Job Details

Assistant Director of Bands & Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Education and Conducting (Instrumental-Band)

Position Number: 6871716
Location: Boulder, CO
Position Type: Fine and Applied Arts - Music

Assistant Director of Bands & Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Education and Conducting (Instrumental-Band)

Requisition Number: 69459
Location: Boulder Colorado
Employment Type: Faculty
Schedule: Full Time
Posting Close Date:
Date Posted:

Job Summary

The University of Colorado Boulder College of Music invites applications for a dynamic and accomplished music educator and conductor with a background in successful middle school or high school instrumental teaching to serve as Assistant Director of Bands and Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Education and Conducting.
This position will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor (non-tenure-track).
The position includes full benefits. The initial contract will commence on August 13, 2026, end the day after commencement in May 2029, and will be renewable for three-year contract periods thereafter.
In this role, the successful candidate will assist with directing the Golden Buffalo Marching Band and CU Pep Bands, serve as the conductor of the Concert Band, teach courses in the music education curriculum, and collaborate with band and music education faculty to support and strengthen the program.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong musicianship, proven leadership in marching and concert band settings, and a deep commitment to student mentorship and education. We seek an individual who will continue to energize the CU Bands program, contribute meaningfully to the artistic and academic life of the College, and inspire the next generation of music educators and performers.
We are especially interested in candidates who will help cultivate a collaborative atmosphere in our band and music education programs; and who can contribute through their teaching and service, to the excellence of the academic community; and who will work to build relationships with other departments within the College and the University.
CU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. We are committed to creating a workplace where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Who We Are

The Conducting area and Music Education area are comprehensive departments that include Bachelor of Music Education, Bachelor of Music Performance, Master of Music Education, Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting, a Master of Music Education plus initial licensure track, a PhD in Music Education and a DMA in Wind Conducting and Literature. With 300+ undergraduate and 200+ graduate students, the College of Music strives to be a nexus of teacher education scholarship and musical practice within an R1 research institution.
The University of Colorado Boulder Bands have enjoyed a rich history of excellence. The CU Boulder Golden Buffalo Marching Band (GBMB) is recognized as one of the premier college marching bands in the United States. Comprising approximately 260 student musicians-music majors and non-majors alike-from across the country, the band remains an integral and exciting part of the tradition and spirit at the University of Colorado Boulder.
The GBMB employs an extremely versatile marching style and consistently performs the latest in contemporary show design. The ensemble has frequently appeared on national TV and has performed in numerous NFL football games. The GBMB has further appeared at the Insight.com Bowl, Alamo Bowl, Fiesta Bowl, Aloha Bowl, Holiday Bowl, Cotton Bowl, Blockbuster Bowl and Orange Bowl. All members of the GBMB-including the wind sections, drumline, color guard and feature twirlers-are selected through an audition process. The Symphonic Band has performed at a regional CBDNA conference and is comprised of music majors. Each year, the group performs standard and new music from the wind band repertoire in addition to music for chamber winds.
The CU Boulder band program provides various performance opportunities for students, whatever their level or major field of study. Ensembles include the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Campus Band, Golden Buffalo Marching Band, and the Buff Basketball Band.
The College of Music, founded in 1920, is recognized as one of the top comprehensive music schools in the country. The College of Music offers seven degree programs in over 28 fields of study, at the bachelor's level through the doctorate. Our dedicated and encouraging community of 550 degree-seeking students, 70 full-time faculty, 30 part-time faculty, and 30 professional, technical and administrative staff produces over 350 performances and numerous guest lectures, master-classes, and outreach events each year.
The warm and collegial climate of the College of Music as a whole reflects the genuine respect among faculty and staff and the unified goal of providing a nurturing and encouraging environment for the students.

What Your Key Responsibilities Will Be

Serve as the Assistant Director of Bands, assist with directing the Golden Buffalo Marching Band and CU Pep Bands, serve as the conductor of the Concert Band, and teach courses in the music education sequence and supervise student teachers. The final assignment of duties will be based on the expertise of the candidate.
Assistant Director of the Golden Buffalo Marching Band and CU Pep Bands

Support the artistic vision of a high-profile Big 12 athletic band program by assisting in the development and implementation of creative ideas and contributing to the program's public presence.
Assist in the day-to-day operations of the CU athletic bands; working collaboratively with the Associate Director of Bands and Director of Bands to ensure smooth rehearsal, performance, and administrative logistics.
Contribute to drill design and music arranging as needed, helping create innovative and engaging performances that promote excellence and school spirit.
Assist with monitoring and tracking the athletic band budget, supporting responsible fiscal management and alignment with program goals.
Collaborate with CU Athletics staff to help enhance gameday experiences through coordinated musical programming and well-prepared visual performances.
Establish and maintain positive relationships with band directors across the state to support recruitment efforts for the College of Music and the CU Bands and Music Education programs.

Conductor of the CU Concert Band

Provide an artistic and inspiring experience for student musicians on a daily basis.
Model effective teaching strategies for future music educators in the ensemble.
Program and conduct diverse and compelling repertoire, including standard works and compositions by historically marginalized voices.
Uphold and advance the CU Band's distinguished tradition, aligning with the College of Music's mission to cultivate the next generation of innovative and successful musicians.

Assistant Teaching Professor of Music Education

Instruct / teach innovative curricular offerings based on opportunities and needs within the department, which include: teach undergraduate classes for marching band techniques; supervise student teachers; serve on graduate master's and/or doctoral level committees based on areas of expertise and the readiness of the candidate.
Achieve an emerging profile of professional activities in music education including maintaining an active clinician agenda, presentation at regional or national conferences, and invitations to teach regionally and nationally.
Supervise student teachers in pre-service undergraduate music education
Participate in weekly Music Education Department meetings.
Be active in and contribute to the Music Education Department.
Actively support Music Education Department goals.

Additional Expectations

Participate in active recruitment of undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students in both music education and conducting.
Support the Director of Bands and the Associate Director of Bands in the recruitment, mentorship, and career placement of graduate conducting students, fostering their development as future leaders in the profession.
Work closely and collaboratively with the Director of Bands and Associate Director of Bands to foster the goals of the CU Bands program.
Engage in ongoing artistic and professional growth through service activities both on- and off-campus.
Contribute actively to College and University initiatives, including outreach and recruitment.
Serve on committees as deemed appropriate by the College of Music.
Contribute to College of Music, University, and local/national professional organizations through service.
Assist with the logistics and administration of the CU Boulder Wind Band Conducting Symposium and the CU Boulder High School Honor Band Festival, and the CU Boulder Middle School Honor Band Festival.

Other Opportunities

Instructing / teaching in the summer is optional and may be available as an additional appointment.
Guest conducting opportunities with other CU Bands ensembles as appropriate.

What We Can Offer

The salary range for an Assistant Teaching Professor is $55,000 - $61,500 annually. This position comes with an additional 22% faculty director stipend.

Benefits

At the University of Colorado Boulder, we are committed to supporting the holistic health and well-being of our employees. Our comprehensive benefits package includes medical, dental, and retirement plans; generous paid time off; tuition assistance for you and your dependents; and an ECO Pass for local transit. As one of Boulder County's largest employers, CU Boulder offers an inspiring academic community and access to world-class outdoor recreation. Explore additional perks and programs through the CU Advantage program.

Be Statements

Be dynamic. Be inspired. Be Boulder.

What We Require

Master's degree in Music Education or Conducting.
Record of and/or potential for significant contributions to the field of concert and athletic bands.
Evidence of successful music teaching experience in instrumental music at the high school and/or middle school level with athletic band experience.

Special Instructions

For full consideration, please apply by February 5, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.
To apply, please submit the following materials:

A Cover Letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.
Current Curriculum Vitae.
Representative Concert Programs that demonstrate diverse repertoire conducted within the last 3-5 years.
Link to Streaming Video: Please upload a PDF document with video links of both rehearsal and performance of concert band (recorded facing the conductor from within or behind the ensemble within the last three years) demonstrating a variety of musical styles. Links to streaming video, clearly indexed and labeled, should be included. (15 minutes rehearsal / 15 minutes performance).
Link to Video illustrating teaching classes (not conducting an ensemble) of no more than 30 minutes.
Optional: Please upload a PDF document with link(s) to streaming video of both rehearsal and performance of collegiate marching band demonstrating the candidate's experience.
Optional: Please upload a PDF document with link(s) to streaming video or audio samples of drill design or music arrangements for marching band.

All files must be uploaded in PDF format.
During the application process, you will need to enter contact information for three (3) references. We may request confidential letters of recommendation at a later time. This information will be kept confidential and viewable only by the search committee.
For questions, please contact: Dr. Shanti Simon, Search Committee Chair, shanti.simon@colorado.edu.
Note: Application materials will not be accepted via email. For consideration, please apply through CU Boulder Jobs.
In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

To apply, visit https://jobs.colorado.edu/jobs/JobDetail/Assistant-Director-of-Bands-Assistant-Teaching-Professor-of-Music-Education-and-Conducting-Instrumental-Band/69459