Club Orchestra Classroom Assistant

Club Orchestra Classroom Assistant 

The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Club Orchestra program, including Club O (grades 2-5) and Club Kid-O (Pre-K to grade 1), is part of El Sistema, a visionary world movement transforming the lives of children and their communities through music.  The mission of the program is to empower children by providing an intensive orchestra training program that teaches teamwork and self-confidence and instills social responsibility. 

The Club Orchestra program has the following open positions for the upcoming school year, which may be located at any one of our partner schools [Forest Park, Fairfield, and Waynedale Elementary Schools]:

• Club Orchestra Classroom Assistant: Club O (Grades 2-5)
  
  • Elementary Education experience required.
  • Rehearsals begin September 15, 2026, and conclude May 13, 2027, except for school breaks. 
  • Weekly rehearsals: Tuesday and Thursday, 3:30-3:45 student time, 3:15-5:00 p.m. staff time.

Responsibilities: 

• Assist Club Orchestra Teaching Artists with supervising and leading students throughout the after-school program time, including set up, snacks, bathroom break, rehearsal time, dismissal, and parent pick up time.
  
• Help Club Orchestra staff plan and manage physical space, equipment and movement of students.   
• Work with FWCS and Philharmonic staff to provide a safe, welcoming environment and follow program procedures in directing and supporting students.  
• Serve as a positive adult role model for students while supporting the leadership and direction of Teaching Artists.
  
• Attend required Club Orchestra staff meetings as scheduled at the beginning, middle and end of season.
  
• Attend and assist with student performances as scheduled throughout the year, including the Celebration Concert on May 13, 2027 with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic at the PFW Music Center. 

Requirements 

• Knowledge and experience in working with elementary students in an educational environment. 
  
• Experience in musical ensemble settings and/or string playing is a plus. 
• A love for working with youth ages 7 – 12.
  
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfort working in a team.  
  
• Passion for helping maintain an excellent program and deliver a positive experience for students and families 
• Capacity to work flexibly and maintain a sense of calm, positivity and humor.
  
• Ability to participate in planning and communication using email and Google Drive. 
• Ability to work with diverse students and stakeholders.
  
• Ability to always maintain the disposition of a professional educator.  
  

Compensation 

• Commensurate with position.

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Club Orchestra Full Program Description

The Club Orchestra program, including Club O (grades 2-5) and Club Kid-O (Pre-K to grade 1), is part of El Sistema, a visionary world movement transforming the lives of children and their communities through music. 

The mission of the program is to empower children by providing an intensive orchestra training program that teaches teamwork and self-confidence and instills social responsibility. 

Club O 

Students will lay the musical groundwork to play in an orchestra and end the year with a performance with the Fort Wayne Philharmonic. 

• Open to 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students attending Forest Park, Fairfield, and Waynedale Elementary Schools. 
• Violins and music are provided.
  
• Students are expected to attend all rehearsals for the entire school year.
  

Club Kid-O 

Students will experience a variety of lessons that incorporate the use of pitch, rhythm, body movement, playing Orff mallet instruments like xylophones, glockenspiels, marimbas, and metallophones. In addition, the children will learn to sing and combine skills to perform throughout the year. 

• Open to Kindergarten and 1st Grade students attending Forest Park, Fairfield, and Waynedale Elementary Schools. 
• Pre-K classes occur during the school day for all students in their regular classroom.
  
• Students are expected to attend all rehearsals for the entire school year.
  

Learn to read music | Learn to play the violin | Perform in an ensemble | Teamwork - develop the joy of friendship and support | Learn discipline and achievement | Pursue excellence | Have fun!