Long Term Substitute: Choir Teacher

DEPARTMENT: Performing Arts

REPORTS TO: Derika Hacker, Middle School Principal

WORK HOURS: Monday - Friday, 7:45 - 3:45, with evening hours required for concerts and rehearsals. At least one evening concert will be directed during the leave period.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Choir Teacher leads the secondary choral department and teaches middle school general music during the absence of the department’s regular director. This role provides continuity and high-quality musical instruction for middle and high school choir students, with support from a full-time accompanist. The position requires strong conducting and music literacy skills, confidence leading multi-part rehearsals, and the ability to prepare and direct students in performance, including at least one evening concert. The Choir Teacher helps sustain a strong choral program and a positive, faith-centered learning environment for students.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Choral Instruction and Rehearsal Leadership

• Leads daily middle and high school choir rehearsals, building vocal technique, tone, diction, and ensemble skills.
• Conducts and rehearses multi-part music (SATB, SAB, SSA, and other voicings), reading and interpreting vocal scores accurately.
• Teaches music literacy, including sight-singing, rhythm reading, and music theory fundamentals, at the appropriate level for each ensemble.
• Selects and prepares repertoire suited to each ensemble’s age and ability, ensuring a balance of styles and sacred and secular selections consistent with the school’s mission.
• Works in daily partnership with the accompanist to plan rehearsals and prepare music.

General Music Instruction

• Plans and teaches middle school general music courses aligned with school curriculum and standards.
• Develops engaging lessons that build music appreciation, listening skills, and basic performance skills.
• Assesses student progress, records grades, and communicates progress to students and families.

Performance and Events

• Prepares students for and directs at least one evening concert during the leave period.
• Coordinates concert logistics, including program planning, rehearsal schedules, risers and staging, and student attire.
• Communicates concert dates, expectations, and student responsibilities to families.

Department Leadership and Operations

• Provides leadership for the secondary choral department, maintaining program continuity and student engagement.
• Maintains choral music library, equipment, and rehearsal space; submits supply or music purchase requests through internal systems.
• Reviews the department calendar and plans with the outgoing director to ensure a smooth transition.

Student Support and Community

• Maintains a positive, orderly, and inclusive classroom culture; manages behavior in line with school expectations.
• Communicates professionally with families, colleagues, and administrators.
• Supports student accommodations in partnership with Student Support.
• Participates in faculty meetings, devotionals, and school events.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, Choral Music, or a closely related field.
• Proficient music literacy, including the ability to read and interpret multi-voice-part scores.
• Demonstrated conducting skills and comfort leading rehearsals with accompanist support.
• Ability to teach middle school general music.
• Willingness to direct at least one evening concert during the leave period.
• Ability to work with students in grades [6-12] in a manner consistent with a Christian school environment.
• Colorado teaching license or eligibility to hold one [or authorization to teach in a nonpublic school, confirm].

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience as a music educator
• Experience directing both middle and high school choirs.
• Experience with Kodály, Orff, or similar music teaching methods.
• Familiarity with Christian worship and sacred choral repertoire.
• Experience with student information systems (FACTS/SIS) and Google Workspace.
• Experience with festival, adjudication, or honor choir preparation.

CORE COMPETENCIES / SKILLS:

• Strong conducting presence and clear rehearsal pacing
• Ability to teach and diagnose vocal and musical skills across a range of ages and abilities
• Classroom management and positive student relationships
• Flexibility and adaptability in stepping into an established program
• Professional communication with students, families, and colleagues
• Collaboration with the accompanist and fine arts colleagues
• Dependability and consistent follow-through on deadlines and event commitments
• Ability to build ensemble culture and student confidence

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to stand, sit, or walk for extended periods during rehearsals and classes.
• Ability to conduct for extended periods, including sustained arm movement.
• Ability to move and set up classroom and performance equipment as needed (e.g., chairs, music stands, risers).
• Ability to speak and sing for extended periods.

MISSION VALUES & ALIGNMENT

• All employees are expected to support the school’s Christian mission and model professionalism consistent with community standards. Participation in school events, devotionals, and staff culture-building practices is expected.
• Denver Christian is committed to cultivating a world-class staff culture grounded in our call to love God and love our neighbors (Mark 12:30-31). All employees are expected to model our core values in their daily work and interactions:
  • Solution-Oriented – We support one another by approaching challenges with a constructive mindset and using the gifts and abilities God has given us to contribute meaningfully.
  • Relationally-Focused – We recognize that the success and well-being of our colleagues matter as much as our own, and we invest in relationships that strengthen our community.
  • Creatively-Inspired – We seek God’s wisdom and pursue fresh ideas, improved processes, and innovative solutions whenever opportunities arise.
  • Effort-Enthused – We seek to honor God through diligent, wholehearted work, showing integrity and enthusiasm in all tasks and responsibilities across the school.