Middle School Band Director (Grades 4-8)

The Band Director is a full-time, 10-month role responsible for leading Derby Academy’s performing arts programs throughout the academic year. Derby seeks a passionate and skilled Middle School Band Director to lead and grow our instrumental music program for grades 4–8. The ideal candidate is a dynamic music educator who fosters a love of music, builds technical proficiency, and creates an inclusive and joyful environment for student musicians of all abilities. Additional compensation is available for after school music private lesson instruction. Additionally, the Director will expand programming to enhance offerings, provide enrichment opportunities for students, and engage with the community to support Derby's mission. 

• Design and implement a developmentally appropriate band curriculum for students in grades 4–8.
• Conduct ensembles including 4th Grade Beginning Band, 5th Grade Band, 6th Grade Band, and 7/8th Grade Concert and Jazz Bands, or similar groupings based on enrollment and skill levels and student interest.
• Plan and direct performances for school concerts, assemblies, and special events throughout the year.
• Collaborate with colleagues in the Performing Arts Department to align curriculum, co-produce concerts, and integrate interdisciplinary opportunities.
• Provide instrumental music instruction, including group lessons, rehearsals, and possible individual or sectional coaching.
• Foster positive relationships with students, families, and colleagues, encouraging student growth, creativity, and confidence.
• Support student musicians in building strong practice habits, ensemble collaboration, and performance readiness.
• Manage band-related logistics, including scheduling, ensemble rosters, equipment maintenance, rentals & inventory, and budget planning.
• Contribute to the broader life of the school, including advisory, lunch/recess duty, and participation in faculty meetings and professional development.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in advancing the band program while contributing directly to the performing arts curriculum, enriching the student experience and becoming an engaged member of the Derby community.  A competitive salary and benefits package includes generous funding of professional development.  The salary is based on the Derby faculty salary scale that takes into consideration years of experience and degrees.  The range for this position is $65,241 to $100,677.

Derby Academy values inclusivity and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds or those who have experience in cultural competency work to apply. Interested candidates should submit their application, complete with cover letter, resume, and references, by applying  here   No phone calls, please. 

Derby Academy is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive educational community and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, gender, color, veteran status, physical ability, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin or any other state or federally protected classifications. Derby Academy is an equal opportunity employer.

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Music Performance, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Demonstrated success teaching middle school band and instrumental music.
• Proficiency in woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, with performance experience in at least one of the instrumental families.
• Strong conducting skills and experience leading student ensembles.
• Excellent classroom management and communication skills.
• Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that values creativity, collaboration, innovation, and student engagement.
• Flexibility and a collaborative spirit.