Pep/Marching Artistic Director Position
Pride of Indy Bands is seeking enthusiastic applicants for our next Pep/Marching Band Artistic Director.
About the Organization
Pride of Indy Bands (POI) is Indiana’s longest-running LGBT+/ally ensemble. We are musicians who perform, promote, and increase public interest and awareness in the instrumental ensemble mediums. We are comprised of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender & LGBTQIA+-friendly musicians and conduct our activities in a supportive, accepting and affirming atmosphere.
Over the last three years, our organization has experienced tremendous growth across all our ensembles. POI’s new Pep/Marching Band Artistic Director will have the opportunity to continue expanding our horizons while working to achieve the full artistic potential of this very dedicated group of musicians.
Volunteer Commitment Summary
The Pep/Marching Band Artistic Director (AD) is an unpaid volunteer leadership position responsible for the artistic direction, musical and marching development, and day-to-day leadership of the ensemble. This includes holding regular rehearsals and performances, conducting planning activities, and reasonable preparation tasks outside of scheduled rehearsals. The anticipated time commitment will vary throughout the year, based on the ensemble’s rehearsal schedule and performance calendar.
This leader coordinates their activities with our other ensembles’ ADs, participates in monthly Board of Directors meetings, and assists our volunteer Board with ensemble-relevant fundraising, marketing, recruitment, or operational tasks. Specific expectations will be discussed during the selection process. This position reports directly to the President and Vice President.
Duties and Responsibilities
Note: this description outlines the general nature, and level, of work assigned to this position. It should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all required duties and responsibilities.
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Conducting regular rehearsals and performances in a positive, welcoming environment in observance of our mission, vision, and values
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Partnering with the Board of Directors, ensemble members, and other ADs to plan and implement our rehearsal and performance calendars, as well as to make music and performance selections
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Assigning parts to ensure they are being given to support the sound of the ensemble
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Working with the ensemble and individual musicians, when necessary, to ensure their musical talents and marching techniques are being developed
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Keeping abreast of current trends in the marching arts and the Indianapolis arts scene
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Supporting our organization’s image by attending events relevant to overall band public relations
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Nominating an optional Assistant Artistic Director (AAD) volunteer and overseeing their activities
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Drafting & submitting an annual ensemble budget for approval and assisting with fundraising activities
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Other reasonable duties and artistic leadership related to the position as well as the ensemble’s mission, as mutually agreed upon with the President or Vice President.
This position will be two years in length dependent upon the successful completion of annual reviews by the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
Preferred Position Qualifications
The ideal candidate’s background will include the following:
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Desire to work with an LGBTQIA+ organization
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Formal education or training in music, music education, or a related field is welcome; equivalent experience and demonstrated skills will be considered
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Minimum of four years experience performing in a music ensemble; minimally two years directly related to marching bands
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Effective rehearsal (both musical and marching) techniques and the ability to use time effectively
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Ability to foster an upbeat, respectful atmosphere at all rehearsals and performances
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Willingness to spend an agreed upon amount of time doing rehearsal prep, both marching & musical
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Past experience serving on a nonprofit board or prior nonprofit work experience
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Practical knowledge and a basic understanding of all relevant instruments
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Familiarity with diverse musical teaching level; from very inexperienced to experienced musicians
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Ability to detect and correct intonation, balance, blend and rhythmic inaccuracies
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Ability to communicate effectively in front of a large audience
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Willingness to participate in all activities for the band including fundraising and administrative tasks
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Proactiveness in finding different venues and opportunities for the ensemble to perform and showcase the Pride of Indy Pep/Marching Band
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Be able to identify and recruit natural leaders to assist in the volunteering work
Application Process
Candidates interested in this volunteer opportunity should email their resume, cover letter, three references, and three past work samples to pep@prideofindy.org.
All resumes must be received by 10/31/26. If we believe there is a fit between your qualifications and the position, you will be contacted to arrange an interview. The final candidate will be selected by both our Board of Directors and our ensemble musicians themselves.
We are an equal opportunity organization committed to creating an inclusive environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We welcome applicants from nontraditional backgrounds to apply. POI values the unique contributions, perspectives, and abilities of individuals with diverse ranges of experiences to better serve our community.