suzuki (or comparable) Method Certification and/or training.
• Conducting experience, especially with beginning ensembles.

Work Setting

This job is primarily performed in a classroom environment where most of the time will require ambulating around the room. There is some stationary (desk) work when needed or for at-home planning; regular computer work and work with other office equipment; regular communication with teachers, staff and students, and occasional lifting and/or moving up to 40-45 pounds.

Yamhill Enrichment Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value, honor and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our employment and education programs. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are enthusiastically encouraged to apply.