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Assistant/Associate Professor of Music Education and Director of Choral Studies

LOCATION: Wayland Baptist University – Plainview, TX

SUPERVISED BY: Dean of the School of Creative Arts

POSITION CLASSIFICATION: Exempt (10 month)

POSITIONS SUPERVISED: Student workers

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: The Assistant/Associate Professor of Music Education and Director of Choral Studies will be primarily responsible for directing ensembles, teaching courses related to choral music education, and supervising student teachers.

As an intentionally Christian academic community hiring Christian educators, all employees will be expected to advance the mission, vision, and identity of Wayland Baptist University as defined in university policy and expressed in our strategic plan and are expected to work as cooperative and collegial members of the University.

As Christian educators, all employees of the University should regularly attend and actively participate in a local church.

SPECIFIC TASKS AND DUTIES: 

  1. Director of Wayland’s choral ensembles – Serve as the artistic director of Wayland International Choir and Wayland Singers Chorus, with responsibilities including concert planning, planning and running daily rehearsals, and mentoring student conductors.
  2. Primary instructor for choral music education coursework
    1. Serve as the primary instructor and/or coordinator for all courses within the choral music education curriculum, including (but not limited to) conducting, choral literature, rehearsal and instructional methods, etc.
    2. Supervision of student field experiences and teaching practicums.
    3. Instruction in applied voice or other areas may also be possible, as applicable to the qualifications and experience of the candidate.
  3. Choral and Vocal Programs Primary recruiter
    1. Regular travel to and hosting of area high school choral programs for clinics, competitions, and other events throughout the year.
    2. Build and maintain positive working relationships with area high school choral directors, and develop these relationships into sustainable, reliable, recruiting pipelines.
    3. Organize and host several workshops, festivals, or clinics each year on campus to generate leads and student interest
    4. Fostering relationships with WBU alumni to encourage alumni awareness of and participation in recruiting efforts.
    5. Manage and disseminate student recruiting data using Wayland’s student information databases in conjunction with the Faculty Recruiting Coordinator in the School of Creative Arts.
  4. Choral Music Education Administrator
    1. Devise and supervise a musically comprehensive, inclusive, and diverse choral program that seeks to meet the ever-evolving needs of the 21st century music educator.
    2. Adjunct oversight for all choral music education coursework, as needed.
    3. Coordination with the Director of Vocal Studies and other faculty in the School of Creative Arts to build a program that meets the needs of, and follows the mission of, the university and school.
  5. Advisement – Must have knowledge of degree requirements and associated course rotations, leading academic advisement of choral music education students, with particular knowledge of education requirements leading to Texas teacher certification in conjunction with the Don A. Williams School of Education.
  6. Maintaining & Developing Standing in Musical Community - Maintain a visible and consistent presence at local and regional professional events and conferences (TMEA, TCDA, etc.), seeking to develop a program capable of invited performance at such events/conferences.
  7. Other duties and committee work as assigned.

Additional Requirements:

  1. Endorsement by the Vice President of Academic Affairs.
  2. Able to pass background checks.

The above statements are not a complete list of all responsibilities and duties performed by employees in this job.  Employee may perform other related duties as assigned by the Dean or Vice President for Academic Affairs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: An earned doctorate in music (choral conducting or choral music education preferred). ABD candidates will be considered. As per TEA regulations for supervising of clinical teachers, at least three years of K-12 classroom teaching experience (secondary preferred) is required. If the successful candidate does not hold a current active Texas teaching license, they may obtain the necessary certification and/or training upon being hired. Appointment at the rank of Associate Professor requires five years of prior experience in full-time university teaching or an equivalent period in professional or work experience.

Experience and Knowledge: Effective knowledge of choral methods and techniques, vocal/choral pedagogy, classroom management and content delivery strategies, and understanding of 21st century classroom technologies.

Skills and Abilities:

  • Charismatic choral director with exceptional relational abilities capable of functioning well in a multifaceted role as program director, recruiter, and advocate
  • Outstanding musicianship and dedication that can provide a motivational model for such achievement in students of all skill levels and backgrounds while maintaining a supportive, positive, and productive rehearsal culture.
  • Demonstrated ability to recruit and retain choral ensemble members from a mixed population of music majors and non-majors, both from high school recruitment and from the existing campus population
  • Demonstrated ability to devise and supervise a musically comprehensive and diverse choral program that seeks to meet the ever-evolving needs of the 21st century music educator, while creating and maintaining innovative community initiatives.
  • Evidence of concert/outreach programming that shows a diverse range of musical styles, traditions, cultural identities, and time periods, balancing major works with smaller choral works.
  • High-level organizational skills, including budget and personnel management
  • Commitment to collegiality and collaboration

Required Materials:

  • Completed WBU Employment Application
  • CV
  • Cover letter addressing personal and professional qualifications
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three current professional references
  • Links to video recordings of recent performances and rehearsals
  • Statement of personal faith and integration of faith and learning as it applies to leading a university choral program from within a Christian worldview

Work Environment: The work environment for this position is a standard office setting. Employees will work primarily at a desk or workstation, utilizing standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and printers.  The office maintains a controlled temperature.  Noise levels are generally moderate, with typical office sounds such as conversations and office machinery. Musical sounds are present throughout the day, whether in an office, classroom, rehearsal space, or in the environment more generally due to the nature of a collegiate music program.

In addition, the position requires teaching in a university classroom setting. This environment involves direct interaction with students, delivering lectures, facilitating discussions, and managing classroom dynamics to maintain an effective learning atmosphere. Classroom conditions may vary, but typically include standard instructional technology such as projectors, whiteboards, and computers. Noise levels can fluctuate depending on class size and activity, and the role requires adaptability to engage students and maintain order in a collaborative academic setting.

Hours of Work: Plainview campus - Although full-time, nonexempt Plainview employees are normally scheduled to work 37.75 hours per week, the official work week for full-time salaried employees is forty (40) hours. Normal workdays on all campuses are Monday through Friday.

Physical Demands:

  • Frequently stand and walk.
  • Frequently flex upper trunk forward while sitting or standing.
  • Frequently lift up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
  • Frequently carry up to 10 pounds and occasionally carry up to 25 pounds.
  • Occasionally pull or push objects.
  • Occasionally flex upper trunk forward at the waist and partially flex at the knees.
  • Frequently reach at or below shoulder height and occasionally reach above shoulder height.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

Employment is subject to an introductory period to monitor employee performance.   If hired, the prospective employee must present documentation within three (3) days of hire date to establish identity and employment eligibility as required by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  Must be able to operate a licensed motor vehicle, have access to a dependable motor vehicle, and possess a valid state driver’s license.  Must have and maintain a satisfactory driver’s record.

Wayland Baptist University does not unlawfully discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information.

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