The Upper and Middle Schools seek an experienced choral director to teach multiple sections of Concert Chorus/Music Theory in the Upper School division and Chorus and general music in the Middle School division. The responsibilities will also include directing the Middle School musical and serving as music director for the Upper School musical. The teaching load will include four classes. While all faculty teach five courses, the direction/support of the school’s stage productions will be considered a course reduction in each semester. The position also requires collaborating with the entire performing arts team--supporting, enhancing, and working towards continuous growth and high standards of the Ranney, award winning Performing Arts Program.

Candidates will ideally have advanced degrees and performing arts experiences in independent schools.

Key Skills and Qualities:

• Strong foundation in choral music, choral music direction, musical theater direction, and the like;
• Experience in technical theater (Lights, Sound, Set Building)
• Understanding and mastery of effective pedagogies for teaching music, music theory,  and the performing arts;
• Great respect for adolescents and keen interest in their growth and development;
• A desire to achieve excellence in teaching and performance;
• Positive and effective communication skills with students, colleagues, and parents; communicating positively, politely, and respectfully and with an eye toward positive reinforcement is critical; effectively coaching students on their weaknesses and growth opportunities is also critical
• A keen interest in participating in the broader lives of students (i.e., occasionally attending their performances for other arts organizations, their athletic events, and other important events in their lives)
• Collaboration with other colleagues in multiple divisions and departments.

Primary Job Responsibilities:

• All Ranney faculty teach five courses; this position requires teaching four sections during the school day and directing one musical per semester as the fifth “class.” One musical will be in the middle school, and one will be as an assistant director in the upper school.
• Serve as advisor to the middle school Jr. Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter 4410
• In addition to a full-time teaching schedule faculty serve as advisors, mentor students in co-curricular activities (such as sponsoring students and regional and state ensemble auditions, advising vocal club or activity, and organizing on and off campus performances), participate in mandatory division and department meetings, serve on school-wide committees and in various supervisory roles. Developing strong relationships with students and colleagues is critical for one’s success at Ranney and for the school’s successful accomplishment of its mission.

To Apply:

Please submit an application dossier compiled into one, single PDF file and emailed to Upper School Head, Dr. Greg Martin (gmartin@ranneyschool.org), and Middle School Head David Ketcham (dketcham@ranneyschool.org) and Mr. John Propper (jpropper@ranneyschool.org), Chair of the Performing Arts Department. The dossier must include a cover letter, a CV/resume, a statement of educational philosophy, a list of three to five professional references, and a list of choral and musical theater repertoire. References will not be checked without first notifying candidates. The subject line of the email should read “Ranney School Choral Director Application.” Please name the PDF file with the following format: “[Applicant Last Name] Ranney Choral Application.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and priority will be given to applicants who apply before February 24th.

About Ranney School

Ranney School is dedicated to engaging its students in an exemplary, well-rounded education, one that promotes the development of every child’s intellectual, personal, creative, and moral promise. By serving a diverse community that values a rigorous, wide-ranging program of study, Ranney students are inspired to reach their full potential. Guided by dedicated and compassionate professionals, the Ranney experience is distinguished by the heartfelt bond between student and teacher — the hallowed principle celebrating the unique nature of every child. In an environment with contemporary learning resources, students learn the value of contributing to their local and global communities through leadership and service. The school’s motto — Knowledge, Vision, Honor — is as much an inspiration as it is a social imperative, one that informs the thinking and actions of our students. Awakening students’ intellectual potential and encouraging them to communicate with confidence in their own unique voice remains fundamental to the Ranney experience. The ultimate success of our students is the result of a simple yet powerful mission-promise…every child will be known and valued.

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