Director of Instrumental Music

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: High School - Orange, CA 92867Position Type: Full-time/ 10 monthsEducation Level: 4 Year DegreeTravel Percentage: NegligibleJob Shift: DayJob Category: EducationPOSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Instrumental Music serves as a visionary leader, educator, mentor, and collaborator within the Orange Lutheran Visual & Performing Arts Department. This individual leads and develops a Christ-centered instrumental music program that inspires students toward artistic excellence, meaningful worship, personal growth, and authentic community. The ideal candidate is passionate about program building, student recruitment, and the cultivation of a thriving culture of collaboration across the arts. This role requires a relational leader who values teamwork, innovation, mentorship, and discipleship and fosters a highly engaging and musically excellent learning environment.

The Director of Instrumental Music will actively contribute to the unified mission and culture of the Visual & Performing Arts Department by partnering closely with faculty, production staff, administration, students, families, and the broader community to create transformative artistic experiences. By focusing all activities through a Christ-centered lens, the director strives to help students deepen their appreciation for music, develop confidence and leadership skills, experience the power of worship and community, and grow in their faith and character. 

Reports to: Director of Arts

Supervises: Instrumental Music Instructors

PROGRAM LEADERSHIP & GROWTH

Provides visionary leadership for the instrumental music program with a strong emphasis on growth, recruitment, retention, and student engagement
Develops and implements strategies to strengthen and expand all areas of the instrumental music program
Cultivates relationships with feeder schools, community organizations, prospective families, and alumni to support program development
Fosters a positive and collaborative program culture centered on excellence, belonging, creativity, and student leadership
Creates meaningful and inspiring performance opportunities that engage both school and community audiences

INSTRUCTION & STUDENT DEVELOPMENT

Provides students with a focused, Christ-centered, challenging, and engaging educational experience in a safe and supportive environment
Integrates Biblical principles, worship, prayer, and Christian worldview throughout instruction and program culture
Teaches instrumental music courses and ensembles using engaging, innovative, and student-centered instructional methods
Fosters musical growth in areas including technique, theory, music appreciation, performance, creativity, and collaboration
Encourages student ownership, leadership, confidence, and artistic expression
Adapts instruction and materials to meet varying student needs, interests, and abilities

PERFORMANCE & EVENT LEADERSHIP

Plans, rehearses, and directs concerts, festivals, worship events, tours, and other performance opportunities throughout the school year
Supports instrumental music participation in school productions, graduation ceremonies, chapel, and community events
Collaborates with technical and production teams to ensure successful performances and events
Oversees scheduling, music selection, equipment, travel coordination, and program logistics

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The qualifications and competencies listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and physical demands required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position

Education

BA or BS Degree; Major/Field of Study: Music, or completion of an approved teacher training program; successful completion of student teaching at a recognized college or university, or proven successful classroom teaching experience

Experience

Five years+ experience as a high school music director, including orchestra, concert band, jazz ensemble, musical pit orchestra, marching band, winter guard, and percussion ensemble
Advanced training in teaching skills, music education administration, and leadership
Any satisfactory combination of education, experience, and training which demonstrates the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties listed

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES, AND CLEARANCES

Cleared Background/Fingerprint check
Valid CPR and First Aid certifications
Cleared TB assessment
Completion of Ministry Safe Training

KEY COMPETENCIES

Strong understanding of instrumental music pedagogy, ensemble leadership, and secondary music education
Demonstrated ability to build and grow a successful music program
Effective rehearsal techniques and conducting skills
Strong organizational, leadership, and communication abilities
Ability to foster a highl