Field Instructor & Drill Choreographer

USC·Workday

Los Angeles, CAPart-timePosted Jun 30, 2026

The USC Trojan Marching Band’s (TMB) mission is to provide the University of Southern California with one of the finest marching band programs in the country, while contributing to and supporting the University. The program provides its members with the opportunity to perform music and to develop their individual artistic expression through the vehicle of the ensemble at athletic contests, various University functions, concerts, and ceremonies throughout the calendar year. It is also the function and mission of "The Spirit of Troy" to be the main vehicle for and conservator of school traditions and spirit. The TMB reports to the Vice President of Student Affairs.

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’s Unifying Values.

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. When determining an offer, the University of Southern California considers factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate’s experience, education, training, key skills, internal peer alignment, applicable laws, contractual requirements, grant funding, and market conditions.

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Education:
Minimum: Associate's degree
Preferred: Bachelor's degree

Combined experience/education as substitute for minimum education

Work Experience
Minimum 1 year
Preferred 3-5 years

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Required: Specialized experience and training in applicable performing or visual arts.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to the Background Screening Policy Appendix D for specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email at uschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

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