YONA-Sistema Teaching Artist (Choir)
About the role:
Location: Edmonton, Alberta
Term: Part time from September 2024 – June 2025
Salary: $23,000 – 27,000
Hours: 3 days per week from approximately 2-6:30 pm, with potential additional daytime hours Tuesday and/or Friday.
Who we are:
The Youth Orchestra of Northern Alberta (YONA) Sistema program strives to have a lasting positive community impact by providing free music-centered programming for youth in Northern Alberta’s priority neighborhoods. Our team is passionate about introducing the richness of music to those who might not otherwise have the opportunity, and we believe that ensemble music making is a transformative experience.
We encourage you to visit our website to learn more: http://www.yona-sistema.com/
Who you are:
You have a strong background in vocal pedagogy and choir conducting, ability to teach basics of music theory and experience working with elementary age children. You love all aspects of music, you enjoy working on a team and bringing out the best in those around you. You are creative and flexible, you rise to challenges and you are not afraid to try new things. You are aligned with these values and want us to succeed together.
What we can offer you:
- Paid flex days off to pursue performance or professional opportunities
- Paid professional development
- Team-based work environment offering training and support from experienced colleagues.
- Connection to the broader Winspear Centre organization, with opportunities to attend concerts and support non-YONA events and programs.
- Mission-driven work with noticeable impact on the students and communities served.
- Opportunity to share your love of music with others every day!
Job Summary:
The YONA-Sistema Choir Teaching Artist is responsible for leading the YONA choir program. The position rotates to three Edmonton YONA sites during the week to lead sectionals and combined choir with all junior and community level students. The Choir Teaching Artist will lead groups of up to 40 students each day with the end goal to combine students from all sites for major events. Additional hours may also be available working with students at Kipohtakâw-YONA on Alexander First Nation. The Choir Teaching Artist will work collaboratively with the entire YONA team to provide support for all students in the program.
This is a part time salaried contract position working 3-4 days/week from September to June. Contracts are considered for renewal on an annual basis.
The Teaching Artist will work at YONA-Sistema community sites during specified hours. Planning and preparation time outside of these hours is included as an expectation of the role, and additional time is required throughout the year for concerts, events, staff meetings and professional development.
What you will do:
- Provide instrumental music instruction to YONA choir classes.
- Lead students in rehearsals and concerts
- Assist students with academic work, supervise break and snack times
- Work with a team of colleagues across all sites to provide support for all students in the program
- Collaborate with the entire YONA team to support strategic goals of the program
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
- Advanced training in vocal performance and/or pedagogy
- Post-secondary education in music performance or education preferred
- Previous experience teaching choir
- Previous experience teaching groups of children
- Clear criminal record check including vulnerable sector search
Competencies:
- General knowledge of elementary academic curriculum expectations
- Additional experience and/or interest in arranging, improvisation, conducting, composing an asset
- Knowledge of the El Sistema philosophy and awareness of music for social change programs
- Interest in social justice and knowledge of current trends in equity, diversity, and inclusion