Teacher - Orchestra en Dripping Springs ISD

Job Title: Orchestra Teacher

Exemption Status/Test: Exempt
Reports to: Principal
Dept./School: Assigned Campus(s)

Date Revised: 9.23.2025

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Direct and manage the instrumental music and orchestra program at the assigned campus.
Provide students with appropriate learning activities and experiences designed to help them
fulfill their potential for intellectual, emotional, physical, and social growth and provide an
opportunity to participate in extracurricular orchestra. Enable students to develop
competencies and skills to function successfully in society.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
Valid Texas teaching certificate
Demonstrated competency in instrumental music
Current first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automatic external defibrillator
(AED) certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:
Knowledge of overall operation of instrumental music program
Knowledge of curriculum and instruction
Knowledge of state and UIL policies governing orchestra
Ability to manage budget and personnel
Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
Ability to interpret data
Strong communication, public relations, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Student teaching or approved internship and orchestra or band directing experience

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Instructional Strategies

1. Direct instrumental performers, concert performances, soloists, and ensembles.
2. Establish performance requirements, enforcing academic requirements, and verifying
each student’s eligibility to participate in orchestra.
3. Provide for orchestra participation at extracurricular events, including concerts and UIL.
4. Support band booster organization activities.
5. Assist in developing and implementing plans that fulfill the requirements of the district’s
curriculum program and show written evidence of preparation as required. Prepare
lessons that reflect accommodations for individual student differences.
6. Plan and use appropriate instructional and learning strategies, activities, materials, and
equipment that reflect understanding of the learning styles and needs of students
assigned. Present subject matter according to guidelines established by the Texas
Education Agency, board policies, and administrative regulations.
7. Work cooperatively with special education teachers to modify curricula as needed for
special education students according to guidelines established in Individual Education
Plans (IEP).

Dripping Springs ISD Job Description – Orchestra Teacher Page 2 of3
8. Work with other member of the staff to determine instructional goals, objectives, and
methods according to district requirements.
9. Assist in obtaining and using evaluative findings (including student achievement data) to
determine program effectiveness and ensure that program renewal is continuous and
responds to student needs.

Student Growth and Development

1. Conduct ongoing assessments of student achievement through formal and informal
testing.
2. Be a positive role model for students and support mission of the school district.
Classroom Management and Organization
1. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the physical, social,
and emotional development of students.
2. Manage student discipline in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct and student
handbook.
3. Accompany and supervise students on out-of-town trips and activities, and arrange
transportation, lodging, and meals for out-of-town events.
4. Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment,
materials, and facilities.

Communication

1. Establish and maintain a positive professional relationship and open communication with
parents, students, colleagues, and community members.
Budget and Inventory
1. Assist in developing and administering budget based on documented program needs
and ensuring that operations are cost effective and funds are managed wisely.
2. Assist in coordinating fundraising activities and managing funds.
3. Assist in maintaining current inventory of all fixed assets related to the program.
4. Assist in cleaning, repairing, and storing of all instruments and equipment.
5. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.

Professional Growth and Development

1. Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
2. Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
3. Comply with federal and state laws, State Board of Education rules, UIL rules, and board
policy in the orchestra area.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

May supervise and monitor the performance of staff associated with the district’s
orchestra program, depending on program component assignment.

EQUIPMENT USED:

Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment; a variety of musical
instruments; automated external defibrillator (AED.)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Posture: Prolonged standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping,
pushing/pulling, and twisting.
Motion: Frequent walking.
Lifting: Regular moderate lifting and carrying (15–44 pounds); may lift and move musical
instruments.

Environment: Continual exposure to noise. Work both outside and inside; exposure to
extreme temperatures (hot, cold, and inclement weather), humidity, and prolonged sunlight;
work on uneven or slippery surfaces.

Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular
hours; frequent district and statewide travel.

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.