Career Center

 Type: Part-Time, up to 30 hours per week

*YOSAL closely follows the public school calendars; Teaching Artists also work normal hours during our Summer Session, which is approximately 4 weeks long.

As the YOSAL Brass Specialist, responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Collaborating regularly with YOSAL Directors and other teaching staff to create and implement a shared curriculum, pedagogy, community, and culture inspired by the ideals of El Sistema and YOSAL: Social Change Through Music

• Teaching brass sectionals and playing side-by-side in Salinas schools - during & after school

• Teaching all-brass group classes to YOSAL students

• Teaching beginning and intermediate group instrumental classes of up to 15 students, ranging from elementary through high school

• Team-teaching and leading creative ensemble classes

• Leading group rehearsals and/or assisting Music Director in full orchestra, choir, or ensemble rehearsals of 25+ children; tuning instruments, playing in the section, collaborating with YOSAL Directors and staff

• Communicating regularly with YOSAL staff in order to holistically understand each child

• Attending music pedagogy and professional development sessions and workshops as available

• Implementing behavior plans, policies, goals, etc., for all students as set by YOSAL, and communicating with parents and YOSAL assistant staff, as needed

• Preparation and regular communication with Teaching Artists, Directors, parents and the YOSAL team

• Supervising/assisting students during snack, homework time, breaks and other activities, on- and off-site

• Local travel, as well as evening and weekend availability

• Designing and implementing an approved curriculum for YOSAL students in person and/or via Google Meet and Google Classroom if necessary

• Creating lessons for YOSAL students on a weekly basis

  • Lessons to include: Planned orchestral repertoire, etudes, repertoire, technique instruction, specific assignments, as well as any other instructions or assignments given by Executive Director, Music Director, or Program Manager; video tutorials if necessary.

• Scheduling and conducting private lessons (at the discretion of Directors)

• Participating in any YOSAL Teaching Artist group discussions and Google Classes

• Attending staff meetings

• Checking YOSAL emails (and/or turning on Gmail notifications for your phone) and responding regularly (within 12 hours on work days)

• Communicating with Program Director and administrative team regarding students’ progress and behavior

• Reporting any and all student issues to Program Director and Administration

• Teaching for YOSAL’s summer academy partnership (COJAC)

• Other duties as assigned

As a YOSAL Artist, responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Public performances throughout Salinas as a representative of YOSAL

• Outreach concerts and presentations at YOSAL and throughout Salinas

  • Including schools, farmers markets, local businesses, etc.

• Recruitment

• Researching outlets for performance and outreach opportunities

• Scheduling community performances and outreach events

• Educational concerts

• Other duties as assigned

Please note:

• As a YOSAL Artist, all performances, whether affiliated with YOSAL or not, must be approved by the Executive Director. YOSAL Artists must act as representatives of YOSAL in all performances, regardless of venue, organization, or event.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated excellent musicianship and artistry as a teacher and performer

• Effective classroom management techniques

• Strong and passionate commitment to El Sistema’s philosophy of social change through music, and the mission and goals of YOSAL

• Passion and ability to be a motivational mentor and role model for students, parents and peers as an artist, teacher and citizen

• Punctuality, professionalism, and commitment to excellence

• Four-year undergraduate degree or equivalent professional experience; post-graduate degree or equivalent experience a plus

• Strong knowledge of standard music pedagogy

• Experience teaching beginning/intermediate students of various ages (elementary through high school) in individual and group settings

• Experience leading and conducting ensembles

• Strong knowledge of all levels of classical, traditional, and contemporary repertoire, curriculum, and pedagogy

• Experience working with children from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds; experience working in underserved communities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community

• Ability to get along well with diverse groups of people and be respectful of students, staff, parents, and board alike

• Ability to work well on a team and in a high-pressure, multi-tasking environment

• Local travel, as well as evening and weekend availability

• Must be able to clear a DOJ/FBI Fingerprint Check, as well as a TB Skin Test

• Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus

Inquiry & Application:

Please contact:

Ameena Maria Khawaja, Executive Director

ameena@yosal.org

In your email, please include the following:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Two references

An Equal Opportunity Employer

YOSAL does not discriminate against individuals on the basis of age, actual or perceived race, actual or perceived gender, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. YOSAL complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure equal access to all qualified individuals with a disability.

To learn more about the organization visit us online at www.yosal.org.