T

Head of Music Ensembles

Thomas Hassall Anglican College
Full-time
On-site
Middleton Grange NSW AU
Teaching & Education

Head of Music Ensembles

Position Title Head of Music Ensembles
Level Leadership Level 1
Commencement Date Term 1 2025
Hours Permanent Full-time


Thomas Hassall Anglican College is a vibrant P-12 independent College located with close
access to the M5 and M7 in the growing southwest of Sydney. We are committed to
challenging our students to look beyond boundaries and to use their gifts and talents to make a
difference in the world. We are guided by our vision – Growing and Nurturing Excellence in
Learning, Wisdom and Service.

The College is seeking to employ a Christian teacher to join an experienced and collegial team
in Term 1, 2025.

The successful candidate will be well-practiced in exemplary classroom pedagogy and
demonstrate a high level of emotional intelligence capable of working effectively with a diverse
student population and stakeholders. The suitably qualified candidate will have experience in
conducting and managing music ensembles and a willingness to lead specific bands in our co-
curricular program. The role includes teaching the NESA Stage 4-6 Music curriculum.

Key Selection Criteria
the successful applicant for the above position must be able to provide evidence to support the
following criteria:

  • Strong personal Christian faith and be a regular and practising member of a Bible-based
Christian Church
  • A well-informed understanding of contemporary learning and teaching practices,
research and pedagogy in Music.
  • Demonstrated critical analysis and problem-solving skills, experience and commitment
to collaborative leadership within a team environment.
  • Previous experience in providing leadership or assisting in overseeing ensembles and/or
band programs is an advantage.
  • Demonstrated good team leadership skills: including approachability; listening skills;
conflict resolution; exercising sound judgement; and showing initiative.
  • Strong organisational and time management skills with an ability to prioritise tasks,
meet prescribed deadlines and concurrently manage competing tasks.
  • Excellent communication skills (written and oral).

Qualifications
• Secondary Teaching qualifications in Music & accreditation in NSW (NESA)
  • Conducting experience

Applications should include:

  • Cover application letter
  • Completion of Employment Application form available on the College website - This

should include the names, addresses and phone numbers of three confidential referees.
One of these needs to be from a Christian Minister.

  • Resume outlining teaching, leadership and other experience relevant to the position
  • A statement of educational philosophy
  • Written response addressing the Key Selection Criteria in a maximum of 2-3 pages
  • Valid NSW Working with Children details (WWCC)

Thomas Hassall Anglican College is dedicated to maintaining a child-safe environment and is
committed to the safety, welfare and wellbeing of all children and young people entrusted to
our care. Our Child Safe Program includes A Child Safe Policy developed in alignment with the
Child Safe Standards, background screening and reference checks. We have a zero-tolerance
for child abuse and are committed to doing what we can to keep students safe from harm.

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: Friday 25 October 2024

Please note applicants will be considered for interview upon receipt of application.
Appointments may be decided before the closing date.

Please forward your application to employment@thac.nsw.edu.au
Attention: Cathie Graydon - Director of Staff Services

Please visit our website for a full role description.

Head of Music Ensembles

Primary Purpose:
The Head of Music Ensembles will work with all staff to lead the Strategic Plan related to the
improvement and innovation of the operations, communication and development of music
ensembles within the College. This role includes a teaching load in consultation with the
Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator and the Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School.

Accountable to:
The Principal through the Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator

Directly reports to:
Creative and Performing Arts Coordinator

Relates to:

1. Principal
2. Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School
3. Deputy Principal, Head of Junior School
4. Director of Co-curricular
5. Coordinator of Operations – Senior School
6. Director of Operations/Welfare – Junior School
7. Music Tutors
8. Teaching Staff


Major Responsibilities
The Head of Music Ensembles is responsible to the Principal through the Creative and
Performing Arts Coordinator for:

  • Overseeing all College ensembles P-12 including but not limited to:
  • Innovation and development of new ensembles
  • Strategic development and improvement of current ensemble programs
  • Communication and direction to conductors/ensemble leaders/sectional tutors
  • Conducting some ensembles
  • Processing and approving invoices for ensemble tutors
  • Oversight of the instrument hire system
  • Oversight of Apra/Amcos copyright regulations for ensembles
  • Assisting curriculum goals through the ensemble program
  • Communication with staff, parents, tutors and students in relation to Music
ensembles and events
  • Assisting with the planning, organisation and supervision of excursions (ensemble

focus).

  • Work to engage and increase student participation in College ensembles including but
not limited to:
  • Overseeing the compulsory Year 4 Instrumental Program
  • Scheduling of Year 4 instrumental group lessons
  • Communicating with all Year 4 instrumental tutors regarding scheduling,
assessments and expectations, and support for tutors throughout the year
  • Collating year 3 test data and sorting instrument allocation
  • Arranging of Year 4 practical assessments
  • Communicate with parents of Year 4 Band throughout the year regarding
performance events and program expectations
  • Communicate with Junior School Year 4 Leader about upcoming events and future
changes to the program/weekly scheduling
  • Work together with Music Administration Assistant to manage instrument stocktake
pre and post Year 4 Band program, and repairs required throughout the year
  • Plan processes and procedures involved with Year 4 instrument return in Term 4
and plans to maximise the retention rate of students playing instruments in Year 5
  • Promotion of co-curricular music opportunities to all students and families
  • Maintaining records on the withdrawal of students from Ensembles in conjunction
with Music Administration Assistant
  • Encourage performance opportunities for ensembles both within the College and at
external events including but not limited to:
  • Assemblies with specific oversight of musical items for Junior and Senior Assemblies
  • College Events (e.g. Creative Arts Night, HSC Showcase, South West Festival,
Grandparents Day, Graduation Assembly, Celebration, Ensemble Evenings)
  • Combined School Events (BandJam, Choral Festival, HICES Music Festival)
  • Community Events
  • Competitions and Eisteddfods
  • CD recordings featuring College ensembles
  • Workshops (including the biannual Music Camp)
  • Music Tours (international and national tours)
  • In collaboration with the Coordinator of Creative Arts, ensuring quality, well-organised
tuition is available to all students at the College including but not limited to:
  • Employment, communication and direction of private tutors
  • Employment of ensemble tutors
  • The production and on-going revision of a tutor handbook that describes the
practices and procedures pertinent to the tutors
  • Promotion of the program to parents and students
  • Processing of application forms, liaising communication between parents and tutors
when necessary
  • Perform any duties as required by the Principal or her nominees from time to time

The Head of Music Ensembles is expected to be present at:
  • all mandatory College events,
  • all mandatory professional development activities
  • all formal parent-teacher interview evenings
  • designated information evenings
  • designated playground duties, sports duties, assemblies, excursions, allocated

committees and camps

This role description is underpinned by the College Policies, Procedures and Guidelines