Wallingford-Swarthmore School District believes in all students. We understand that all students can succeed and that it is our responsibility to provide appropriate supports to all students to be their best selves. In this role, we are seeking individuals who share the belief that all students can succeed and that all students deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
Our district and its community recognizes the critical component that music instruction plays in the success of students academically, socially, and emotionally. Our award-winning students are excellent ambassadors of what our music program is K-12.
This position at Strath Haven Middle School is for the entire 2024-2025 academic year. With primary responsibilities for 6th grade general music and band and orchestra lessons, this is a highly coveted position. The excellence of the Wallingford-Swarthmore music program will allow multiple opportunities for supplemental responsibilities as well to the successful candidate.
The Strath Haven Middle School program boasts:
- 50%+ Middle school participation in music ensembles.
- General Music for the entire Middle School student population in addition to performing ensembles.
- Performing ensembles receive superior ratings at annual “High Note” Festival.
- SHMS has a vibrant Jazz program, with our traveling “Ellington Jazz Band” regularly receiving superior ratings at surrounding Jazz Fests in Delaware County and beyond.
- Spring Musical involves significant percentage of the total student population.
- Select Chorus “Cantabile” performs throughout the area at community events.
- Diverse performance opportunities both in school and in community; Jazz/Modern Band programs at “Dining Under the Stars” performance.
For an understanding of where our middle school program gets its strength, below are the honors and opportunities our students have throughout our district schools including our three elementary schools which feed our middle school program.
- WSSD Students regularly perform in area honor ensembles
- Keystone State Boys Choir
- Delaware County Youth Orchestra
- Young Musicians’ Orchestra
- Liberty Winds
- Philadelphia Youth Orchestra
The middle school program sends students to our incredibly successful high school programs which include:
- All-State musician honors every year.
- Among the largest marching bands in the Commonwealth.
- Silvertones (select chorus) regularly tour Italy performing works originally written for those acoustics.
- Cantata performs in the Earth Mass at St. John the Divine Cathedral in New York City annually.
- Above-average percentage of students engaged in private lessons.
- Opportunity for Choral performances accompanied by full band or full orchestra.
- 40% High School participation in music ensembles.
- We offer a wide variety of music electives to high school students of all ability levels and backgrounds.
- Theory and Composition Electives: Exploring Software and Composition, Rock and Popular Music Composition, Jazz Workshop, Advanced Theory and Composition, and AP Music Theory
- Instrumental and Vocal Electives: Instrumental Music, Advanced Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, Theatre Workshop, and Introduction to Guitar
- Music, Culture and Politics Courses: Music in Politics and Social Change, and The Social, Political and Cultural Evolution of Popular Music in Film
Qualifications:
- Ability to contribute to an already exceptional music program while growing interest in music as students move through middle school and into high school
- Valid Pennsylvania K-12 Music Certification
Benefits:
- Excellent Medical, Prescription, Vision, and Dental benefits
- Paid sick leave
- Excellent pension system
To apply, go to: https://wallingford.tedk12.com/hire/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=2284
The District retains the right to screen, interview, and hire this position prior to the closing date on the posting.