Career Center

SUMMARY

Gann Academy is looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable choral director to lead our high school vocal ensembles. The ideal candidate will have strong skills in vocal technique, music theory, sight-reading, and ear training, and will be able to conduct rehearsals that are both engaging and educational. Comfort with technology, including music notation software and basic sound equipment, is important for creating practice resources and supporting performances. This role requires excellent classroom management, organization, and communication skills to foster a positive, disciplined environment where students can grow musically and personally. A passion for inspiring young musicians and building a supportive community anchored in routine and appropriate classroom culture is essential.

This position involves directing two vocal ensembles - Red Cleffers (Choral) and ShenaniGanns (a cappella). Each ensemble meets twice a week (so the 2 ensembles combined meet 4 times a week), Monday through Thursday. Monday/Thursday meetings are for one hour; Tuesday/Wednesday meetings are 45 minutes.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• In late August, audition students for a cappella ensemble; manage registration for vocal ensemble
• Direct two 9th- 12th grade vocal ensembles, Red Cleffers (choral) and ShenaniGanns (a cappella)
• Take attendance daily
• Record Pass/Fail grades four times a year
• Cultivate a positive learning environment and a cohesive ‘team culture’ among singers
• Support a student leadership team for ShenaniGanns consisting of Assistant Music Director, Social Media Manager, and Concert Coordinators
• Arrange music and create learning tracks for both ensembles
• Select arrangements from resources and choral websites
• Collaborate with choral accompanist for rehearsals and performances
• Plan logistics and transportation for performances
• Perform (with students) at the following events:
  • Winter (January) and Spring (June) Arts Festival
  • Hanukkah afternoon candle lighting and/or Community Party
  • Open House (a Sunday in October)
  • Graduation (the first or second Sunday in June)

• Additional 2-4 weeknight/weekend performances per year

• As available, independently set up gigs for ShenaniGanns locally and manage student participation

COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Previous experience managing vocal ensembles (work with high school students preferred)
• Knowledge of vocal music, arrangement, a cappella, etc.
• Knowledge of Jewish music, including music in Hebrew, and familiarity with Jewish culture
• The ability to work with a wide range of people—students, parents, faculty, staff, and community members
• Strong communication, planning, and interpersonal skills

LANGUAGE SKILLS

• Must be proficient in English to carry out work as assigned
• Hebrew language knowledge preferred

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Chorus Accompanist

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Physical demands include dexterity for office machine/supply operation, including but not limited to computers, telephones, copy machines, and printers. Stooping, bending, reaching for files or supplies, and sitting or standing for extended periods are common.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Gann Academy is an equal opportunity employer. It is the policy of the school to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants, without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), and pregnancy, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or veteran status.

ACCOMMODATION

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, must be able to perform the essential job functions (as listed) either unaided or with a reasonable accommodation to be determined on a case-by-case basis by management.

E-VERIFY

This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed Form I-9.

About Gann Academy

Gann Academy is a pluralistic Jewish day school that challenges students to cultivate their talents and interests in all areas of human potential: intellectual, artistic, spiritual, and physical. Our faculty made up of both Jewish and non-Jewish educators facilitate the student journey. We seek teachers who are committed to collaborating and growing in their teaching practice; supporting diverse learners in the classroom; and connecting with students outside the classroom, both formally and informally. In growing our department, we are particularly interested in expanding the diversity of voices in our literature faculty. We are also interested in candidates who can help the department envision opportunities for collaboration across the humanities.  BENEFITS Gann Academy is an independent high school in Waltham, MA that offers a competitive, and comprehensive benefits package featuring generous paid time off policies – paid vacation, paid sick days, and roughly 20 additional paid days off - based on the Jewish calendar. It is truly a unique and generous benefits package offered only at Gann! Employer match Retirement (403B), and Health and Dental insurance, are just a few of t...he benefits offered to eligible employees upon day one of joining the Gann community. Hungry? Gann has a full-service kosher dairy dining hall complete with a fresh salad bar and hot bar. Gann offers an attractive physical environment with bright spaces, FREE parking, and extensive fitness facilities available for our faculty and staff. Gann celebrates a community of smart, collaborative, and compassionate professionals; Gann staff/faculty tout the support and teamwork of their colleagues as a highlight of their Gann experience and one in which Gann is different from any other school or community. Come find out for yourself!

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