Choir Director - Starts 2023-24 School Year - McKay High School
Choir Director - McKay High School
Review of materials will begin immediately.
Position will remain open until filled.
McKay High School (OR) seeks a dynamic conductor and educator to lead its choral program, consisting of multiple curricular choirs. The McKay Choir program has a long history of excellence, with strong showings in OSAA State Contests, a cappella contests, and high engagement from students and the community.
Responsibilities: Provide artistic and instructional leadership for multiple curricular choirs at all levels including programming and pedagogy relevant to their development. Align instruction to all local and state curricular guidelines and monitor and record progress and achievement for all students. Lead the second of two jazz big bands, in coordination with the Director of Bands. Experience in band instruction.
Preferred qualifications: Education and experience commensurate with leading a large, diverse, and successful choral program. The ideal candidate has a history of performance success with ensembles as well as providing leadership and guidance for an active choral organization. A successful record of developing both skilled ensembles as well as fostering individual technique and musicianship. A record of leadership and collaboration amongst colleagues in your own institution as well as across your discipline. Experience in jazz and instrumental pedagogy.
About Salem-Keizer Public Schools: SKPS is Oregon’s second largest district, home to sixty-five schools and over forty thousand students. Seventy percent of the students are considered economically disadvantaged and seventeen percent are considered to be English language learners. The Salem-Keizer music program is staffed by nearly one hundred skilled pedagogues and offers comprehensive music education including K-5 compulsory general music and elective instruction in orchestra, choir, and band beginning in late elementary. Additional programs in contemporary music and recording arts are available at select schools. Salem-Keizer is routinely recognized as a NAMM “Best Community for Music Education”, most recently in 2023.
About McKay High School: McKay High School, located in Salem, OR, is one of six comprehensive high schools in the SKPS district. McKay’s student enrollment is over-two thousand students. The choir program recently placed second in the 5A division of the state choir championships. The a cappella group “Scots-apella” earned second place in the 2023 ICHSA championships in New York. The performing arts program is expanding to four faculty including band, orchestra, choir, and a new expansion in cultural music programs.
About Salem, Oregon: Salem is the capital of Oregon, in the heart of the Willamette Valley, in the northwest quadrant of the state. It, along with nearby Keizer, is home to over 200,000 residents and offers a vibrant downtown, amenities, and natural spaces surrounding the Willamette River and throughout the region. It is within one-hour’s drive to Oregon’s largest city, Portland, and is under two hours to the famed Oregon coast.
Additional materials: In addition to the required materials, please submit:
- A link to a private channel (YouTube, Vimeo, other) containing video examples of your work in performance and instruction;
- A one-page Statement on Equitable Practice in the Classroom.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Oregon Teaching Certificate valid for assignment.
- Working knowledge of the voice at the assigned level.
- Conduct music accurately and expressively with self-confidence.
- Sing unselfconsciously to illustrate and to demonstrate correct techniques, corrective measures, and musical expressiveness. 4.05 Strong personal musicianship.
Additional questions may be directed to:
Stephen Lytle, DMA
Coordinator, Music and Drama
Salem-Keizer Public Schools
Ranae Quiring
Principal
McKay High School
Type: Licensed
FTE: 1.0
Status: Permanent
Salary is prorated based on FTE: $45,478 – $89,512 & Differential may vary (Salary is based on the 2022-23 salary schedule and is subject to change)
Application Procedure: Apply online
All Applicants, please note: If selected, you will be asked to participate in an interview process. Interviews are conducted virtually, in person, or via a one-way video. Please note interviews are a required part of the hiring process, non-compliance with the interview eliminates your eligibility for the position.
Salem-Keizer School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer
