SISTEMA KINGSTON 2017 – 18
PART-TIME TEACHING ARTIST – CHORAL
“ Teach children the beauty of music, and music will teach them the beauty of life. ”
– Jose Antonio Abreu
There are few opportunities as meaningful and rewarding as teaching, mentoring and
supporting children from under-served areas. Children, who otherwise would never have an
opportunity to play a musical instrument.
Sistema Kingston is an intensive after school program that focuses on positive social
change through the pursuit of musical excellence. Ensemble-based music instruction, healthy
food and a positive social environment are offered at no cost to children from challenged
communities.
Sistema Kingston is an initiative of Queen ’ s Community Music in collaboration with the
Limestone District School Board and The Joe Chithalen Memorial Musical Instrument
Lending Library (Joe ’ s M.I.L.L.). Using the Venezuelan El Sistema as its model, Sistema
Kingston emphasizes inclusivity and teamwork, builds personal persistence, and fosters
creativity and personal responsibility in all of its activities. Sistema Kingston embraces the
five principles of El Sistema :
● Social Change – social transformation through the pursuit of musical
excellence. One happens through the other and neither is prioritized at the
expense of the other.
● Ensembles – the focus is on the group experience (orchestral/choral) and
working toward a common goal. Peer mentoring is integral to the experience.
● Frequency – ensembles meet several times every week for multiple hours at a
time over extended periods.
● Accessibility – programs are free and inclusive to all.
● Connectivity – programs foster connectivity between students, teachers,
families and organizations to build stronger communities. Programs are linked at
the community, regional and national levels, forming a cohesive network of
services, resource sharing collaborative opportunities and advocacy in support
of each other.
Sistema Kingston was launched in 2015 in North Kingston. 2017-18 will see the addition of
another 20 students in grades 2-3. Sistema Kingston is seeking a qualified and motivated
Choral Teaching Artist who can provide quality choral instruction while embracing the spirit of
the program with enthusiasm, and learn from and adapt to challenges that arise.
www.sistemakingston.ca www.queensu.ca/qcm
JOB TITLE:
• Sistema Kingston Teaching Artist
ORGANIZATION:
• Queen ’ s Community Music
REPORTS TO:
• Ms. Karma Tomm, Director of Queen ’ s Community Music and Program Director of
Sistema Kingston
JOB SUMMARY:
• Work collectively with the Sistema Kingston team developing and implementing
choral curriculum that supports the overall SK curriculum.
• Provide choral instruction for students (grades 2-6) in a group setting; teach pitch
accuracy, head voice, ear training and general music fundamentals using consistent
language with the Sistema Kingston team.
• Support the Sistema Kingston team with onsite responsibilities, both musical and
non-musical.
LOCATION:
• Molly Brant Public School, 30 Lyons St. Kingston ON
COMPENSATION:
• Hourly. Rate is commensurate with experience.
HOURS:
• On-site two afternoons/week 2:30-5:30 pm (either M/W or T/Th), 25 instructional
weeks: October 2017 – May 2018
• Training (4 x 2.5 hours, September 2017 dates TBA)
• Program preparation 2 weeks prior to start of program
• Regular staff meetings on Friday mornings
• Participation in performances which may or may not be on assigned teaching days
QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED:
• Demonstrated performance proficiency in Voice
• Teaching and conducting experience in Voice and Choir
• Knowledge of beginner vocal pedagogy and materials
• RCM Advanced Rudiments Certificate or demonstrated knowledge of music theory
• Work experience with groups of children
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Valid CPIC certificate with Vulnerable Sector Screening
www.sistemakingston.ca www.queensu.ca/qcm
ASSETS:
● Knowledge of: Child Development; The North Kingston Community; Issues related to
poverty
● First Aid / CPR training
● Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Education degree
● Availability for full program hours (M-Th 2:30-5:30)
● Physically able to move furniture for set up and take down, and negotiate stairs
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Teaching Artist – Choral will provide group-based vocal and choral instruction, while
embracing the vision and mission of Sistema Kingston . Duties include:
● Developing and implementing choral lesson plans in collaboration with the Sistema
Kingston staff to support annual curriculum goals.
● Teaching and modelling vocal technique, ear training and listening skills
● Choral Ensemble conducting
● Teaching, mentoring and supervising students in all contexts during all Sistema
Kingston program hours and performances.
● Participating in paper instrument project as needed
● Participation in regular Sistema Kingston team meetings
● Communication with the Program Coordinator regarding onsite duties
● Supporting and incorporating volunteer involvement with choral ensemble
● Overseeing the setup and takedown of the space in preparation of the program
● Positive interactions with all families
● Model the principles and philosophy of Sistema Kingston in all activities
● Demonstrating the highest standard of professionalism at all times while interacting
with the children in a kind, respectful and compassionate manner.
FINANCIAL DETAILS:
● Teaching Artists will be employed by Queen ’ s Community Music at Queen ’ s
University on a Casual Staff contract.
● Hourly rate of pay will include vacation pay, and is subject to statutory deductions.
● Payment will be made on a bi-weekly basis by direct deposit, following the
submission of accurate time-sheet reporting each pay period.
RESIGNATION OR TERMINATION OF CONTRACT:
● Any and all materials belonging to Sistema Kingston (including copies of any
documents containing confidential or proprietary information) will be returned
promptly upon the Teaching Artist’s resignation or termination, or upon request.
● Either the Teaching Artist or Sistema Kingston may terminate this agreement with 3
weeks notice without prejudice. Termination for just cause will be without notice.
● If any part of this agreement is determined to be unenforceable, all remaining parts of
this agreement will nevertheless remain in full effect.
www.sistemakingston.ca www.queensu.ca/qcm
OTHER INFORMATION:
● The Teaching Artist will be required to acknowledge that they have reviewed the
Code of Conduct, Behaviour Management, Confidentiality and Social Media Policies
as well as the Crisis Intervention and Security Policies, by signing the appropriate
waivers. The Teaching Artist will be responsible for adhering to all of the
aforementioned Policies and Procedures.
● All teaching materials, lesson plans and instructional materials developed while an
employee of Sistema Kingston will not be considered proprietary; as such they can be
reused or modified by both the Teaching Artist and Sistema Kingston at any time.
APPLICATION:
If you believe you are qualified in terms of education and experience as well as temperament
and personality, please submit electronically:
• a cover letter which addresses why are you interested in working at Sistema Kingston
• a resume which includes work and volunteer experience
• 2 letters of reference
To:
Karma Tomm, Director, Queen’s Community Music and Sistema Kingston
Email: tommk@queensu.ca
Telephone inquiries: 613-533-6000 x 79069
Deadline for application: Monday July 31, 2017.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
We appreciate and thank you for your interest in Sistema Kingston.
www.sistemakingston.ca www.queensu.ca/qcm

Evan Mitchell | Music Director
ANNOUNCES THE FOLLOWING VACANCY TO BE FILLED
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 2017-2018 SEASON
PRINCIPAL TRUMPET
National Auditions will be held on Monday, August 28, 2017 in Harrison-LeCaine Hall, Queen’s University School of Music, in Kingston, Ontario.
Season: September to April, with some summer services
Approximately 65 services
Compensation: $10,000* per year for 2017-2018 season
$12,000* per year for 2018-2019 season
Plus travel, if applicable
*Pending final approval of Kingston Symphony Association Board of Directors
The musicians of the Kingston Symphony are members of the Canadian Federation of Musicians.
Deadline for applications is Friday, August 18, 2017.
Interested applicants, please send a resume to:
Linda Craig, Personnel Manager
Kingston Symphony Association
P.O. Box 1616
Kingston, ON K7L 5C8
Fax: (613) 546-8580
Email: kingstonsymphonypersonnel@gmail.com
Please contact the Personnel Manager for copies of the excerpts and for further information.