The Fife & Drum Staff member will assist the Fife & Drum Corps Supervisor and Lead Instructors in the musical instruction and implementation of their assigned section (fife or drum), interpretations to the public, and implementation of programming, to achieve the overall goals of the Fife and Drum Corps.

Essential Functions:

• Assists the Lead Fife/Drum instructors in providing instruction and training while ensuring quality performances with historical accuracy, to juvenile members of the Fife and Drum Corps. May participate in interviewing process, observe performances, and provide constructive feedback.
• Advises the Fife & Drum Corps Supervisor and Lead Fife/Drum instructor of personnel problems or important issues affecting juvenile employees.
• Learns and develops proficiency in the skills of an eighteenth-century field musician. Increases knowledge in each skill area and uses information to expand interpretation to guests, gained through completing work assignments as well as scheduled performances and demonstrations.
• Conduct research involving period music arrangement, instruments, performance methods and techniques, historic performances, lives of musicians of all races and ethnicities, and related topics.
• Serves as a performer or interpreter to supplement the program when needed. Participates in program initiatives and Special Events.
• Transports staff, performers and program materials to and from the Fife and Drum Building using Foundation approved vehicles and following departmental guidelines.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required and Preferred Education and Experience:

Required:

• High School Diploma.
• Ability to play required instrument or a related instrument which would allow use of the required instrument.

Preferred:

• College course work in Public History, Musical Theory or Performance or similarly related fields, or commensurate experience of 2 years of musical performance in a related instrument.
• Familiarity and past participation in historic music and/or Fife and Drum performances, especially as an Alumnus of the CW Fife and Drum Corps.
• Proven work in a teaching, museum or public history setting.
• Familiarity with Finale and other digital music software and technology.

Qualifications:

Communication

• Ability to organize and present information in verbal and written form to diverse audiences.
• Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Ability to use a variety of interactive techniques in making presentations to guests.

Guest Relations

• Ability to present and maintain a warm and enthusiastic demeanor with Corps members, co-workers and guests.
• Ability to deal with the public in both one-on-one and large group situations.
• Ability to balance the needs of the juvenile performers with the needs of the department of Fifes & Drums.

Decision Making

• Ability to make correct decisions in a timely manner to resolve problems.
• Ability to organize and handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to work within a strict set of guidelines.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of the requirements of musical performance and instruction of juveniles.
• Ability to read and assimilate information. Knowledge of the Williamsburg area and Colonial Williamsburg in particular.
• Knowledge of logistics and objectives of Fifes and Drums.
• Must have a valid Virginia State driver’s license.
• Ability to use Foundation computers and existing software including Microsoft Office products, and other Colonial Williamsburg approved media devices and programs as systems are upgraded.
• Proficient on assigned instrument (fife or drum) in proper playing techniques and musical knowledge appropriate to the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes and Drums Corp.
• Must be able to pass all tunes in the Fife and Drum Repertoire up to and including the rank of Sergeant to the Fife and Drum Corps Supervisor within 1 year of job hire date.

Leadership

• Provides timely and effective coaching of juvenile employees, providing clear communication and expectations.
• Ability to solicit feedback, facilitate teamwork, practice open two-way communication and work effectively as a team member with all staff at different levels of the division and Foundation.