Parrish Middle School Orchestra

Salem-Keizer Public Schools (Salem, OR) seeks an outstanding colleague to join the music team at Parrish Middle School and lead the Parrish Orchestra program as well as teach elementary strings. This is a newly expanded position.

Responsibilities: Provide artistic and instructional leadership for multiple curricular orchestras and string ensembles in grades 4-8 including programming and pedagogy relevant to their development. Align instruction to all local and state curricular guidelines and monitor and record progress and achievement for all students.

Preferred qualifications: An understanding of, and commitment to, the development of young people from all backgrounds. Excellent musicianship skills on at least one orchestral string instrument and evidence of sufficient knowledge and skill in other, secondary orchestral string instruments. Excellent aural skills and ability to effectively and efficiently assess performance and provide feedback in rehearsal. Knowledge of repertoire, supplementary methods, and techniques relevant to systematic development of student musicians. An understanding and belief in the importance of strong family communication. Evidence of excellent communication, organizational and managerial skills commensurate with running an active and diverse program.

About Parrish Middle School: Located in central Salem, within eyesight of the capitol, Parrish is a traditional middle school, grades 6-8, with approximately 740 students. Parrish feeds directly into North Salem HS, which is within walking distance of the middle school and is the oldest high school in the city. We are particularly proud of our robust music programming at the middle level, where students have access to band, choir, orchestra and courses outside of the traditional ensembles.

About Salem-Keizer Public Schools: SKPS is Oregon’s second largest district, home to sixty-five schools and approximately forty thousand students. Seventy percent of the students are considered economically disadvantaged and eighteen percent are considered to be English language learners. The Salem-Keizer music program is staffed by nearly one hundred skilled pedagogues and offers comprehensive music education including K-5 compulsory general music and elective instruction in orchestra, choir, and band beginning in late elementary. Additional programs in contemporary music and recording arts are available at select schools. Collectively, the SKPS music programs have earned more state championship titles than all other districts combined, and the community places a high value on quality music experiences for their children. It has been recognized by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) as a top community for music education several times, most recently in 2023.

About Salem, Oregon: Salem is the capital of Oregon, in the heart of the Willamette Valley, in the northwest quadrant of the state. It, along with nearby Keizer, is home to over 200,000 residents and offers a vibrant downtown, amenities, and natural spaces surrounding the Willamette River and throughout the region. It is within one-hour’s drive to Oregon’s largest city, Portland, and is under two hours to the famed Oregon coast and the Mt. Hood/Columbia River area.

Additional materials: In addition to the required materials, please submit: 1) a link to a private channel (YouTube, Vimeo, other) containing video examples of your work in performance, either as a performer or as a conductor, or both and examples of rehearsal; 2) a one-page Statement on equitable practice in your classroom.

Review of materials will begin immediately. Position will remain open until filled.
Additional questions may be directed to:

Stephen Lytle, DMA Dustin Purnell
Coordinator, Music and Drama Principal
Salem-Keizer Public Schools Parrish Middle School
lytle_stephen@salkeiz.k12.or.us purnell_dustin@salkeiz.k12.or.us


Start Date: August 29, 2023
Type: Licensed
FTE: 1.0
Status: Permanent
Salary is prorated based on FTE: $45,478 – $89,512 & Differential may vary (Salary is based on the 2022-23 salary schedule and is subject to change)
Application Procedure: Apply online

All Applicants, please note: If selected, you will be asked to participate in an interview process. Interviews are conducted virtually, in person, or via a one-way video. Please note interviews are a required part of the hiring process, non-compliance with the interview eliminates your eligibility for the position.

Salem-Keizer School District is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer