Instrumental Specialist

Posted: 05/11/2024- Closing Date: 17/11/2024- Job Type: Casual- Location: Newcastle West- Job Category: Advertising, Arts & MediaThe Catholic Schools Office is seeking a casual (6 hours per week) Instrumental Specialist to join the ASPIRE team in February 2024.

ASPIRE is the Maitland/Newcastle Catholic Schools Office creative and performing arts program. With an emphasis on fostering creativity the ASPIRE program has a large number of programs on offer including in schools workshops and performance support and professional development for staff as well as special projects in areas such as songwriting, scriptwriting, devising theatre and choreography. ASPIRE also creates an original production each year through which students can audition to be a part of through dance, design, drama, musical and production ensembles.

Working under the direction of the ASPIRE Musical Director, the Instrumental Specialist will utilise their skills and knowledge of music theory and practice to ensure the development of young performers within the ASPIRE program. They will also manage the rehearsal of the stage band and assist them in learning assigned parts. They will conduct part of the production.

**Desired Skills and Experience**:
**EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA**
- Ability to articulate a clear understanding of and a personal commitment to Catholic education and the mission of the church through Catholic schools
- Deep understanding of music theory and harmony, its relevance to performance and the ability to develop this understanding in young people.
- Knowledge of instrumental technique in a variety of instruments.
- Ability to use a variety of notation methods including traditional notation, scores and chord charts.
- Studio teaching experience, teaching technique, theory and performance skills to young people.
- Experience leading and conducting a variety of instrumental ensembles.
- Music industry experience (Desirable)
- Ability to create music arrangements for stage band and voice (Desirable)
- Experience working with vocalists or singing experience (Desirable)

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) number
- Tertiary qualification or equivalent in music.
- High level performance proficiency of at least 8th Grade AMEB level on at least one instrument (excluding voice).

**CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT**

Salary is in accordance with the Catholic Schools Office Maitland-Newcastle Agreement 2019.

**BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US**
- A corporate fitness program through Fitness Passport
- Employee assistance program (EAP)
- Training and staff development programs
- Paid parental leave for eligible employees
- Access to long service leave after just five years for eligible employees.

**FOR FURTHER INFORMATION**

**TO APPLY**
- Provide a cover letter along with your resume
- Within your cover letter address each of the selection criteria as listed under EXPERIENCE/CRITERIA above and ensure your response to each criteria is no longer than 300 words.

**Applications close: Sunday 17th November at 11.59pm**

**_Additional information_**
- The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable persons and preventing those in our care from suffering abuse or neglect. It is committed to implementing and maintaining compliance with the NSW Child Safe Standards and the National Catholic Safeguarding Standards and takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse of children or vulnerable persons. All who work in the name of the Diocese must comply with the Diocesan Safeguarding Framework Policy and act in accordance with the Diocese’s Code of Conduct which includes the Diocese’s Safeguarding Commitment Statement. Employees are required to undergo a National Police Check and retain a valid NSW Working with Children Check where necessary, in accordance with legislation._