Seeking Children’s Band Instructors
/ORGANIZATION:
Vancouver Extracurricular Music Society
DEADLINE:
Aug. 15, 2025
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
VEMS is a BC non-profit Society with federal charitable status. VEMS is dedicated to bringing more music to more children in Vancouver schools.
WEBSITE:
http://vems.ca/about
JOB DESCRIPTION:
VEMS is seeking brass and wind playing Band Instructors for the 2025–2026 school year. The bands have two rehearsals per week either in the morning before school or immediately after school. Each school has a slightly different schedule, but there are normally 56 rehearsals and two concerts per school year. Each band has one brass and one wind instrument specialist.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Punctual
Run two weekly rehearsals with another instructor
Take attendance and follow up about multiple absences
Plan and program concerts/demonstrations for parents
Liaise with the Parent Band (PAC) coordinator and Principal
Communicate via e-mail to parents regarding performances
Follow all public health and safety guidelines
Ensure children are safe, particularly at the end of rehearsal
Coordinate with afterschool care as needed, depending on the school. This will apply only to afterschool programming
QUALIFICATIONS:
A bachelor’s degree in music or in the process of acquiring said degree
Must be able to read music
Must be able to demonstrate/play the instruments in their area. See https://www.vems.ca/2025/06/30/beginner-band-faqs/
Criminal background check (VEMS staff will provide information on how to obtain)
Enjoys working with elementary-aged children
Instrument Proficiency: In some or all—flute, clarinet, tenor saxophone, trumpet, trombone, and euphonium
Familiar with age- and skill-appropriate books and repertoire (e.g., Band Essentials)
Music Theory: Able to teach rhythm, pitch, scales, and notation to young students
Ensemble Skills: Teaching students how to play together as a group, including aspects like listening, blending, and following a conductor
Tone Production: Helping students develop a clear and pleasing tone on their instruments through proper breath support, embouchure, and technique
Technique: Teaching students proper hand and finger positioning, articulation, and other instrumental techniques necessary for playing their instruments effectively
Instrument Maintenance: Teaching students basic maintenance and care for their instruments
Performance Preparation
Bonus points for the ability to write and/or arrange music for a group’s abilities
HOW TO APPLY:
Please direct all inquiries to Robert Ford, president@vems.ca. Please include musical resume and contact information.
REMUNERATION:
$80 per rehearsal
