Ethos Closed for Memorial Day Holiday

May 30, 2011

No lessons or classes on Monday, May 30th.

Refugee Nation at Ethos/IFCC

May 25, 2011

Refugee Nation takes its’ first two-city tour in the Pacific Northwest starting in Seattle, WA and ending in Portland, OR. Presenters from five arts and community organizations collaborate to bring workshops and performances to their respective cities. Presented in Seattle by Lao Heritage Foundation, Pat Graney Company and Legacies of War; and presented in Portland by Lao American Foundation and Ethos Music Center.

WHAT: A mother lives alone in the darkness. A father struggles to forget a lost war. A son battles in the streets of urban America. A daughter searches for answers in her community. Refugee Nation is about a young generation struggling to understand their history and the silence of an elder generation still healing from the traumas war. What can we learn from the wounds of a war over 30 years ago in the hope to find healing?

Refugee Nation tells the stories of a community created by a U.S. led secret war in Laos. Intricately connected to the Vietnam War, Laotian refugees struggle to create a future as their American descendants struggle to understand their past. Since 2005, collaborators Leilani Chan and Ova Saopeng have been collecting oral histories from family and community members across the country to create an interdisciplinary theater performance that explores a growing part of the Asian American Diaspora that is yet to be included as part of the American experience. Through theater and movement they re-construct the stories of families trying to rebuild a community that has been spread like ashes across the U.S. and the world.

 

“Refugee Nation is important to the Seattle Lao American community because it affirms our identity,” said Sakuna Thongchanh, Legacies of War Seattle Coordinator. “It is important to the larger American community because it brings an important perspective to the current discourse on war and peace.”

“It gives voice to and for refugees and immigrants,” said Toc Soneoulay-Gillespie, a Lao American community leader in Portland. “Refugee Nation gives a snap shot of history for our youth and illustrates the plight of our elders.”

 
This project is made possible in part by support from Seattle People’s Fund, National Performance Network (NPN) Performance Residency Program and Community Fund. For more information: www.npnweb.org.

 

WHEN/WHERE:
Friday June 3, 2011; 7:30PM at Ethos@ Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center

Saturday June 4, 2011; 2:00PM & 7:30PM at Ethos@ Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center

Sunday June 5, 2011; 2:00PM at Ethos@ Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center

TICKETS: $15 (general); $12 (students and seniors)
For tickets and info, visit www.refugeenation.com or call (503) 764-4322
Ethos: Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center is located at 5340 N Interstate Ave.
Portland, OR 97217

Ethos’ Summer Music Camps!

May 15, 2011

Ethos’ summer music camps are filling up fast!  We have sold out every camp for the past 11 years, so make sure to sign up today.

Ethos offers a number of summer music camps for kids focusing on Hip-Hop, Percussion, Piano, Strings, Voice, Ballet, and Rock Band.

If you would like to enroll, please click here to register online.  Every Ethos Music Camp has sold out the previous 10 years, so be sure to sign up soon to reserve your spot.

Please click here if you would like to download our brochure in PDF format.

For more information, please call (503) 283-8467.

Ethos is Hiring 10 AmeriCorps Members for rural Music Corps!

May 11, 2011

“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”  John F. Kennedy

Ethos Music Center is a national leader in bringing music education opportunities to underserved communities with the help of AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps*VISTA Members.  Ethos is gearing up for a big expansion next year, and we are looking for a few good musicians to serve as Music Corps Members in rural parts of Oregon.  This is a big commitment — many will apply, but only a few will be chosen.  If selected, you will be part of Ethos’ 12 year record of using national service to fill a critical need — music education for youth in underserved communities.

If you are up for the challenge, please click on the links below to download full descriptions of all of the Music Corps positions available.  These job descriptions are included in text below as well for your convenience.

Music Corps Member – Rural ’11-’12

Music Corps Member – Roving Rural ’11-’12

Music Corps Member – Tribal ’11-’12

If  you are interested in applying, please send a cover letter, resume, and three references to work@ethos.org.  Please indicate which position you are interested in (rural, roving or tribal).  If you have any questions after reviewing Ethos’ web site (www.ethos.org), please feel free to contact Ethos’ Rural Coordinator, Megan Moran at megan@ethos.org with any questions.

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Rural Music Corps Member Job Description

Applications due July 15, 2011

Organization: Ethos Music Center

Organization Mission: Ethos is dedicated to the promotion of music and music-based education for youth in underserved communities.

Location: Central & Eastern Oregon and Douglas County. Specifically, the towns of Fossil, Condon, Monument, Long Creek, Elkton, Metolius, and Madras, Oregon. Some service also carried out in Portland, Oregon.

Summary of Position: Seven positions total that report to the Rural Outreach Director. Two Rural Music Corps Members (RMCMs) will live in Fossil, two in Long Creek, two in Madras, and one in Elkton.  RMCMs will primarily be responsible for teaching music to students during and after school four to five days per week. In addition, RMCMs will assist in training volunteer teaching assistants that will help them in the classroom. Thirty six weeks will be spent in rural sites with the remainder spent in Portland for training and evaluation. 

Essential Responsibilities:
1. Teach general music classes to kindergarten through sixth grade students.
2. Teach at least two elective music courses at the middle and high school level.
3. Organize and teach after-school music classes in 2-4 instruments.
4. Recruit and train community members to be volunteer teaching assistants.
5. Meet with parents/guardians and encourage their involvement in their child’s music education.
6. Encourage and track youth, volunteer, and parent involvement in all activities.
7. Attend Ethos instructor trainings and AmeriCorps sponsored orientation, trainings, and meetings.
8. Complete and submit in a timely manner all Ethos and AmeriCorps required reports and time sheets.
9. Complete 1700 hours of service over 11 months (Sept. 2011-July  2012). 

Marginal Responsibilities:
1.Organize student performances and community music events in each town.
2. Provide community music classes
3. Consult with staff on recruitment and long-term programming plans
4. Complete one 5-10 hour project focused on environmental impact.

 Preferred Qualifications: Background in music performance or education, however other fields are also welcome provided applicant can be a proficient teacher. Experience with youth a must.  Familiarity with at least 2 instruments preferred. Must be organized, creative, resourceful and self-motivated. Must have own transportation.  Applicant must pass strict FBI background check.

Pay/Benefits: Housing in all rural sites provided. Stipend of $12,100 (taxable) and medical insurance provided. Upon completion of service, $5,550 in educational award (to pay tuition or student loans). Members are also eligible for loan forbearance and child care assistance. Ethos also provides monthly gas reimbursement.

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Roving Rural Music Corps Member Job Description

Applications due July 15, 2011

Organization: Ethos Music Center

Organization Mission: Ethos is dedicated to the promotion of music and music-based education for youth in underserved communities.

Location: Rural communities across Oregon.  Traveling and living in Ethos’ Music Mobile RV a third to half of the year.  Half of service also carried out in Portland, Oregon.

Summary of Position: Two roving Rural Music Corps Members (RMCMs) will be based in Portland, Oregon with half of their service also occurring in rural communities across Oregon.  They will report to the Rural Outreach Director.  The RMCMs will primarily be responsible for teaching intensive workshops and trainings to students and community members 1-3 weeks at a time, helping develop a framework for future programming in rural towns.  They will also help coordinate volunteers, RMCM trainings, school music events, instrument distribution, and substitute teach for other RMCMs. 

Essential Responsibilities:
1. Teach residencies, immersions, or workshops to students, grades K-12.
2. Recruit and train community members to be teachers, or teaching assistants.
3. Substitute teach for stationary RMCMs when necessary.
4. Coordinate volunteers for Ethos’ statewide efforts.
5. Encourage and track youth, volunteer, and parent involvement in all activities.
6. Attend Ethos instructor trainings and AmeriCorps sponsored orientation, trainings, and meetings.
7. Assist the Rural Outreach Director with RMCM reporting, tracking, supervising, and training.
8. Complete and submit in a timely manner all Ethos and AmeriCorps required reports and time sheets.
9. Complete 1700 hours of service over 11 months (Sept. 2011-July 2012). 

Marginal Responsibilities:
1. Organize student performances and community music events.
2. Consult with staff on recruitment and long-term programming plans.
3. Complete one 5-10 hour project focused on environmental impact.

Preferred Qualifications: Background in music performance or education, however other fields are also welcome provided applicant can be a proficient teacher. Experience with youth a must. Skilled in multiple instruments.  Entrepreneurial and outgoing personality.  Experience with school administration and supervising.  Familiarity with standard computer programs for reporting and creating materials.  Good driving record.  Must be organized, creative, resourceful and self-motivated.  Applicant must pass strict FYI background check.

Pay/Benefits: Stipend of $12,100 (taxable) and medical insurance provided. Upon completion of service, $5,550 in educational award (to pay tuition or student loans). Members are also eligible for loan forbearance and child care assistance.  Ethos will provide an RV and mileage reimbursement for all travel related to rural outreach, but transportation will not be provided in Portland.  Applicant must pass a strict FBI background check.

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Tribal Rural Music Corps Member Job Description

Applications due July 15, 2011

Organization: Ethos Music Center

 Organization Mission: Ethos is dedicated to the promotion of music and music-based education for youth in underserved communities.

 Location: Warm Springs, Oregon.  Some service also carried out in Portland, Oregon.

 Summary of Position: The Tribal Rural Music Corps Member (RMCM) will live in Warm Springs, Oregon and report to the Rural Outreach Director.  The RMCM will primarily be responsible for teaching Native American music to students during and after school four to five days per week. In addition, the RMCM will assist in training volunteer teaching assistants that will help them in the classroom. Thirty six weeks will be spent in Warm Springs with the remainder of the service term spent in Portland for training and evaluation.   

 Essential Responsibilities:
1. Teach general music classes to kindergarten through fifth grade students.
2. Teach outreach workshops or classes in other sites.
3. Organize and teach after-school music classes in 1-2 instruments.
4. Recruit and train community members to be volunteer teaching assistants.
5. Meet with parents/guardians and encourage their involvement in their child’s music education.
6. Encourage and track youth, volunteer, and parent involvement in all activities.
7. Attend Ethos instructor trainings and AmeriCorps sponsored orientation, trainings, and meetings.
8. Complete and submit in a timely manner all Ethos and AmeriCorps required reports and time sheets.
9. Complete 1700 hours of service over 11 months (Sept. 2011- July 2012). 

Marginal Responsibilities:
1.Organize student performances and community music events in Warm Springs.
2. Provide community music classes.
3. Consult with staff on recruitment and long-term programming plans.
4. Complete one 5-10 hour project focused on environmental impact. 

Preferred Qualifications: Good communication and experience with the Warm Springs, Wasco, and Paiute tribes on the Warm Springs reservation.  Background in Native American music performance or education preferred, however other fields are also welcome provided applicant can be a proficient teacher. Experience with youth a must.  Familiarity with Native American drumming, flute, and/or singing is imperative.  Must be organized, creative, resourceful and self-motivated. Must have own transportation.  Applicant must be able to pass strict FBI background check.

Pay/Benefits: Housing provided. Stipend of $12,100 (taxable) and medical insurance provided. Upon completion of service, $5,550 in educational award (to pay tuition or student loans). Members are also eligible for loan forbearance and child care assistance. Ethos also provides monthly gas reimbursement.

Ethos is Hiring a Program Manager for Ethos/IFCC!

May 11, 2011

Ethos Music Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion of music and music-based education for youth in underserved communities. Founded in 1998, Ethos brings music education back to several thousand students every year. Please see www.ethos.org for more information.

Ethos is currently seeking a Program Manager to coordinate Ethos’ programming at the Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center (IFCC). This position is full time (45+ hours/week) and includes fully paid health and dental benefits after 3 months. Ethos is an equal opportunity employer, and we very much encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.

THE POSITION

The Ethos at IFCC Program Manager reports to the Executive Director and is responsible for the day-to-day operation of Ethos’ programming at IFCC. This position requires someone who is very organized, efficient, entrepreneurial, and detail-oriented. This person will be very professional and cordial in working with other entities using the building, but will always look out for Ethos’ best interests.

Ethos at IFCC provides affordable arts programming for the North Portland community that reflects the diversity of the community constituents. Through partnerships with a variety of local arts and theater organizations, Ethos at IFCC offers classes for low-income kids that span a wide range of art disciplines such as ballet, African drumming, Hip-Hop fundamentals, Capoeira, and more. In addition, Ethos at IFCC hosts interactive music assemblies for local schools. Performances are theme-based and incorporate diverse forms of music including Samba, Blues, Son Jarocho, etc. Ethos also offers affordable space rental of the equity-approved 99-seat theater to support emerging and mid-career performers, artists, and playwrights.

Founded in 1982 under the guidance of Portland Parks Commissioner, Charles Jordan, the IFCC has served as a cultural landmark for showcasing diverse arts programming from around the world. Ethos was selected in 2010 to operate IFCC based on the organization’s commitment to upholding this mission by providing affordable music, theater, and dance classes for low-income students, as well as continuing to provide a venue for underrepresented artists, performers, and theater companies. A few of Ethos’ partners include Hand2Mouth Theater, Thara Memory and Renee Mitchell, Oregon Children’s Theater, and more. All class prices at IFCC are based on a sliding scale to ensure that low-income students have access to the same arts programming available to their higher income peers. In addition, school music assemblies hosted at IFCC promote cultural awareness and appreciation among school-age children through showcasing diverse musical performances and workshops. To ensure that Ethos at IFCC remains a community focused venue, Ethos has created an advisory committee responsible for developing responsive programming. This advisory panel meets quarterly and is comprised of community members of North and Northeast Portland, former IFCC constituents, community arts leaders, and other content specialists.

WORK SCHEDULE

Full Time (45+ hours per week), Monday – Friday, some evenings and weekends

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Ethos at IFCC General Management
- Coordinate master schedule for IFCC Building
- Supervise IFCC Employees including House Manager and front desk staff
- Determine weekly staff schedules
- Serve as liaison for City of Portland’s property manager and maintenance team
- Maintain attendance data and create quarterly program reports
- Conduct light cleaning as necessary
- Ensure that the building and equipment are secure

- Hire and supervise Ethos at IFCC instructors
- Coordinate class and lesson schedules with Ethos’ Admissions Department
- Coordinate payroll with Director of Operations for activities taking place in the building
- Develop new programming for dance, visual art and writing, and/or recruit community partners to conduct after school classes
- Manage Ethos’ recitals and performances in the theater
- Coordinate theater rentals and contracts – both one-time events and month long residencies with a variety of theater companies and arts/community organizations.
- Facilitate ticket sales (post on website and organize will call list for each performance)
- Lead Community Advisory Panel
- Develop long-term vision for artist in residency program

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:
3+ years program coordination or similar administrative experience.
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Dedication to increasing students’ access to music education and enthusiastic about arts administration.
Self-motivation and ability to manage and prioritize multiple types of tasks.
Excellent communication and organizational skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Experience with MS Office applications, especially Word and Excel and facility with internet research.
Ability to pass a strict FBI/Portland Public Schools fingerprinting/criminal background check.
Willingness to make at least a one year commitment to the position.

Preferred:
Experience teaching group classes to children/youth.
Experience with arts administration.
Experience as a musician or other performing artist.
Fluency in Spanish, Vietnamese, or other language spoken by immigrant communities in Portland.

$24,000 to $32,000 per year (depending on experience), plus 100% paid health and dental benefits.

Mail or email a cover letter, resume, and three work references by Monday, May 23rd, to:

Ethos at IFCC Recruitment Team
2 N Killingsworth St
Portland, OR 97217
Email: work@ethos.org
Please do not email attachments — cut and paste info into email message. Attachments will not be opened.

No phone calls or hand delivered resumes please.

This Saturday: For the Love of Music and Books at Ethos/IFCC!

May 11, 2011

This Saturday, May 14, enjoy readings of the nonfiction picture book For the Love of Music: The Remarkable Story of Maria Anna Mozart by Elizabeth Rusch; the middle-grade novel Second Fiddle by Rosanne Parry; and the young-adult novel The Mozart Season by National Book Award winner Virginia Euwer Wolff. A percentage of book sales will be donated to Ethos!

A variety of activities for kids will also be available, including an instrument test drive, craft activities, and performances by the Portland Symphonic Girlchoir and jazz singer Tasha Miller.

The event is free to the public and will take place at Ethos/IFCC (5340 N Interstate Ave) from 1:30 to 4:30 pm.

 

 

Robert Johnson’s 100th Birthday Party!

May 5, 2011

Robert Johnson – 100 Years

“A Night Long Celebration of his Music and Influence”

Saturday, May 7th 2011 @ 8pm

Alberta Rose Theatre

 

Come celebrate with Ethos the 100th birthday of Blues legend Robert Johnson, this SATURDAY, MAY 7th at the ALBERTA ROSE THEATRE!  If you are at all familiar with the Portland Blues scene (or have ever had an interest in getting to know it), this is one event not to be missed!  AND, for an even greater incentive, a portion of the proceeds go toward MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS at ETHOS.  What could be better!?

ROBERT JOHNSON – 100 YEARS  features a stellar line-up of Portland musicians.                 Performers include:

For more event details and ticket information, visit http://www.albertarosetheatre.com/.

Doors open at 7pm.  Tickets are $20 General Admission. This is a 21+ event.

Get ready for one huge party…

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