LTS: Orchestra Teacher

Applitrack; United States; On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Hastings Public Schools is seeking an Orchestra Teacher for a 1.0 FTE long-term substitute position, primarily at Hastings Middle School with an assignment at Hastings High School. The teacher will deliver high-quality instrumental music instruction and maintain continuity in the district's orchestra program.

The role requires creating an engaging, inclusive learning environment, developing students' string technique, music literacy, ensemble skills, and performance readiness, while

Qualifications

• Valid Minnesota teaching license appropriate for instrumental music/orchestra instruction.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Music Education or a related discipline.
• Master's degree in Music Education or a related area preferred.
• Successful prior teaching experience in instrumental music preferred.
• Prior experience working with middle school and/or high school students preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide classroom instruction in orchestra and instrumental music at Hastings Middle School and Hastings High School.
• Prepare orchestras for concerts, school performances, community events, and festivals.
• Select and prepare appropriate repertoire for student ensembles.
• Establish performance expectations and assist students in developing discipline and responsibility for ensemble participation.
• Collaborate with district music staff to support the overall quality, continuity, and reputation of Hastings Public Schools music program.

Skills

String pedagogy

Ensemble rehearsal

Differentiation

Assessment

Concert planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Music Education

Master's degree in Music Education (preferred)

Job description

• Position Type: Middle School Teaching/ Music - Orchestra
• Date Posted: 9/30/2026
• Location: Hastings Middle School

Position: Orchestra Teacher — Long-Term Substitute

Locations: Hastings Middle School and Hastings High School
FTE: 1.0 FTE Total

Position Purpose

Under the general supervision of the Hastings Middle School and Hastings High School Principals, the Orchestra Teacher — Long-Term Substitute is responsible for providing high-quality instrumental music instruction and maintaining continuity within the Hastings Public Schools orchestra program.

The teacher will develop students' musical knowledge, string technique, music literacy, ensemble skills, creativity, collaboration, performance skills, and appreciation for music. The position serves students primarily at Hastings Middle School, with an additional orchestra assignment at Hastings High School.

The successful candidate will create an engaging, inclusive, and supportive learning environment while maintaining established program expectations, preparing students for performances, and collaborating with colleagues across the district music program.

General Duties / Essential Functions

• Provide classroom instruction in orchestra and instrumental music at Hastings Middle School and Hastings High School.
• Provide full-ensemble instruction, sectional instruction, individual support, and small-group lessons as appropriate.
• Develop and deliver instruction consistent with district curriculum, Minnesota academic standards in the arts, and established music program expectations.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional materials that translate curricular goals into sequential and developmentally appropriate learning experiences.
• Provide instruction in:
  • String instrument technique
  • Tone production
  • Intonation
  • Rhythm and rhythmic accuracy
  • Music literacy
  • Sight-reading
  • Music theory and vocabulary
  • Ensemble skills
  • Listening and responding
  • Rehearsal techniques and etiquette
  • Performance skills
  • Musical expression and interpretation
• Teach students the skills necessary to perform independently and as members of an ensemble.
• Provide students with opportunities to develop musicianship through authentic rehearsal and performance experiences.
• Select appropriate instructional materials and musical literature based on student developmental level, ensemble needs, curriculum goals, and performance opportunities.
• Maintain continuity with the established instructional sequence and expectations of the Hastings orchestra program.

Student Learning & Assessment

• Establish clear learning objectives and communicate expectations for student learning and performance.
• Conduct ongoing formative and summative assessment of student musical development.
• Assess individual and ensemble growth in areas including technique, music literacy, preparation, participation, performance, and musicianship.
• Utilize assessment results and student performance data to modify instruction and provide appropriate intervention, enrichment, or additional support.
• Provide timely and meaningful feedback that supports continued student improvement.
• Differentiate instruction to meet the needs of students with varying levels of musical experience and ability.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction as needed.
• Adapt instructional materials, rehearsal strategies, and performance expectations when necessary to provide appropriate access for students with disabilities or other identified learning needs.

Rehearsal & Performance Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct productive, organized, and developmentally appropriate ensemble rehearsals.
• Prepare orchestras for concerts, school performances, community events, festivals, and other performances associated with the district music program.
• Select and prepare appropriate repertoire for student ensembles.
• Establish performance expectations and assist students in developing the discipline and responsibility necessary for successful ensemble participation.
• Coordinate performance logistics as appropriate, including:
  • Concert preparation
  • Rehearsal schedules
  • Music preparation and distribution
  • Instrument and equipment needs
  • Performance setup and teardown
  • Student supervision
  • Communication with families
• Assist with other music department concerts, performances, events, and activities as assigned.
• Collaborate with district music staff to support the overall quality, continuity, and reputation of the Hastings Public Schools music program.
• Establish and maintain a classroom and rehearsal environment that is safe, respectful, inclusive, structured, and conducive to student learning.
• Communicate and reinforce clear expectations for student behavior, rehearsal procedures, equipment use, and ensemble participation.
• Encourage student responsibility, cooperation, perseverance, teamwork, and mutual respect.
• Develop positive relationships with students and foster a sense of belonging within the orchestra program.
• Understand and respond appropriately to the developmental needs of middle school and high school students.
• Implement school and district behavior expectations consistently.
• Promote responsible citizenship, leadership, collaboration, and respect for others.
• Supervise students appropriately during classes, rehearsals, concerts, performances, travel, and other school-sponsored activities.

Student Support & Differentiation

• Recognize individual student strengths and needs and adjust instruction accordingly.
• Work collaboratively with special education teachers, multilingual learner staff, counselors, administrators, and other support professionals to ensure students can access and participate successfully in orchestra.
• Implement accommodations, modifications, and supports outlined in student plans as appropriate.
• Utilize multiple instructional approaches to support different learning styles, experience levels, and developmental needs.
• Provide appropriate challenge and enrichment opportunities for advanced musicians while supporting beginning and developing musicians.

Collaboration & Professional Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively with orchestra, band, choir, and other music department colleagues.
• Collaborate with professional staff at Hastings Middle School and Hastings High School to support students and coordinate educational programming.
• Participate in department, building, faculty, Professional Learning Community (PLC), and district meetings as appropriate.
• Participate in student-support, IEP, 504, or other educational planning meetings when required.
• Collaborate with colleagues regarding curriculum, instructional strategies, student needs, assessment, technology, performances, and program development.
• Maintain professional and productive relationships with students, families, colleagues, administrators, and community members.
• Participate in district and building initiatives and professional learning opportunities.
• Continue to acquire professional knowledge and remain current with developments in music education, instructional practices, technology, and adolescent development.
• Engage in professional reflection and continuous improvement.

Family & Community Communication

• Establish and maintain effective communication with students and parents/guardians.
• Communicate information regarding student progress, classroom expectations, concerts, rehearsals, performances, and program activities.
• Respond professionally and promptly to questions or concerns from students and families.
• Encourage family involvement and support of students' musical development.
• Represent the Hastings orchestra program professionally during school and community performances and activities.

Records & Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and complete records of:
  • Student attendance
  • Grades
  • Assessments
  • Student progress
  • Performance participation
  • Instrument assignments
  • Music and equipment inventories
• Complete required reports and documentation in accordance with district procedures and applicable laws.
• Utilize district student information systems, learning management systems, grading platforms, and instructional technologies as required.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality of student information.
• Manage instructional materials, sheet music, instruments, equipment, and other program resources responsibly.
• Organize, distribute, collect, and maintain school-owned instruments and equipment.
• Monitor the condition of instruments and identify repair or maintenance needs.
• Maintain appropriate inventories of instruments, music, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist students in the proper care, handling, storage, and maintenance of instruments.
• Select and requisition instructional materials, music, supplies, equipment, and other resources as appropriate.
• Maintain an organized and functional rehearsal and instructional space.

Required Qualifications / Licensure

• Valid Minnesota teaching license appropriate for instrumental music/orchestra instruction.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Music Education or a related discipline applicable to the teaching assignment.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Master's degree in Music Education or a related area preferred.
• Successful prior teaching experience in instrumental music preferred.
• Prior experience working with middle school and/or high school students preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge and experience in string and orchestral music education.
• Strong knowledge of string pedagogy and developmentally appropriate instrumental instruction.
• Experience teaching students across beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels of musical development.
• Previous experience working with middle school and high school students.
• Experience conducting and preparing student ensembles for concerts and public performances.
• Experience providing individual and small-group instrumental instruction.
• Evidence of strong relationship-building skills with students, families, and colleagues.
• Strong classroom and rehearsal management skills.
• Ability to create engaging, meaningful, and authentic musical learning experiences.
• Strong commitment to effective pedagogical practices, including:
  • Team planning and collaboration
  • Differentiation
  • Formative assessment
  • Performance-based feedback
  • Student-centered instruction
  • Active student engagement
• Experience organizing instruments, equipment, music libraries, and performance logistics.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple buildings and within a comprehensive district music program.
• Interest and experience in orchestra-related extracurricular, co-curricular, or performance activities.
• Experience supervising students during performances, trips, festivals, or activities outside the regular school day.
• Commitment to supporting students' academic, social, emotional, interpersonal, artistic, and ethical growth.
• Ability to enter an established orchestra program and maintain consistency and continuity throughout the long-term substitute assignment.
• Principles, practices, techniques, and methods of instrumental music instruction.
• String pedagogy and appropriate instructional techniques for orchestral instruments.
• Conducting and ensemble rehearsal techniques.
• Music theory, notation, literacy, history, repertoire, and performance practices.
• Developmental characteristics and needs of middle school and high school students.
• Current instructional methods and educational pedagogy.
• Differentiation and strategies for meeting diverse student learning needs.
• Assessment practices and methods for evaluating individual and ensemble performance.
• Classroom and rehearsal management practices.
• District and building policies regarding student behavior, discipline, supervision, and safety.
• Applicable federal and state laws related to education and students.
• Instructional technologies and software used to support teaching, assessment, communication, and record keeping.
• Ability to plan and deliver effective instrumental music instruction.
• Ability to conduct and rehearse student orchestras.
• Ability to demonstrate and teach appropriate instrumental technique.
• Ability to present musical concepts in an understandable and developmentally appropriate manner.
• Ability to differentiate instruction based on student readiness, ability, experience, and learning needs.
• Ability to develop and utilize appropriate assessments and evaluate student performance.
• Ability to provide clear, constructive, and actionable feedback.
• Ability to establish and maintain a positive and productive rehearsal environment.
• Ability to organize and coordinate concerts, performances, and music-related activities.
• Ability to organize and maintain instruments, equipment, sheet music, instructional materials, and performance spaces.
• Ability to effectively utilize technology and district software applications.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with students, families, colleagues, administrators, and community members.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities, timelines, rehearsals, and performance commitments.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation and professional growth.

Equipment

Uses standard orchestra and instrumental music equipment, including but not limited to:

• Violins
• Violas
• Cellos
• String basses
• Bows
• Music stands
• Sheet music and scores
• Tuners and metronomes
• Audio and recording equipment
• Classroom and instructional technology
• Computers, printers, copy machines, and other standard office equipment

Travel Requirements

• Regular travel between Hastings Middle School and Hastings High School as required by the assignment.
• Travel to district buildings, professional meetings, concerts, performances, festivals, and other music-related activities may be required.

Physical & Mental Demands / Work Hazards

• Work is performed in standard classroom, rehearsal, performance, school, and office environments.
• Position involves regular interaction with and supervision of students.
• Position may require standing for extended periods while teaching or conducting.
• Position may require moving, setting up, or assisting with musical instruments, music stands, chairs, and performance equipment.
• Position requires the ability to manage multiple instructional, supervisory, and performance-related responsibilities.
• See the district's Summary of Physical, Sensory, and Environmental Requirements for additional details.

Additional Duties

Performs other related duties of a comparable level or type as assigned by the Hastings Middle School Principal, Hastings High School Principal, or other district administrators as designated by the Superintendent.

Additional Information / Note

FLSA Status: Exempt

Additional Information / Note

This is a 1.0 FTE Long-Term Substitute Orchestra Teacher position, consisting of:

• 0.8 FTE at Hastings Middle School
• 0.2 FTE at Hastings High School

Specific assignment dates are to be determined.

The above description is illustrative of the duties and responsibilities associated with this position and is not intended to be all-inclusive of every task or responsibility.