Please note: This is a part-time, temporary position.
The Color Guard Instructor is a member of the Spirit of Gold Marching Band Staff and is responsible for the development of the Spirit of Gold Color Guard program in collaboration with Athletic Bands Staff. This position requires attention to detail, clear artistic and creative sensibilities, and strong pedagogical skills.
Duties & Responsibilities
Teaching & Creative
Teach proper techniques and fundamentals for guard equipment and body movement to all color guard members of the Spirit of Gold.
Teach choreography to all color guard members.
Create color guard choreography that effectively compliments and enhances the visual and musical material of the rest of the ensemble.
Evaluate the abilities and skill level of color guard members and develop appropriate choreography accordingly.
Assist Athletic Band Staff in the development of leadership skills in the members of the Spirit of Gold.
Collaboration & Communication
Please note: This is a part-time, temporary position.
The Color Guard Instructor is a member of the Spirit of Gold Marching Band Staff and is responsible for the development of the Spirit of Gold Color Guard program in collaboration with Athletic Bands Staff. This position requires attention to detail, clear artistic and creative sensibilities, and strong pedagogical skills.
Duties & Responsibilities
Teaching & Creative
Teach proper techniques and fundamentals for guard equipment and body movement to all color guard members of the Spirit of Gold.
Teach choreography to all color guard members.
Create color guard choreography that effectively compliments and enhances the visual and musical material of the rest of the ensemble.
Evaluate the abilities and skill level of color guard members and develop appropriate choreography accordingly.
Assist Athletic Band Staff in the development of leadership skills in the members of the Spirit of Gold.
Collaboration & Communication
Work closely with the Directors, the Visual Coordinator, and other Athletic Band Staff members to develop a cohesive visual program.
Create rehearsal plans in collaboration with Athletic Band Staff.
Assist Athletic Band Staff in monitoring students when in attendance at official Athletic Band performances and events.
Assist other Athletic Band Staff when requested.
Maintain a cooperative working relationship with the Athletic Band Staff and student members.
Recruit potential color guard members while retaining current members.
Manage and maintain all necessary equipment ensuring the color guard is properly equipped for rehearsals and performances.
Make recommendations to the Director regarding additional maintenance, repairs, and acquisitions (including any necessary flag and uniform designs).
Quantitative Details
Time commitment – Attend all rehearsals and performances.
Weekly Rehearsals (Fall Semester)
Tuesdays & Thursdays 4:30pm-6:30pm
Fridays 5:30pm-7:30pm
Football Game Day Performances (Fall Semester)
6-8 Saturdays per season (approx. 9-10 hours per game day)
Band Camp (mid-August)
Sunday-Friday
Additional performances and rehearsals vary from season to season.
Time needed to create choreography.
Travel to away game(s) may be discussed.
Attend Spirit of Gold staff meetings (Year-Round).
Other duties as assigned by the Director.
Application Materials
Cover Letter
Resume highlighting Guard Instruction and choreography experience.
Links to at least 5 minutes of choreography created and/or taught. Please specify what part of the process you were involved in (creation, teaching, both).
3 letters of reference.
Qualifications
Experience creating choreography for color guard (including flag and body movement) is necessary.
Experience teaching choreography to color guard members is necessary.
3+ complete seasons instructing color guard in a marching band setting at the high school or collegiate level is necessary.
7+ more complete seasons instructing color guard at the collegiate marching band is preferred.
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.
Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.