Middle/Upper School Band Director (2026-2027)

FTE: 1.0 FTE 

Appointment Year: School Year

Exempt/Non-Exempt: Exempt

Job Summary

Lakeside School, an independent coeducational day school located in north Seattle, Washington, is seeking an experienced music educator to serve as Band Director. This full-time, permanent position is responsible for wind and percussion pedagogy in grades 6 through 12. The Band Director is a member of the Middle and Upper School Performing Arts Departments and reports to the Middle and Upper School Directors. All music teachers collaborate to develop curriculum, select repertoire, and offer an inclusive and innovative program. In addition to working closely with the string and vocal teachers, the Band Director leads a team of wind and percussion coaches who work with students in sectionals and small-group settings.

Responsibilities 

• Teach 6th grade Beginning Band, the combined 7th and 8th grade Middle School Band, and the Upper School Concert Band.
• Prepare and lead students in concerts, festivals, and other performances throughout the year. The number of performances varies but there are typically 5-7 evening performances and 3 school-day performances. 
• Collaborate actively with colleagues to develop curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment that emphasizes project-based, culturally responsive, student-centered learning.
• Serve as an advisor for a small group of students. This involves being present for morning check-in, daily community time in the afternoon, and communicating with parents/guardians at fall and spring conferences (and additionally, as needed).
• Provide support for students outside of class time as needed (e.g., answer questions via email, provide extra rehearsal or individual coaching during lunch or study halls, meet with students before or after school as needed).
• Communicate with families regarding performance logistics, practice expectations, and instrument rental/acquisition/maintenance/repairs.
• Attend department meetings, faculty meetings, professional development days, and other all-school events 
• Participate in the life of the school community, including in distributed leadership roles, and in experiential parts of our program, such as outdoor trips and service-learning days.

Requirements and Qualifications 

• The successful applicant will have a bachelor’s degree in music; a master’s degree in music education or equivalent professional experience is preferred.
• Experience teaching beginning and intermediate band in a classroom environment is preferred
• Exceptional motivator of young musicians and have demonstrated success building outstanding wind ensembles and/or symphony orchestras.
• At least three years of full-time teaching experience in an independent or public school is preferred
• References should address the candidate’s ability to attract and retain students in their ensembles, instruct a wide range of students enthusiastically, and to work collaboratively and harmoniously with other adults in an educational setting.
• Demonstrated cultural awareness, including knowledge of themselves and the cultural lenses they bring to interactions. The candidate will understand different perspectives; interact respectfully with cultures other than their own; and cultivate meaningful relationships with people that have different cultural frameworks. The candidate will have a commitment to diverse and inclusive repertoire and be able to teach music from multiple traditions. 

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $74,921 – $132,636 per the school’s faculty salary scale, based upon experience and education. Lakeside School is committed to attracting and retaining outstanding candidates and provides a competitive compensation package. Lakeside School offers a competitive compensation package and a comprehensive set of benefits, including:

• Employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance (based on FTE)
• Dependent medical and vision subsidy
• Retirement with generous employer contribution
• Life/disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible spending accounts
• Free lunch
• Free parking
• Bus/bike benefits
• Housing assistance program
• Reduced facility rentals
• Employee Discount Program
• Computer loan program
• Paid holidays and vacation
• Use of school library and gymnasium
• Mentoring
• Professional Development
   

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and at least 3 references via Lakeside’s online application system. This role will remain open until it has been filled.

Working at Lakeside

Lakeside School is committed to sustaining a community in which individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds teach, learn, and thrive together. To learn more about working at Lakeside—including professional development, mentoring, benefits, and opportunities for involvement—please visit the Careers page on the Lakeside School website.