Lead Rainbow City Drumline as Artistic Director!

Are you ready to craft a spirited cadence that lifts people up? Do you thrive on creative freedom, community leadership, and helping others realize their musical potential? Rainbow City Performing Arts is looking for an Artistic Director to lead the Drumline program, an essential heartbeat in our mission to uplift and unite through music.

Rainbow City Drumline is more than just one ensemble; it’s three dynamic groups that create memorable, diverse performances year-round. From energizing soccer crowds to dazzling parade audiences, your leadership will inspire every beat. This is your chance to take the reins in a role where your creativity, passion, and inclusive vision will leave a lasting mark!

Your Role as Artistic Director of Rainbow City Drumline

Rainbow City Drumline acts as one unique ensemble that facilitates drumlines for two other programs, and you’ll oversee their success with our volunteer Drumline staff and fellow Artistic Directors:

• Reign City Riot brings the energy to Reign FC women’s soccer matches, amplifying the excitement on game day.
• Rainbow City Marching Band, founded in 1998, is Seattle’s celebrated LGBTQIA+ and allied marching band ensemble.
• RCDX, our newest group, challenges players with advanced drumming techniques and pushes musical boundaries.

But your leadership doesn’t stop at performances. Each Fall, you’ll create and lead open skills classes, welcoming brand-new and unskilled drummers into the world of drumline. Through these classes, you’ll foster accessibility and help new folks experience the joy of drumming for the first time.

What You’ll Do as Artistic Director

• Create: Write cadences, solos, parts, and choreography to shape the artistic vision of the entire Drumline program. You’ll have full creative freedom to make your mark.
• Lead: Guide a program with three ensembles and a community of passionate volunteers. Performances range throughout the year, with most taking place in the Spring and Summer.
• Teach: Design accessible programming, including the open skills classes, to train new drummers and support musicians at all experience levels.
• Mentor: Develop confidence and leadership within your teams. You’ll help players grow as individuals and as part of a larger ensemble.
• Collaborate: Work with other Artistic Directors across other Rainbow City programs to present public exhibition performances.
• Expand: Build upon a thriving and growing program that already holds a high level of demand and excitement within the community.

You’ll get to experience the power of music to connect and inspire, whether you’re coaching a beginner, leading a parade, or collaborating with seasoned musicians in RCDX.

Why You?

• You Love to Inspire: You’re passionate about teaching and helping others grow, especially those who are stepping into drumming for the first time.
• You’re a Visionary: You have the creativity and experience to lead and evolve a multi-ensemble program, ensuring diverse and exciting performances.
• You Value Inclusion: Your leadership reflects the importance of creating a safe, welcoming space for people of all identities and skill levels.
• You Want Longevity: This isn’t just a role; it’s an investment in a community. Most Artistic Directors in Rainbow City hold their positions for many years, creating a deep and lasting impact.
• You Balance Experience with Passion: Formal education is a bonus, but we value lived experience and diverse expertise just as much. If you resonate with this role, we encourage you to apply—even if you don’t meet every requirement.

Compensation and Schedule

This contract role pays $6,000 for the season, with an average of 30 hours of work per month. Performances for the ensembles vary, with most concentrated in the Spring and Summer months. Your leadership will ensure a consistent presence for rehearsal schedules and events year-round.

What to Know About Us

Rainbow City Performing Arts is Seattle’s celebrated LGBTQIA+ arts nonprofit, blending creativity and connection in every performance. Our ensembles create spaces of belonging, amplify marginalized voices, and deliver joy to our community. Through your leadership, Rainbow City Drumline will continue to inspire and bring people together, beat by beat.

If you’re ready to use your talents to create music, leadership, and connection, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply Today

To apply, send your résumé and a brief introduction highlighting your vision for the Drumline program via the link below which includes the full job description. Applications are open until the position is filled, with preferred consideration given to those applying before June 1, 2025.

Your passion can shape the rhythm of a welcoming, inclusive community. Join us and help Rainbow City Drumline make some noise in the best way possible!

Rainbow City Performing Arts is an equal opportunity employer and contractor. We value diversity at our core and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB SUMMARY

The Artistic Director (AD) of drumline for Rainbow City Performing Arts (RCPA) will oversee all activity in the drumline program, providing artistic vision and leadership while ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission of promoting diverse and inclusive spaces to make music and promoting the equity and visibility of LGBTQIA+ people. The AD will work independently, maintaining artistic autonomy, and will collaborate with the Board of Directors, staff, and community stakeholders to create impactful and socially relevant performances.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Artistic Vision and Leadership

• Develops and implements the artistic vision for the drumline program in collaboration with Reign City Riot, Color Guard, and Marching Band program leaders.
• Plans and oversees the production of parade appearances, game appearances, events, and other performances of the program.
• Ensures that all artistic activities align with RCPA’s mission and values.
• Collaborates with other Artistic Directors to create cohesive and innovative programming, agreeing on decisions and equally trading vision leadership for all performances.

Program Development and Management

• Designs and implements performances that reflect social justice themes and promote community engagement.
• Equitably assigns members to play in performances
• Selects repertoire, guest artists, and collaborators that enhance the artistic quality and diversity of performances.
• Selects and oversees personnel to lead rehearsals and sectionals, ensuring high artistic standards and effective use of member time.
• Evaluates program effectiveness and adjusts as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
• Mentors Section Leaders and other artistic roles, providing guidance and support to enhance their skills and effectiveness.
• Plans rehearsal schedules in accordance with contract and policy requirements.
• Selects candidates for featured performance roles using RCPA’s audition process.
• Stays apprised of best practices and innovations in drumline and standing performances for band.

Community Engagement and Advocacy

• Builds and maintains relationships with community organizations, artists, and stakeholders.
• Advocates for social justice and equity within the performing arts community.
• Represents RCPA at community events, conferences, and other public engagements.
• Promotes RCPA’s programs and initiatives through outreach and engagement efforts.

Collaboration and Communication

• Works closely with the Board and staff to support organizational goals.
• Ensures effective communication and collaboration with other Artistic Directors and program staff.
• Provides regular updates on program progress and performance to the Board.
• Participates in strategic planning and organizational development activities.

Compliance and Independent Contractor Requirements

• Operates as an independent contractor, maintaining control over artistic decisions and program implementation.
• Ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements for independent contractors in Washington State.
• Maintains appropriate business licenses and registrations as required.
• Manages own schedule, expenses, and resources related to program activities, noting that RCPA can only fund expenses up to the prescribed budget.
• Ensures all contracts are signed by the Executive Director and meet policy and budgetary requirements.
• Complies with the organization’s by-laws, policies, procedures, and Code of Conduct; seeks clarification and guidance as necessary.

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES

• Strong understanding of drumline program development.
• Extensive experience and knowledge in leading and/or participating in a drumline.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to develop and implement artistic vision.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in music, arts administration, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and work experience may be considered.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a leadership role within a school program or performing arts organization.
• Experience working with diverse communities and promoting social justice through the arts.
• Demonstrated success in program development and management.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work involves walking, talking, and hearing; using hands to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The individual may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry objects up to 25 pounds.
• The individual will often work in environments with high noise levels, typically ranging from 70 to 100 decibels, due to musical performances and rehearsals.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.