a position description - the Auckland Philharmonia

AUCKLAND PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Music Director – Sistema Aotearoa
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Department:
Sistema Aotearoa
Immediate Supervisor:
Sistema Aotearoa Programme Manager
Date:
April 2015
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Key Objective:
The primary purpose of this position is to design, develop, manage and evaluate the musical
direction of the programme in line with the strategic operation of the programme and realising the
vision and goals of Sistema Aotearoa.
Reporting:
Sistema Aotearoa Programme Manager
Responsibilities:
1. Be the musical leader for the programme and the spokesperson, reference point, educator
and expert for all music related aspects.
2. Contribute to and deliver against Sistema Aotearoa’s strategic plan, goals and values.
3. Be responsible for the design and implementation of the programme’s musical direction and
musical objectives in consultation with the Sistema Aotearoa Steering Group and the
Programme Manager.
4. Be a champion of APO and other orchestras and orchestral music to the Sistema children
and wider community.
5. Demonstrate a passion for music and a belief in the impact and transformative power it has
for children
6. Plan and facilitate all teaching sessions, concerts and special events and work closely with
tutors to ensure a high standard of delivery, ensuring the curriculum and repertoire reflects
Otara’s and NZ’s diversity and aligns with the NZ curriculum.
7. Maintain up-to-date knowledge about education curricula, repertoire and musical trends
that are compatible with the Sistema –based musical, social and educational aims of the
programme.
8. Ensure organisational policies and procedures support a high performing workforce,
including compliance with Equal Opportunities, Treaty of Waitangi and Health and Safety
Legislation.
APO POSITION DESCRIPTION | MUSIC DIRECTOR - SISTEMA AOTEAROA | APRIL 2015
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Working relationships:
Internal Relationships
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Sistema Aotearoa Programme Manager
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Sistema Aotearoa Staff and Contract Tutors
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APO management, staff and musicians
External Relationships
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Attending students and their whanau
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Representatives of schools within the programme
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Relevant community and volunteer groups involved with the programme.
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Management and staff of programme venues
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Members of Te Ropu El Sistema / potential Sistema-based programmes in NZ
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Music education organisations, programmes
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Media, other local and national organisations as appropriate
Selection Criteria
Essential:
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A passion for music, and belief in the impact and transformative power it has for children
and the wider community.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a strong knowledge of orchestral repertoire, curriculum
and pedagogy
Outstanding musicianship
Ability to manage, support and inspire large groups of children in a positive, affirming
manner and maintain clear expectations of behaviour.
Ability to effectively rehearse full children’s orchestras (ages 7-18 yrs) and musical
ensembles.
Public musical performance and writing / presentation ability.
Ability to inspire and motivate a team.
Strong social conscience and cultural sensitivity.
Full Drivers licence
Clear NZ Ministry of Justice criminal conviction history
Desirable:
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Experience in teaching or mentoring pre-school, primary and intermediate age children.
Knowledge of El Sistema – or similar initiatives – with experience in El Sistema
programmes.
Some knowledge of a variety of orchestral instruments, composition and arranging.
Experience of outreach work and delivery of community learning and development work in
areas of multiple deprivation.
Previous experience in working with Maori and Pasifika and/or other ethnic communities.
Experience in programme and event planning.
First aid qualification
Willingness and ability to work flexible hours.
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Key competencies
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Ability to organise work, manage pressure and meet deadlines working alone and as part of
a team.
Ability to lead a team.
Demonstrated excellence in relationship skills across all levels (management/ staff/
community/ parents/ children).
Communication skills
Building and managing effective teams
Personal integrity
APO POSITION DESCRIPTION | MUSIC DIRECTOR - SISTEMA AOTEAROA | APRIL 2015
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