Instructor of Brass

Outline

Gordonstoun is seeking to appoint a qualified and enthusiastic teacher of Brass to join the Music Department. The ideal candidate will perform with a secure technique and a competent and appropriate musicality. They will have expertise as a music educator and be an excellent team worker. They will have the ability to instruct students of a wide age range, and be prepared to take a lead role in directing both junior and senior concert bands, jazz band and brass ensembles. The ideal candidate will also support our unique Junior Music Curriculum. Good keyboard skills would be advantageous although not essential.

Music at Gordonstoun

The Music Department works across the range of both Junior and Senior Schools and seeks to encourage a love of music making and performance at all levels. Our unique Junior School Music Curriculum ensures that all pupils have the chance to learn an instrument and as a result a large number of individual music lessons are taught each week. There are many musical performances throughout the year. The Gordonstoun lunchtime concert series allows students to experience their first solo performances in an informal and supportive atmosphere; more formal evening recital performances offer progression for more accomplished performers, and there are occasional larger scale, showcase events for large ensembles in both the Junior and Senior schools and in the wider community. Recently, Gordonstoun musicians have performed to great acclaim at the Scottish School Pipe Band Championships, in the finals of the Scottish Concert Band Festival and on a recent tour to Kazakhstan. The chamber choir have had the honour to perform for HM the Queen on several occasions, and last year the school pipe band were the winners of the Best Band competition at the prestigious Braemar Games. Instrumental and singing lessons are taught by a team of 9 specialist staff, who prepare pupils for practical exams and other performances. Many also direct ensembles. Music is taught to GCSE and A level. In recent years, several students have gone on to study music at university or conservatoire including the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal Northern College of Music, the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow and Leeds College of Music.

Duties

To teach individual lessons and prepare pupils for practical examinations including GCSE, A Level and external music exams on Trumpet, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium and Tuba

• To lead brass teaching including that of the Junior Practical music making programme

• To be responsible for school brass instruments, including basic repairs and replacement

• To be available for school music performances and Parents Day

• To liaise with the Head of Music and the Junior School Music Coordinator

• Where possible, to accompany pupils, both in lessons and in performances

• If appropriate, to assist with technological aspects of music performance, recordings, etc

General Contribution to the Music Department

· To inspire students and to provide enthusiasm in this curriculum area

· To work with colleagues throughout the department

· To promote cross curricular co-operation in the context of a school which places emphasis on the whole range of educational activities

· To expect high standards of behaviour from all students

· To follow and to contribute to the Music Department procedures for the monitoring and recording of student progress

· To ensure the reporting policy is followed

· To adhere to the school’s assessment, reporting and recording framework and to ensure that the agreed policy of the Music Department is followed including the consistent awarding of rewards

Whole School Responsibilities

· To further the tone and purpose of the School by example

· To foster and support activities in the interests of the school community

· If appropriate, to contribute to the wider school life, including the possibility of being a House Tutor or contributing to a sporting activity

Safeguarding Children

· The post holder has a responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young people, including those they are responsible for and others they may come into contact with

· The post holder must adhere to and ensure compliance with the school’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures at all times

Conditions

The salary will be at an appropriate point on the Gordonstoun Music instructors’ salary scale. The post of Instructor of Brass is currently for a minimum 3 days a week, although there is the possibility for the postholder to increase this, including by being involved in other areas of school life.

These notes are for general information only and the appointment will be subject to signature of formal conditions of employment. Candidates wishing to be considered for this post should complete the school’s application form and submit a letter of application outlining why they feel they are suitable candidates for this post to the Principal or email to recruitment@gordonstoun.org.uk

The closing date for applications is Monday 1 February 2021.

Interviews will be held at Gordonstoun in the week beginning Monday 8th February 2021.

It is anticipated that the successful candidate will take up the post in time for the beginning of the Summer Term 2021 which starts on the 19th April.