Heart of Los Angeles (HOLA) provides underserved youth with exceptional programs in academics, arts and athletics within a nurturing environment, empowering them to develop their potential, pursue their education and strengthen their communities. Youth Orchestra LA (YOLA) is the Los Angeles Philharmonic's initiative, supported by a network of stakeholders, to provide access to exceptional instrumental and orchestral education in order to promote youth development. Central to YOLA is the LA Phil's plan to build, with community partners, youth orchestras in underserved communities throughout Los Angeles.
HOLA is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, gender, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
Send resume and cover letter to rclark@heartofla.org and mvanwillingh@heartofla.org , no calls please.
Position: Jazz Band Leader and Coordinator Hours and compensation: $30 per hour for 6 – 8 hours a week for 40 weeks a year Position Summary: Responsible for leading and coordinating the HOLA Jazz program at HOLA. He or she will ensure the highest quality Jazz instruction for HOLA students, working in close collaboration with other HOLA Music faculty in order to teach each child holistically. He or she will develop a sequential Jazz curriculum and program for beginning to advanced students. He or she will work with the HOLA Jazz teaching artist, the YOLA at HOLA and Music Coordinator and YOLA at HOLA and Music Director closely to provide logistical and administrative support for the Jazz Band. He or she will support the HOLA philosophy and community and help facilitate community and family involvement. Essential Functions: As the HOLA Jazz Band Director and Coordinator, responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
Collaborating with the YOLA at HOLA and Music Coordinator to provide leadership for program vision, design and implementation Collaborating with HOLA Music faculty to create a shared curriculum, pedagogy and culture inspired by the ideals of El Sistema Provide leadership for the artist goals of the Jazz Band Program Run Jazz band rehearsals, sectionals and classes Communication with the YOLA at HOLA and Music Coordinator regarding student needs Attending music pedagogy and tutoring professional development sessions Arranging and composing for big band instrumentation (Saxophones, Trumpet, Trombone, Rhythm Section etc). Also must have ability to rework arrangements to fit the specific instrumentation of the band. Organize and manage off site performances. Communicate with parents and families of the students regarding special events. Have experience teaching beginning lessons to students picking up a variety of instruments for the first time. Knowledge of brass and woodwind techniques is a huge plus.
Philosophy The candidate must articulate their philosophy of jazz education and how it relates to the students improvising, composing and developing within an ensemble. They should also be able to discuss how that is obtainable in a nonprofit organization. Must outline a vision for the future of the HOLA jazz program that is realistic and ambitious. Vision should include an ensemble structure that creates a strong supportive culture.
Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience, Skills) Demonstrates excellent musicianship and artistry as a Jazz teacher/performer Strong commitment to El Sistema ’s philosophy of social change through music and the mission of HOLA Four year undergraduate degree or equivalent experience required Strong knowledge of standard music pedagogy Experience teaching beginning to advanced jazz music Experience leading and conducting ensembles Ability to lead engaging, productive and positive rehearsals for middle to high school students. Strong knowledge of jazz repertoire, curriculum and pedagogy. Experience teaching beginning instrumental lessons to students who play many instruments. Knowledge of brass and woodwind techniques is a plus. Able to design curriculum to develop student’s improvisational voice from a beginning level to intermediate, as well as from an intermediate to advanced level as the program grows. 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 Interest and ability to be a motivational mentor and role model for students, parents, and peers as an artist, teacher and citizen Ability to work under frequent observation Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus Clean California driving record and ability and willingness to drive HOLA vans.
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