Field Instructor & Drill Choreographer, Los Angeles, Ca

The Field Instructor and Drill Choreographer (FIDC) is responsible for assisting the Associate Director and Director in guiding all aspects of the TMB and will represent the TMB to important external constituencies and other professional organizations. The successful candidate will work closely with the Director and demonstrate an ardent commitment to working in a team-centered environment.  Further, they will join a dedicated band staff, administering the 300+ student Trojan Band Program, offering comprehensive, professional, and educational ensemble experiences to its students. Additional responsibilities may be assigned, given the qualifications and interests of the successful candidate.

The Administrative duties of the FIDC are carried out during the workweek and after standard working hours, as deemed by the Director or as necessitated by the TMB program. The FIDC will work alongside the Office Staff for the successful implementation of all TMB affairs. The FIDC will assist the Director and Associate Director with the field supervision of Student Leadership, including, but not limited to, the Section Leaders, Squad Leaders, Pavilion Coordinator, and Equipment and Uniform Teams. The FIDC will be responsible for maintaining attendance records for field rehearsals and will be the primary voice for enforcing program policies regarding student interactions. The FIDC will attend all staff meetings and will act on behalf of the Director, Associate Director, or Assistant Director in their absence and at their request. The FIDC will work closely with other university departments and maintain an open line of communication for the successful implementation of all TMB events.

In collaboration with the Associate Director, the FIDC will be responsible for the creation, teaching, and management of all marching drills and maneuvers, as well as the associated technology and pedagogical methodologies. The FIDC will ensure that all members are prepared with their marching materials and field rehearsals and will be available for any necessary troubleshooting.

The FIDC will work closely with the Assistant Director of Gig Bands and direct smaller ensembles as needed, potentially traveling by van to remote corners of Southern California.

The FIDC will assist the Associate Director in developing the academic curriculum for Leadership Training. Additionally, the FIDC will be responsible for the pedagogical training of the novice members of the TMB, providing hands-on training during Fall field rehearsals and in the Spring semester during University Band.

The Band duties of the FIDC are typically performed during the workweek, after standard working hours, and at certain band events. Certain band duties of the FIDC are specialized to the semester. These duties can include, but are not limited to, the following:

Fall Semester:

• Assist the Director with the implementation of Band Camp

• Assist the Associate Director with the creation and teaching of Marching Drill

• Assist in the management of access to Ultimate Drill Book for all members

• Provide specialized instruction to the novice members

• Manage attendance for all field rehearsals

• Assist Student Leaders with section management

• Assist the director in all rehearsals

• Attend all home football games

• Attend full-band trips (Weekender, Notredame, Post-Season Championships, and Bowl Games)

• Attend class trips as deemed necessary by the Director

• Run full-band rehearsals in absence of Director and Associate Director

Spring Semester:

• Assist the Associate Director with Basketball and University Band

• Provide specialized instruction to the novice members

• Attend home Basketball games as needed

• Act as the Assistant Conductor for the USC Concert Band when needed

  • Attend rehearsals

  • Prepare all scores

  • Conduct in the Director’s absence or as needed by Director

Summer Months: 

• Assist the Director with Summer Performances

• Attend all Orientation/Recruitment Events

• Plan and Implement Band Camp

Additionally, the FIDC will oversee band activities as deemed necessary by the director. This can include, but is not limited to, various campus events, invitational events, and band meetings.

The ideal candidate will exhibit a commitment to creative output, possess excellent communication skills, and demonstrate highly advanced organizational skills to maintain a broad spectrum of projects, tasks, and relationships. In addition, they will have some experience in budget management, marketing, and communications, including, but not limited to, website development and maintenance, other digital communications, personnel administration, and volunteer management. In addition, the successful candidate must demonstrate, through ideas, words and actions, a strong commitment to USC.

The qualifications for this position include a bachelor’s degree, five years (minimum) of successful marching/athletic band teaching at the collegiate/university level, demonstrated success leading marching/athletic bands, and teaching at the university level.

Time commitment: 

• 20-30 Administrative hours/week
• Weekend and Evening Performances

Events (including but not limited to): Home Football Games, Home Basketball Games, Full Band Trips

The hourly rate range for this position is $21.97-26.17.