Steelpan Instructor

Job Description

This is music instruction work in teaching youth the art of playing the steel drums in the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra.   Students generally do not have a musical background.  The main purpose of the program is to assist band members in completing their high school education through monitoring high school progress/grades as a condition of band membership.  Instructors are also required to perform non-instructional duties in order to promote the maintenance of facilities and equipment necessary for program operations.  Work is reviewed by the Chief Instructor on the basis of compliance with program policies and procedure and student success.
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed)

• Responsible for managing the orchestra during performances requiring a small portion (combo) of the band.
• Serves as a drillmaster for respective tunes during the orchestra’s rehearsal.
• Assists in the recording (audio and video) sessions of the orchestra.
• Teaches the art of playing the steel drums insuring that each member is afforded an equal opportunity in learning to play.
• Coordinates the selection of songs with the other instructors.
• Learns and practices all songs selected for dissemination to members of the band.
• Structures and manages the rehearsals within a particular section.
• Monitors the progress of members in a particular section; identifies those members falling behind and requiring extra help.
• Instructs the members in a particular section in the proper care and maintenance of instruments.
• Advises parents and reports any child’s problems during weekly staff meetings; coordinates conflict resolution meetings with staff, parents and students.
• Recommends students for awards, special recognition, and disciplinary action.
• Supervises band members during the cleaning up of the Panyard.
• Assists in the transporting of instruments and band members.
• Identifies any pans requiring tuning or replacement.
• Attends and participates in all staff meetings.
• Assists with sharing music with section; drilling the section, and rehearsing the entire orchestra.
• Assists in the managing as well as monitoring any recording endeavors (audio/video).
• Assists with all fund raising efforts of the band.
• Monitors and encourages the sharing of pans during practices.
• Assists the Marshals, when necessary, in transporting members of the band to and from engagements, Panyard, and home.
• Assists the band during performances and band practice by playing percussion in addition to monitoring a particular section.
• Assists in cleaning and maintaining the property storage area, as well as transporting materials and supplies to and from the Panyard/property storage area.
• Cleans and maintains the entire Panyard on an assigned day of the week.
• Sweeps, vacuums, mops or cleans all Panyard areas each morning of the designated day of the week; cleans and services restrooms; and disposes of garbage.
• Participates in the maintenance of parade trolleys that are used to transport band members.
• Assists in the sales and marketing of the Rising Stars collateral.
• Other duties as assigned or required.
(Any combination of training and work experience which indicates possession of the knowledge, abilities and skills listed above.  An example of an acceptable qualification for this position is:)    
Graduation from high school and considerable experience (two to five years) playing the steelpan plus two years of instructing in the playing of the steelpan including working with a youth population.  Possession of a current driver’s license valid in the U.S. Virgin Islands is required.

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of playing and instructing students in playing the steelpan.
• Knowledge of the learning processes of youth.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, parents, and students.
• Ability to use hand tools, such as, scaler, electric drill, wire brushes and shipping hammers in the routine maintenance of parade trolleys, in addition to a hydraulic jack.
• Ability to use recording and amplification equipment.