African Drums Specialist

Summary:  

Activity Specialists facilitate service learning, organize trips, conduct outreach and recruitment, and partner with the community on service based projects. They attend monthly workshops, provide supervision to tutors/counselors, and provide quarterly reports to meet New York Edge and funder requirements. Our Academic, Activities and Sports Specialists are responsible for creating lessons, projects and objectives that meet the individual students’ needs. He/she fosters an atmosphere of fun and learning and serves as a role model to youth, always conducting him/herself in the utmost professional manner and maintaining appropriate boundaries. They are also responsible for maintaining target number of participants. 

African Drums Specialist 

African drumming introduces the role of music within African culture. The teacher has the responsibility to select and plan class content, music, technique and exercises for the drum class according to the suitability of the group and curriculum. It will be essential to set the example for students to follow him or her and will be necessary to teach the fundamentals and rudiments as a recreational factor for the students. Learners use drumming as an instrument of self-expression through traditional rhythms building self-confidence and discipline. African Drum Specialists should encourage students to explore the elements of musical techniques within, including understanding poly-rhythms, composition, melody, harmony, tones, pitches, basses, improvisation and arrangements. The teacher should be familiar with the history and drums of the various countries and have an understanding of how to implement their way of teaching through rote and creativity.  

Essential Job Functions:  

• Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom they are responsible.  
• Organize, lead, and promote interest in daily music activities such as warm-up, practice of drumming, rhythm, style and tempo as well as activities that lead to full performance pieces, trips to see shows and workshops outside the site to enhance and further learning.  
• Organize performance groups, direct their rehearsals, put on performances at the site and prepare to audition for the Annual New York Edge Performing Arts Showcase.  
• Establish clear objectives for all lessons, units, and projects, and communicate those objectives to students.  
• Ascertain and interpret group interests, evaluate equipment and facilities, and adapt activities to meet the requirements of New York Edge along with the student’s interests.  
• Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.  
• Explain principles, techniques, and safety procedures to participants in the activities, and demonstrate proper handling of instruments. 
• Greet new arrivals to activities, introducing them to other students, explaining rules, and encouraging participation.  
• Evaluate activity to determine if they are producing desired results.  
• Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.  
• Progressive development of student skills leading to a final project  
• Promotes positive character development in all youth 
• Most New York Edge Specialists are expected to provide homework support during Academic hour.  

Required skills:  

• Must be knowledgeable and skilled in African drums and culture, have prior experience successfully teaching and instructing youth in this expertise. 
• Must possess strong instructional skills and patience as well as communication skills, both verbal and written. 
• Must have prior performance experience and stage/theater etiquette and understanding. 
• Must have knowledge and prior experience putting a performance together. 
• Must have knowledge in music/drumming terminology, history and resources to develop a well rounded and cohesive study in African drums throughout the school year. 
• Must be responsible, reliable and punctual! 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills required.

• Physical requirements, including ability to climb stairs, lift children, perform CPR, communicate by voice, monitor and evaluate events visually and aurally.

• As an essential worker it is expected at this time, that you have schedule flexibility based on State, Local and Federal pandemic management conditions and requirements (e.g. school closures, training, emergency orders)

• Certifications and credentials in respective skill-based activity highly preferred 

• Candidates who are qualified to lead instruction in more than one activity preferred as well

• Must pass pre-employment background investigation including but not limited to fingerprinting, employment history, and criminal background check. Please notify New York Edge of any date restrictions you may have during the hiring process

Qualifications:  

• High school diploma  
• Minimum of two years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required.   
• Must have passion for New York Edge mission and demonstrated interest in the field of education and youth development. 
• Able to work late afternoons and/or evenings. After-School hours can span from 2:30pm-6:30pm, with most programs running from 3-6pm. 
• Certifications and credentials in the respective music study highly preferred.   
• Candidates who are qualified to lead instruction in more than one activity preferred as well.   
• Must pass pre-employment background investigation including but not limited to, employment history and criminal background check 

 New York Edge is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer

 Disclaimer:The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. These statements are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of a person in this position.