Director of Guards

Marching Mizzou and Ionic Independent at the University of Missouri is seeking an experienced person to serve as Director of Guards for the 2023 Ionic Winter Season and 2024 Marching Mizzou Fall Season. Contract is eligible for renewal each year by the University of Missouri School of Music.

Stipend Payment
Payment will be executed by the University of Missouri School of Music via a vendor contract for services rendered.

2023 Ionic Winter Guard Season
The 2023 Cast and Show for our Ionic Winter Guard Season has been set so individual who earns this position must be willing to work with our current staff.

Preferred Experience
Preferred experience at the high school, collegiate, and DCI/BOA/WGI/MCCGA level. The University of Missouri is seeking a world-class, talented individual who is an inspiring performer and teacher ready to push our students and program to the next level in our development.

Qualifications/Skills Required
Demonstrates a positive attitude and love for collegiate marching band and the marching arts.

Demonstrates competencies in guard equipment including flag, rifle, sabre, and movement pedagogy.

Experience in and demonstrates a willingness to choreograph and stage fall halftime show work or oversee the hiring of an experienced choreographer.

Demonstrates strong leadership, work ethic, and can contribute positively to a collaborative staff environment.

Develops and maintains competencies in communicating effectively (written and verbal) and maintains standards of confidentiality with other staff members and students.

Capable of planning rehearsal time effectively so that guard students remain engaged and completes their assigned tasks for rehearsal.

Provides a quality assessment of guard students and is capable of correcting errors in spinning technique and execution in a fast-paced rehearsal environment.

Provides a quality assessment of guard students and recognizes when they require additional help or individual instruction.

Administrative duties as assigned in planning for the winter and fall seasons.

Recruitment activities to maintain a 30-Member fall Marching Mizzou Color Guard and quality Ionic Winter Guard Cast.

Availability to execute fall color guard auditions this April and host a Marching Mizzou Mini Camp for Color Guard in July in preparation for our Marching Mizzou Band Camp in August. Availability for all home games and events in the fall is highly preferred, but not required.

Application Process
Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, including at least three references with permission to contact, to Dr. Amy M. Knopps, Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands via email at: knoppsa@missouri.edu by Monday, October 17 at 5:00 PM.

Short-listed candidates will be contacted to the week of October 24 to complete an interview process with Dr. Knopps, the Ionic Winter Guard Instructional Staff, and potentially the 2023 Cast.