MUSIC ASSISTANT (MARIACHI)

Bellflower Unified School District; Bellflower (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

Bellflower Unified School District in Bellflower, CA seeks a Music Assistant to support the district's vocal and instrumental music programs, assist with rehearsals, and help supervise performances.

You will work under a certificated music teacher, prepare spaces, operate sound equipment, and coordinate with staff for events, including mariachi and vocal ensembles. Evening and weekend availability required.

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school or equivalent with music coursework or training.
• Experience assisting with music instruction is desirable.
• Ability to support vocal and instrumental music instruction and performances.

Responsibilities

• Assist in music instruction and supervision during rehearsals, classes, and performances.
• Set up, operate, and maintain sound systems and audio-visual gear.
• Assist in organizing and supervising musical performances and events.
• Support instrument care, inventory, and preparation for performances.
• Transport equipment to performance sites and participate in events as needed.

Skills

Music instruction

Ensemble rehearsal

Sound systems

Classroom supervision

Education

High school diploma or equivalent with music coursework

Tools

Sound equipment

Job description

Are you ready to share your love of music and help students find their voice on stage?

Join Bellflower Unified School District! Bring your musicianship to our students and help them build confidence through music.

Current Vacancies One (1) 3.5 hours per day, 9-month position (Mariachi)

Under general supervision of the music teacher, department staff, or designee, assists in the instruction, rehearsal, performance, and supervision of students participating in a variety of musical activities, including vocal, instrumental, and ensemble performances and related events.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Music Assistant classification is distinguished from general Instructional Assistant and Visual and Performing Arts Assistant positions by its focus on supporting vocal and instrumental music programs and its requirement for demonstrated musical performance skills. Incumbents regularly perform alongside students in ensembles, assist with sectionals, and support music-specific technical and production needs such as sound, staging, and equipment.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from a certificated music teacher, department staff, or designee. Does not exercise supervisory authority. May provide informal work direction or lead guidance to student assistants, volunteers, or student leaders during rehearsals, performances, and related activities, including supporting peer mentors working with students with disabilities.

• Assists in music instruction and supervision of students during rehearsals, classes, and performances; performs alongside students to model musicianship and ensemble skills.
• Assists in instructing students in instrumental music fundamentals across various ensembles and styles, such as marching band, jazz band, concert band, orchestra, and culturally specific traditions.
• Assists in facilitating modern musicianship courses featuring contemporary instruments such as electric guitar, bass, piano, and drums.
• Assists in preparing students for musical performances, competitions, and public events.
• Conducts and supervises sectional rehearsals for small groups, demonstrating techniques through performance and playing with students to reinforce concepts.
• Assists in planning, coordinating, and supervising musical performances and events; performs with student ensembles as needed.
• Sets up, arranges, and breaks down rehearsal and performance spaces, including equipment, staging, and seating configurations.
• Sets up, operates, and maintains sound systems, recording equipment, and other audio-visual technology for rehearsals and performances.
• Maintains inventory of instruments, equipment, uniforms, and music library materials; tracks condition, location, and usage.
• Performs minor instrument adjustments and maintenance; reports repair needs to appropriate personnel.
• Maintains student records, attendance, schedules, and progress documentation as assigned.
• Supervises student behavior and maintains discipline during music activities and events; models professional performance standards and conduct.
• Collaborates with special education staff and related service providers to support student access, participation, and implementation of classroom and performance accommodations.
• Transports equipment and travels to performance sites, festivals, and competitions as assigned; participates in performances with students at these events.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Mariachi:

Performs on a variety of mariachi instruments alongside students; reinforces rhythms, repertoire and cultural context introduced by the teacher; helps students practice music reading and playing by ear.

Vocal:

Reinforces student vocal technique, including breath support, posture, pitch matching, blend and diction; leads warm-ups and helps run part-singing rehearsals as directed; models or plays individual vocal parts to help students learn pitches and harmonies.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Music theory concepts, basic performance practices, and ensemble rehearsal techniques.
• Cultural and stylistic characteristics of mariachi or other specialized music traditions, including common instruments and ensemble practices.
• Principles of organizing and supporting school-based music programs, including budgeting, scheduling, equipment management, and event coordination
• Techniques for supporting vocal and instrumental music instruction in group and sectional settings.
• Basic choreography, staging, and production elements for musical performances.
• Operation and basic troubleshooting of sound systems, microphones, recording devices, and related audio-visual equipment.
• Methods for organizing and maintaining music libraries, instruments, equipment, uniforms, and supplies.
• Basic record-keeping and data entry techniques for student, inventory, and scheduling information.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Safe practices in classroom, rehearsal, performance, and event environments.
• Basic instructional methods, tutoring strategies, and student supervision techniques.

Ability to:

• Perform instrumental parts alongside students during rehearsals and performances.
• Demonstrate and reinforce music fundamentals, including rhythm, notation, and instrumentation, to individuals and small groups of students.
• Adapt to various musical styles and ensemble settings, such as band, orchestra, mariachi, and modern musicianship.
• Choreograph, stage, and assist in directing musical performances.
• Set up, operate, and perform basic troubleshooting for sound systems, microphones, recording devices, and related equipment.
• Plan, organize, and coordinate program activities, events, and logistics in support of rehearsals and performances.
• Supervise and monitor students in classroom, rehearsal, and performance settings to maintain a safe and productive environment.
• Communicate effectively with students, staff, parents, and community members both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Follow oral and written instructions, including those related to student support plans and accommodations.
• Learn and apply school and district policies, procedures, and terminology related to music instruction and performance.
• Model communications and interactions that respect and include all individuals and their languages, abilities, religions, and cultures.

EXPERIENCE: Experience assisting with music instruction, performance, or related school, community, or youth music programs is desirable

EDUCATION: Graduation from high school or equivalent supplemented with coursework or training in music education, performance, theory, or a closely related field.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This summary provides examples of the work conditions and typical physical demands of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Works in classroom, rehearsal, and performance environments at school sites and off-site venues.
• Works indoors and outdoors, including evenings and weekends, to support rehearsals, performances, and events.
• Works in a fast-paced setting with frequent interruptions and competing demands.
• Exposed to noise and sounds typical of music rehearsals and performances.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Hears and speaks to exchange information, provide instruction, and monitor student behavior.
• Sees to read music, monitor students, and observe performances.
• Uses hands and fingers to handle music, operate instruments, and use equipment and technology.
• Stands, walks, bends, and reaches for extended periods during rehearsals, classroom activities, and performance setup and breakdown.
• Lifts and carries objects weighing up to 25 pounds without assistance.

Additional Requirements/Information:

Must be available evenings and weekends to assist with performances.