Instrumental Ensembles Assistant - School of Music

The Instrumental Ensembles Assistant is responsible for assisting ensemble directors with administrative tasks and music ensemble librarian activities. Duties include purchase, rental, borrowing, and preparation of scores and parts for the Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, and Brass Band. This individual also assists in instructing graduate assistants with basic ensemble library duties and in developing related skills.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Music Ensemble Library Management:

Oversees all aspects of music preparation for all performances of the Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Brass Band, and Chamber Orchestra, including:

Purchases/obtains all music as required for each performance.

Distributes folders and music to students (electronically and physically) prior to rehearsals.

Obtains rental music in a timely, cost-effective fashion.

Copies, binds, and distributes all materials to students and conductors as needed.

Marks parts as needed (cleaning previously existing markings, adding new bowings and various conductor’s markings).

Maintains an inventory of adequate supplies (binding materials, tape, etc.).

Works with the school’s business manager in maintaining a financially sound budget for all ensembles.

Catalogues and neatly files music purchased for the instrumental ensemble library, maintains, and improves accuracy of current music database and inventory. Tracks all borrowed materials (including photocopies distributed to students).

At the conclusion of each concert cycle, collects all band/orchestra music and refiles in the library. Makes a note of any missing parts.

Be available to assist with fall placement auditions. Compiles audition packets for students, as needed.

Instructs graduate students in basic library skills and assigns music preparation duties to them as required.

Personnel Management:

Works with instrumental faculty and music directors to produce and maintains ensembles rosters for the bands and orchestra.

Maintains attendance records for the bands and orchestra. Submits these records to instructors for periodic review.

Secures extra student musicians within the School of Music as necessary, e.g., piano, extra percussion, double bass, etc.

Hires paid assisting musicians for concerts, e.g. harp, contrabassoon, etc. Sets-up contracts in consultation with the Director of Business and Administration and email parts to musicians at least one week in advance of the concert.

Requires extensive communication with students; acts as liaison between conductors and students, for example, changes in rosters, rehearsal schedules, adding students to Canvas.

Operations:

Must be available during ensembles rehearsals to assist with any items that may arise, including having emergency parts on hand.

Works in collaboration with GA’s in the choral, band, and orchestral areas.

Submits concert program information to the Director of Music Engagement, Events, and Marketing at least three weeks in advance of each band/orchestra concert. Proofreads concert programs and shares with conductors.

Assists with school concerto competitions as needed by the conductors (creates competition day schedule, coordinates with accompanists, transports guest judges, arrange meals, validates parking, other duties as needed.)

Concert production:

Attends production meetings: provides scores, work timings, personnel rosters, intermission & encore details, percussion equipment list, satellite instrument list, and soloist details to Production Coordinator and Audio/Visual Technician.

Coordinates transport of backup library music to concert venues for day-of emergencies
Travel is required in this position.

Completes other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Minimum qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in music or a related field from an accredited institution.

Current valid driver’s license.

Preferred qualifications:

Master’s degree in music from an accredited institution.

Prior experience working in a music library with an orchestra or band or experience as a student/graduate assistant in a music school library and experience assisting with large ensembles.

Alternately, the successful candidate may possess any equivalent combination of experience and training, which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the essential job functions. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

Ability to be apart of a team environment.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Commitment to the University’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion, and recognition of the importance of treating each individual with dignity and respect consistent with the University’s Mission. Demonstrated experience with, and understanding of, the broad diversity of the University community (students, faculty, staff and others).

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the University Community.

Ability and willingness to contribute actively to the mission of the University and to respect the Spiritan Catholic identity of Duquesne University. The mission is implemented through a commitment to academic excellence, a spirit of service, moral and spiritual values, sensitivity to world concerns, and an ecumenical campus community.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

Applicants are asked to submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.

Catholic in its mission and ecumenical in spirit, Duquesne University values equality of opportunity as an educational institution and as an employer. We aspire to attract and sustain a diverse faculty and staff that reflects contemporary society, serves our academic goals and enriches our campus community. We particularly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups and support dual-career couples through our charter membership in this region's HERC (http://www.hercjobs.org/oh-western-pa-wv/).

We invite applicants for this position to learn more about our university and its Spiritan heritage by visiting http://www.duq.edu/about/mission-and-identity/mission-statement. Those invited to campus for an interview may be asked about ways in which they see their talents contributing to the continued growth of our community and furthering its mission.

Duquesne University was founded in 1878 by its sponsoring religious community, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit. Duquesne University is Catholic in mission and ecumenical in spirit. Motivated by its Catholic identity, Duquesne values equality of opportunity both as an educational institution and as an employer.