Steelpan Instructor​/Arranger

Nature of Work

This is music instruction work in teaching youth the art of playing the steel drums in the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra. Work also involves arranging and adapting songs to be played on the steelpan drum by obtaining an audio version and/or musical score of songs and utilizing computer software to record arrangements for each section within the orchestra. Both instructional work and arranging work is reviewed by the Chief Instructor of the Rising Stars Steel Band on the basis of compliance with program policies and procedures and student success.

• Teaches the art of playing the steel drums ensuring that each member is afforded an equal opportunity in learning to play.
• Coordinates the selection of songs to be taught with the other instructors.
• Learns and practices all songs selected for dissemination to members of the band.
• Responsible for managing the Orchestra during performances requiring a small portion (Combo) of the band.
• Structures and manages the rehearsals within the assigned section.
• Monitors the progress of members in a particular section; identified those members falling behind and requiring extra help.
• Serves as a drillmaster for respective tunes during the orchestra's rehearsal.
• Assists in cleaning and maintaining the property storage area, as well as, transporting materials and supplies to and from the Panyard/property storage area.
• Assists in the sales and marketing of the Rising Stars collateral.
• Instructs the members in a particular section in the proper care and maintenance of instruments.
• Advises parents and reports any child's problems during weekly staff meetings; coordinates conflict resolution meetings with staff, parents and students.
• Recommends students for awards, special recognition, and disciplinary action.
• Supervises band members during the cleaning up of the Panyard.
• Assists in the transporting of instruments and band members.
• Identifies any pans requiring tuning or replacement.
• Attends and participates in all staff meetings.
• Assists in the managing as well as monitoring any recording endeavors (audio/video).
• Assists with all fundraising efforts of the band.
• Monitors and encourages the sharing of pans during practices.
• Assists the Marshals, when necessary, in transporting members of the band to and from engagements, Panyard, and home.
• Assists the band during performances and band practice by playing percussion in addition to monitoring the assigned section.
• Cleans and maintains the entire Panyard on an assigned day of the week.
• Sweeps, vacuums, mops or cleans all Panyard areas each morning of the designated day of the week; cleans and services restrooms; and disposes of garbage.
• Participates in the maintenance of trolleys used to transport band members.
• Selects interesting tunes in advance of a season and presents them at staff meetings for approval.
• Identifies tunes that will complement the band's repertoire/purpose and also be compatible with the respective season.
• Determines the key most appropriate and/or strongest for the song/band.
• Serves as a Drill Master for respective tunes during the band's rehearsals.
• Coordinates the sharing of the arranged music with the other instructors.
• Addresses any concerns about the music by being available to Instructors during section practices and band practices.
• Works with the conductor in developing all dynamics and special effects desirable to convey through the music; enters music for songs on the computer for each section of the orchestra.
• Monitors the progress of the band in playing the music and makes changes where necessary; brings changes to the original interpretation to the attention of all instructors.
• Evaluates the strengths and weaknesses of the rendition ensuring efficiency in technique and style thereby guaranteeing as much as possible the achievement of a clean sound that will keep the listener interested.
• Other duties as assigned or required.

Graduation from high school supplemented by an Associate degree in music and five to seven years' experience as a steelpan player including two to five years' experience in steelpan musical arrangement.

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of playing and instructing students in playing the steelpan.

Knowledge of the learning processes of youth.

Knowledge of musical arrangement.

Knowledge of computer software utilized in arranging songs.

Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, parents, and students.

Ability to determine the appropriate key for arrangements.

Ability to use hand tools such as scaler, electric drill, wire brushes and chipping hammers in the routine maintenance of trolleys, in addition to a hydraulic jack.

Ability to use recording and amplification equipment.