PIANO ACCOMPANIST

Job Description:

PIANO ACCOMPANIST

Description

Definition

Under the general direction of the Director of Visual and Performing Arts or site designee, the Piano Accompanist provides support to the instructional program with specific responsibilities for providing accompaniment for rehearsals and performances; assists with classroom clerical tasks; and serves as an instructional resource for students and teachers in the area of choral music. The incumbents in this classification provide the school community with specialized musical instructional support which directly supports student learning and achievement.

Examples of Duties/Essential Job Functions

Th e following alphabetical list of f u nctions, duties, and tasks is typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all ofthe listed duties and/or may be required to perform other closely related or department-specific functions, duties, and tasks from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Accompanies choral groups during rehearsals, at concerts, special events, competitions, and music recitals, travels between school sites.
• Analyzes assigned music prior to rehearsal and performances (e.g., correct tempos, challenging transitions, dynamics) to ensure efficient use of rehearsal time.
• Assists the choir teacher by providing warm-up exercises and working with small groups to learn music parts.
• Exhibits professional and stage etiquette to serve as a model of professionalism at musical productions.
• Prepares and maintains binders of current music accompaniment for each designated work site.
• Prepares for piano accompaniment outside of rehearsal time; comes prepared to rehearsals and classes to accompany musical selections.
• Provides piano accompaniment for choirs, vocal performances, soloists, and other musical productions;
• sight reads accompaniments in rehearsals, improvises and transposes music to other keys to fit the vocal range of individual students.
• Rehearses with large choral groups, vocal sections, and soloists; plays full and sectional accompaniment; provides high-level musical instruction assistance in diction, rhythms and memorization of parts.
• Responds to inquiries and requests for information from students, faculty and staff regarding concerts, recitals, or other events.
• Travels and participates in out-of-town music performance events, and competitions; assists teachers with student supervision while traveling to performances and competitions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit and the District, including various mandatory District trainings.

Employment Standards/Minimum Qualifications

(At time of application and in addition to the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities listed above.)

EDUCATION REQUIRED: High School diploma or equivalent.

College-level training in piano and music theory is desirable.

EXPERIENCE REQUIRED: Three years of experience in playing piano and/or keyboard accompaniment, including experience in reading music.

LICENSE(S) REQUIRED:

• Valid, current California Driver's License to drive between District/school sites.

CERTIFICATIONS AND TESTING REQUIRED:

• Pass the District's applicable proficiency exam and/or audition for the job class with a satisfactory score
• After offer of employment, obtain:
• Criminal Justice and FBI Fingerprint Clearance
• Negative TB test result plus periodic post-employment retest as required (currently every four years)
• Pre-employment physical exam B through District's provider

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (At time of application)

Knowledge of:

• Advanced piano skills and working knowledge of the methods and techniques of piano accompaniment
• Musical concepts and procedures in providing accompaniment for rehearsals
• Established audition standards, voice ranges, musical theory and notation, and key transpositions.
• Principles of child development, instructional processes
• General purposes and goals of public education
• Techniques used in directing and motivating students
• Basic recordkeeping techniques
• Safety practices and procedures

Skills and Abilities to:

• Play piano proficiently and sight-read music
• Provide piano accompaniment to large groups of choral singers, vocal sections and soloists
• Transport oneself from site to site during school day or school week
• Follow the choir teacher's tempo and dynamics
• Travel and participate in out-of-town music performance events, and competitions
• Assist in planning and prioritizing learning activities to support the educational needs of students
• Perform basic clerical functions
• Use English in both written and verbal form, use correct grammar, punctuation and spelling
• Display interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy with students, administration, and staff
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Maintain the confidentiality of student records
• Assume responsibilities involved in supervising and working independently with students
• Develop and maintain collegial relationships with staff
• Meet schedules and deadlines
• Read/interpret/apply rules, regulations, policies
• Rapidly learn methods and materials used in a variety of instructional situations
• Maintain safe environment for students
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, students and the public

RESPONSIBILITY:

Responsibilities include working under direct supervision using standardized procedures; providing information and/or advising others; and operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units.
(Must be performed with or without reasonable accommodations)

• Work is primarily indoors and requires sitting for extended periods
• Lift objects such as boxes containing documents weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Physical abilities include fine finger dexterity, stooping/crouching, reaching/handling, bending at the waist, kneeling, crawling, reaching, handling or crouching to assist students and to retrieve and store materials
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a piano and/or keyboard and maintain paper files and documents
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information
• Visual acuity to see/read music accompaniment and documents

Classified Salary Schedule - Range 32
Classified Work Calendar - 204 Days
Work hours - To be determined (6 hours per day)

Examination Process

This Eligibility list will be used to fill future Piano Accompanist openings.

Current Opening:
Madera South High School

*Materials Required :
1. Completed application
2. Proof of High School Diploma or Equivalency
3. Resume
4. College transcripts if applicable

*PC RULES 5.2.1.2 -5.2.1.2 - In-house employees will have first consideration for the position. If less than three rankings qualify for the position, the Personnel Commission will move to outside candidates.

The examination process will include screening to ensure applications are complete and meet all minimum qualifications. No additional information will be accepted from applicants once the application has been submitted. Only the most qualified applicants, who pass the minimum qualifications review, will be invited to the examination process.

The examination process will include a performance exam (100% weight) - TENTATIVE DATE - To be determined. Those candidates achieving a passing score of 70% or higher on the performance examination will be placed on the Eligibility List.

The Eligibility List is valid for one (1) year from the certified date.

PASSING THE ASSESSMENTS AND BEING PLACED ON THE ELIGIBILITY LIST DO NOT GUARANTEE AN OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT.

To move forward in the selection process, you must complete an online application through this website. Resumes may be uploaded but cannot be used in place of a completed application.
The examination process/examination date is subject to change as needs dictate. All communication regarding this process will be delivered via email to the address listed on your application.

SUBMISSION OF APPLICATION: ONCE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED YOUR APPLICATION YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE REVISIONS TO YOUR APPLICATION MATERIALS.

When completing the application, please make sure you include ALL current and previous employment in the Work Experience section of the application and complete ALL fields, including the name and contact information of your supervisors. The experience that is included in the resume but not in the Work Experience section of the application may not be considered for the purpose of determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.

All required documents must be submitted by the applicant. Personnel Commission staff will not upload your documents for you.

If you have any questions regarding the recruitment process please contact Alejandra Venegas-Chaves, Personnel Specialist at (559) 675-4500 Ext. 294 or email alejandravenegaschav@maderausd.org

ACCOMMODATIONS: Individuals with disabilities requiring a reasonable accommodation in the selection process must inform the Madera Unified School District Personnel Commission Department in writing no later than the filing date stated on the announcement. Those applicants needing such accommodations should document this request including an explanation as to the type and extent of accommodation needed to participate in the selection process.

The Governing Board desires to provide a positive work environment where employees and job applicants are assured of equal access and opportunities and are free from harassment in accordance with the law. The Board prohibits district employees from discriminating against or harassing any other district employees and job applicant on the basis of the person's actual or perceived race, religion creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, or sexual orientation.

The following person is designated as the Title IX Coordinator.

Prince Marshall
Executive Director of Student and Family Support Services
1820 Howard Road
Madera CA 93637
559-416-5826

Full-time permanent positions (more than 4 hrs/per day) provide an attractive benefit package which includes health, dental and vision coverage for the employee and eligible dependents. For a detailed list of benefits, visit our website links below.

https://www.madera.k12.ca.us/Page/9901

Closing Date/Time: Continuous

Salary:

$23.74 - $31.24 Hourly