Music Faculty & Band Director in Bluefield, Virginia at Bluefield University

SEE APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AT BOTTOM OF JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary

Bluefield University invites applications for a full-time faculty member in Music who will also serve as Band Director. The successful candidate will provide high-quality undergraduate instruction, lead and develop the University's instrumental music program, and direct University band ensembles in rehearsals, performances, recruitment activities, and campus events. Faculty rank will be determined based on the candidate's education and experience.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished musician and educator who is passionate about teaching undergraduate students, building a vibrant band program, and supporting the University's Christ-centered mission. This position requires active engagement with students, colleagues, prospective students, alumni, schools, churches, and community partners.

Essential Responsibilities

• Teach a full-time faculty load of undergraduate music courses as assigned, with appropriate load consideration for directing bands and related administrative responsibilities.
• Direct, rehearse, and conduct University instrumental ensembles, including the concert band and other ensembles assigned by the department.
• Plan and lead concerts, athletic performances, ceremonial events, tours, festivals, recruitment events, and other University or community performances.
• Recruit and retain students for the band program in collaboration with Admissions, Enrollment Management, Athletics, Advancement, and other University offices.
• Develop relationships with secondary school band directors, private instructors, churches, alumni, and community music organizations to strengthen the University's recruiting network and visibility.
• Provide individual and group instruction, advising, mentoring, and appropriate support to music majors, minors, ensemble participants, and other students.
• Develop course syllabi, instructional materials, and learning activities aligned with departmental curricula and University expectations.
• Assess student learning through performances, juries, examinations, projects, assignments, and other appropriate measures, and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Maintain accurate attendance, academic, ensemble, and performance records and submit grades and reports by established deadlines.
• Oversee band operations, including rehearsal and performance scheduling, music selection and library management, uniforms, equipment, instruments, transportation, and performance logistics.
• Develop and responsibly manage the band budget in consultation with the Dean and appropriate University offices.
• Ensure that University-owned instruments, equipment, music, and facilities are properly inventoried, maintained, secured, and used safely.
• Coordinate auditions, ensemble placement, scholarship recommendations, and other band-related student selection processes in accordance with University policies.
• Maintain regular office hours and availability for students consistent with full-time faculty expectations.
• Utilize the University's learning management system and instructional technology for course communication, materials, assessment, and grading.
• Participate in faculty governance, departmental and University meetings, committees, assessment activities, student recruitment, and professional development.
• Maintain an active program of professional growth, creative activity, performance, scholarship, or service appropriate to the discipline and faculty rank.
• Adhere to University academic policies, safety requirements, accreditation expectations, and applicable copyright and licensing requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the department and University.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Music, Music Education, Conducting, Instrumental Performance, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated experience directing bands or instrumental ensembles.
• Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate music courses and work effectively with students of varying backgrounds and levels of preparation.
• Strong conducting, rehearsal, musicianship, and instructional skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings, weekends, performances, travel, and University events.
• Commitment to student success, academic excellence, and the mission of Bluefield University.

Preferred Qualifications

• Earned doctorate or terminal degree in Music, Music Education, Conducting, Instrumental Performance, or a closely related field.
• College or university teaching and ensemble-directing experience.
• Experience building or expanding a band program through effective student recruitment and retention.
• Experience directing concert, marching, pep, jazz, or chamber ensembles.
• Ability to teach in one or more additional areas based on departmental needs, such as music education, conducting, applied lessons, music theory, music history, or general education music courses.
• Experience managing ensemble budgets, equipment, instruments, music libraries, uniforms, travel, and performance logistics.
• Familiarity with Canvas or another learning management system and with current music notation, recording, and instructional technologies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to inspire students and build an inclusive, disciplined, and musically excellent ensemble culture.
• Strong knowledge of instrumental pedagogy, conducting, repertoire, rehearsal methods, and ensemble development.
• Ability to recruit, mentor, retain, and support students while maintaining appropriate academic and performance standards.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, coaches, admissions personnel, alumni, donors, school music educators, and community partners.
• Strong organizational, planning, budgeting, and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple courses, rehearsals, performances, trips, and administrative responsibilities simultaneously.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, professional growth, and meaningful service to the University and broader community.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to teach, rehearse, conduct, and perform in classrooms, rehearsal rooms, auditoriums, athletic venues, and outdoor settings.
• Ability to stand and conduct for extended periods and to communicate effectively with individuals and ensembles.
• Ability to use standard instructional technology, computers, music equipment, and classroom presentation systems.
• Ability to occasionally lift, move, or assist with musical instruments, equipment, music stands, and related materials, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to travel for performances, recruitment, conferences, and other University-related activities.

Mission and Faith Commitment

Bluefield University is a Christ-centered institution affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Faculty members are expected to support the mission and values of the University, integrate faith and learning appropriately within their discipline, and contribute positively to the University's Christian learning community.

APPLICATION INTSRUCTIONS

Please complete the electronic employment application and upload:

• Letter of interest
• Resume
• 3 References
• Teaching Philosophy
• Personal statement of Christian faith.

Additional information about Bluefield University is available at www.bluefield.edu. To be considered for this position, all application requirements listed above must be completed.

Bluefield University is a Christ-centered learning community developing servant leaders to transform the world. We are looking to hire employees who will embrace this mission.

Bluefield University is a private, not-for-profit institution affiliated with the Baptist General Association of Virginia. Bluefield University shall not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, age, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other basis on which the University is prohibited from discrimination under local, state, or federal law, in its employment or in the provision of its services, including but not limited to its programs and activities, admissions, educational policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other University-administered programs. This institution encourages women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities to apply.