Description

Title:   Director of Orchestras

Assignment:  School year; one class concession (1/5 release)

Location:   Winnetka and Northfield Campuses

Reports to:   Music & Theatre Department Chair

Overview:

The New Trier Orchestras consist of 200+ students who annually participate in the school’s four curricular orchestras, one of which is a daily full orchestra (Symphony Orchestra) experience. In addition to the four curricular orchestras, the school also supports four curricular wind ensembles, four curricular jazz ensembles, seven curricular choirs and general music opportunities. New Trier's orchestras have been featured performers in Orchestra Hall in Chicago, the Sydney Opera House, and Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center in New York. 

Qualifications:

1. Master’s/advanced degree preferred.
2. Illinois State Board of Education Professional Educator’s License with appropriate endorsement.
3. Accomplished educator with significant success in producing high school Orchestras.
4. A record of proven success in producing high school orchestras that perform grades 3 through 6 music repertoires. (Note: If requested, a candidate must be prepared to submit audio and video recordings of orchestras under the candidate’s direction and copies of concert programs.)
5. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
6. The ability to work in a collegial environment in a Music & Theatre Department with 10+ other highly motivated instrumental, choral, general music, and theatre teachers.
7. Experience or ability for performing on a national or international stage.  For example: Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, State Music Education Convention performances, National or international tours resulting in significant educational performances and experiences.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the school’s orchestra ensemble program that consists of four complete ensembles. 
• Assist Department Chair/Coordinator with the hiring, evaluation, and supervision of a string private teaching staff and assist and supervise the hiring of wind and percussion private teaching staff.
• Maintain an instrument inventory that includes artist level instruments. 
• Maintain and update an orchestra library of chamber and symphonic works of over 1000 titles.
• Plan and execute at least seven concerts during the school year, all of which are livestreamed.
• Organize and administer annual placement auditions for the four orchestra ensembles. 
• Communicate with and arrange support from the New Trier Fine Arts Association (NTFAA) orchestra liaisons. 
• Maintain and update the orchestra ensembles webpage on a regular basis.
• Coordinate multiple field trips for various dress rehearsals and off-campus festivals.
• Coordinate multiple guest conductors, clinicians, and artists to work with students.
• Counsel students through the process of applying to summer camps, national student ensembles, national awards, and college admissions.
• Develop, visit, and maintain a good relationship with sender schools.
• Design and execute an 8th grade Township Festival experience where sender school students attend New Trier High School for sectionals and large group rehearsal ahead of the Township Festival performance.
• Acts as the New Trier orchestra representative to the Illinois Music Education Association and professional organizations.
• Select and prepare a graduation orchestra for the annual high school commencement ceremony. 
• Organize and execute an annual Solo and Ensemble Festival. (Stipend) 
• Attend and Assist with Departmental and Performing Arts Events as needed.
• Assist the Director of Bands with the planning and execution of a highly successful Band program.
• Assist the Director of Jazz with the planning and execution of a highly successful Jazz program.
• Other duties as assigned.

2026-2027 Course Assignments:

Freshman Orchestra 

Concert Orchestra

Philharmonic Orchestra

Symphony Orchestra

Administrative release to oversee the orchestra program

Additional Notes

There are various stipend opportunities available throughout the Music & Theatre Department, Performing Arts Division, and entire school.  The Director of Orchestras is welcome to apply for the relevant and interested positions as they are available.

FLSA: Exempt

Link to Faculty Salary Schedule

Link to Faculty Benefits