Music Director & Accompanist (preferred)
Part Time
Music
16 May 2025
The Interim Music Director position is year-round and includes providing music leadership, coordination, performance, and oversight for all Sunday worship services. The Music Director reports to the Minister for Worship and Pastoral Care. This is a part-time position, 15 hours / week. This position is a Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) non-exempt staff position.
Purpose / Overview
This position supports the church by managing the music program :
- Selecting in advance and preparing the musical portion of worship and special holiday services under the direction of the Minister for Worship and Pastoral Care and with the collaboration of the Minister and Worship team.
- Performing instrumental music and accompaniment or overseeing those who do. Hiring, supervising, and collaborating with paid musicians. Managing the budget for all contract musicians.
- Leading the church choir, and hand bell choir, including rehearsals, selection of music, and guiding individual singers and small groups. Helping choir members stay connected to the church and choir.
- Overseeing all special choirs and music groups and the work of their leaders, whether paid or unpaid. Currently, the Bell Choir is a key example of this responsibility.
Required Education, Skills, and Competencies
Bachelor’s degree in music, music education, or related field.Experience working as a choir director, music director, or music teacherPreferred : High level of competence in piano, organ (accompanist) performanceSound musical knowledge and a passion for music with the ability to interpret various styles of music.Strong leadership and listening skills; Effective communication skills; and Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skillsPatience, creativity, assertiveness, and the ability to work well in a collaborative environmentComputer skills and knowledge of relevant software and the operation of standard office equipment to perform the responsibilities outlined above.Routine Duties and Tasks
Directing choir rehearsals and performances
Leading warm-up sessions before rehearsals and performancesScheduling and announcing choir rehearsalsSelecting individual choir members to perform solosProviding the necessary guidance and direction during choir rehearsals to assist choir members in achieving the correct tone, pitch, rhythm, tempo, and harmonyDirecting choir members during musical performances to ensure that the desired sound is achievedCreating suitable choir formations for rehearsals and performancesAccompanying (or directing accompanist to accompany) the choir on the piano / organ during choir rehearsal and Sunday worship services and other special services or arranging for a paid musician to do so (within budgetary limits).Collaborating with the minister, staff, and worship team
Attending staff meetings and other relevant committee meetings regularly.Attending worship committee meetings regularly.Deciding on appropriate musical pieces for the choir to perform in collaboration with the minister.Submitting music information to the Congregational Administrator for the weekly Order of Service promptly.Helping to build a sense of community among choir members
Writing and sending emails or making calls to choir members as necessary, especially those who are unable to attend in-person rehearsals.Writing monthly articles for publication in the newsletter.Leadership of the music program
Staying current on repertoire appropriate for church and handbell choirs via professional associationsMaintaining contact with the UU Southwest Region and the Association of Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries.Ensure fun and challenging programming that incorporate different themes and highlight strengths of church and handbell choirsMaintaining the music libraryEnsuring proper licensing and crediting of all music performed.Supervising the maintenance of the church pianos, handbells, and other musical instruments and equipment.Administering the music budget.Implementing safety protocols to protect singers, musicians, and others during rehearsals and performances.Working Conditions
The person in this position must be able to :
Communicate in person, by phone, and through technological meansRemain in a stationary position for extended periods of time, as well as move about inside the office and church to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.Routinely operate a computer and other office machinery, such as computer printer, copier, and telephone.Run errands occasionally to pick up supplies or drop off materials; move / lift weights of up to 20 pounds.Work primarily on Sundays and Wednesday evenings, with some other timeframes as scheduled#J-18808-Ljbffr