Job Title:                                 Director of Music

Reports to:                            Senior Pastor

Direction from:                                     Music Committee

Supervises:                           Bell Choir Director

 

The Director of Music is the director of the Chancel Choir which sings at the 11:00 a.m. Sunday worship service (except for two and a half months in the summer and those Sundays as agreed upon in consultation by the pastoral staff), as well as special services during the course of the church year and the life of the congregation (specifically, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day).  The Director of Music receives guidance and support from the Music Committee.  The Director of Music recruits musicians to provide a variety of music to enhance the worship life of the congregation as appropriate to the overall shape and theme of the worship services.  The Director of Music may direct other choral or instrumental ensembles as required.

 

1.The Director of Music coordinates the entire music program of the church in harmony with the other music staff of the church and under the direction of the Senior Pastor.

2.Select all music to be sung by the Chancel Choir.  Music should be appropriate to the scripture texts of the day (Revised Common Lectionary) or the theme of the service.  Music selections shall be made in consultation with the Senior Pastor whenever possible, and given to the Organist well in advance of their rehearsal and performance by the choir.

3.Arrange for the participation of musicians in other portions of the service as required.

4.Responsible for the choir’s appearance, sound, and delivery.

5.Conduct rehearsal of the Chancel Choir weekly and at additional times as identified by special needs.  Conduct the choir during services.  Make arrangements for replacement conductors when absent.

6.In consultation with the Organist and pastor, arrange for vocalists, accompanists, or instrumentalists for worship services and special programs, utilizing congregational musicians as appropriate.

7.Work with the pastors, Organist, and Music Committee to introduce new music, songs, and hymns to the congregation as appropriate.

8.Display an appreciation of Covenant heritage, mainstream sacred music and hymnody, and newer worship music.

9.Recruit and welcome new choir members and musicians.

10.Arrange for singers and instrumentalists to provide worship music during the time the Chancel Choir does not sing.

11.Purchase music and music supplies under the budgetary supervision of the Music Committee.

12.Act as a resource for the pastoral staff and other persons in music and education in the church.

13.Oversee youth and children’s choirs to have a consistent presence in our worship.

 

1.Is a confessing Christian and an active participant in the Christian life and worship of the church, displaying a commitment to the church’s overall mission.  Has a theologically grounded understanding of Christian worship and the role of music in that worship.

2.Possess a minimum of a Bachelor of Arts in Music (Master of Music preferred), with thorough knowledge of good vocal technique and ensemble sound.  Shows excellence as a choral conductor.

3.Possess a minimum of five years’ experience directing adult choirs.

4.Keyboard skills are desirable.

5.Possess an interest in a mix of traditional and new choral music and other worship music.

6.Possess good interpersonal skills, eagerness to work on a team, and the ability to motivate and inspire.  Cultivates the spiritual life and growth of the choir and other musical groups.

7.Perform the duties of the position in a cordial and cooperative manner with the pastors, other musicians, the office and custodial staff, the congregation, and volunteers, including the choir members.

8.Attend Music Committee meetings as an advisor to facilitate communication and planning.  Meets regularly with the pastors and other music staff.

 

This is a part-time salaried position.