Director of Music/Accompanist

About the job

We are seeking a Director of Music/Accompanist.

We seek an individual who would enjoy being a vital leader of a collegial ministerial team for our dynamic, progressive congregation. We love all types of music. Our worship regularly includes wonderful sounds from our pipe organ to our drums. We frequently have cellos, fiddles, flutes, violins, guitars, chimes and the piano accompanying our Sunday morning singing.

Our next musician will be someone who is equally at home with Bach, Taize, and contemporary music. We believe that music is an integral part of worship and we strive to create worship that touches people's souls and nurtures their spirits every single week.

Qualifications:
-Strong organ / piano skills
-Deep understanding of how to phrase hymns and contemporary music to aid congregational singing.
-Proficiency in choral development and direction
-Experience in, and a passion for, the development and coordination of the liturgy
-Ability to manage competing demands on one's time and attention
-Demonstrated skill in working with a wide diversity of people including children / youth.

Music Director's Responsibilities:
-Worship services: Provide music at two weekly Sunday services (8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.) and for special services throughout the year. Providing music includes but is not limited to: playing the organ/piano, leading the choir, and inviting and coordinating additional musicians as is needed and appropriate.
-Service planning: Services are planned, and music is selected in consultation with the Senior Pastor and, on a monthly basis, with the Worship & Music Ministry. Provide music information and / or inserts for the bulletins and newsletter.
-Adult Choir: Rehearse volunteer choir pre-service on Sunday and direct choir during service. Accommodate different skill levels and time commitments to develop cohesive groups in which musicians can share their talents as a ministry.
-Additional Musicians: Invite volunteer / paid musicians to participate whenever possible. Engage and rehearse additional paid musicians as needed.
-Substitute Musicians: Find substitutes for vacations or other absences. Music budget: Plan, submit, and administer an annual music program budget.
-Music library: Oversees the purchase of music and keeps the music library in an orderly and organized fashion. Obtain appropriate licenses and oversee their proper use.
-Inclusive Language: Be sensitive in maintaining inclusive language in the liturgical music used.
-Musical instruments: Oversee the maintenance of musical instruments, in particular keeping the piano and organ in tune and attending to necessary repairs. From time to time the church will be able to purchase other musical instruments. The Music Director, with the recommendation of the Worship & Music Ministry and the approval of Council, will oversee the purchase and maintenance of these instruments.
-Staff meetings: Attend weekly staff meetings and monthly meetings of the Worship & Music Ministry.
-Other Responsibilities: Teach new music to the congregation, educate children musically, work with church ministries to initiate, develop, and carry out church programs, contribute to newsletter, and recognize pastoral needs of choir members.
-Outreach: The Music Director will provide occasional outreach to such organizations as retirement homes, interfaith and multi-cultural gatherings, jails, and possibly to individuals who are home-bound.

Please submit your resume and cover letter for consideration.