Job Opportunities

JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

(re-posted 3/25/2013,  job to begin on Sept. 1, 2013 )

Please send resume and cover letter to:

Search Committee
exeter.music.notes@gmail.com

 

MUSIC MISSION STATEMENT

Music is central to the life of the Congregational Church in Exeter, United Church of Christ.  In our worship we offer a diversity of music, for and from all ages, to augment and enhance our worship together.  Offered to the Glory of God, it expresses the yearnings of our faith and strengthens, deepens, and consoles us for the living of our days.

 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

  • Commitment to the spiritual experience of Christian worship
  • Formal music training ie. BA in Music, MS advanced organ degree preferred
  • Familiarity with and ability to play traditional body of sacred organ music as well as ability and desire to integrate music from diverse cultures, traditions, and eras
  • Experience conducting choirs; preferably bells, instrumental and vocal.
  • Strong people skills and ability to work as part of a team
  • A willingness to continue to learn as well as to teach

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Continue building the music program of this church, supporting and nurturing musical gifts already within the congregation and bringing into our midst new experiences.
  • Lead the choirs and congregation toward an ever greater and richer experience and appreciation of the range and depth of sacred music.
  • Meet and/or communicate weekly with the Pastor and staff to plan music for the worship of the church, update the long-range music calendar, and coordinate musical offerings in the church.  The goal of these meetings is to insure that all parts of worship have liturgical and musical integrity, and enhance and complement each other.  Hymns, as part of the liturgy, are traditionally chosen by the Pastor.
  • Rehearse and direct the Senior Choir and the Senior Handbell Choir for performance in regular worship of the church as set by the Pastor and Diaconate.  Prepare additional music on the organ to complete the musical requirements of the service.  Currently, Sunday worship at 10:00 is held in the Sanctuary.
  • Prepare for and conduct weekly Senior Choir and Senior Handbell Choir rehearsals, and schedule extra rehearsals as needed for special services, including, but not limited to, Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, Easter, and funerals.
  • Arrange for music for special events and special services of the church as set by the Pastor and Diaconate, and in consultation with the Music Committee.
  • Recruit, coordinate, and support members of the Senior Choir and Senior Handbell Choir, ensembles, and soloists.
  • Recruit and nurture volunteer directors of children’s choirs with support from Music Committee liaison(s).
  • Provide music at weddings and funerals on a fee basis.
  • Oversee the maintenance, repair, and regular tuning of the organ and pianos.
  • Meet monthly with the Music Committee and attend Church Council meetings as necessary.
  • Purchase music for the choirs.  Oversee the music library with assistance from a volunteer music librarian.
  • Arrange for occasional special music (for example, soloists or ensembles) during summer worship.  Choirs usually do not rehearse, sing, or ring during the summer months.
  • Complete such other tasks as may be required to carry out the job of Director of Music.

 

THE JOB

  • The position of Director of Music is a part-time, salaried position, entailing approximately 20 hours per week, 52 weeks per year with 4 weeks paid vacation.
  • Remuneration shall be dependent on education and experience.
  • Remuneration will be reviewed annually by the Trustees of the church prior to the Congregation’s annual meeting in January.
  • The Director of Music will secure competent substitutes during sickness, vacation, or other leave.  Substitutes will be paid at the church’s expense during paid time off, and at the Director’s expense otherwise.

 

ACCOUNTABILITY

  • The Director of Music, working with the Pastor and the Music Committee, will plan, develop, organize, and direct the music ministry of the Church.  Under Church Bylaws, the Director of Music is accountable to the Pastor in consultation with the Music Committee.  The Pastor is ultimately responsible for all services of worship of the church.
  • An evaluation of the Director of Music will be made after the first six months of employment and then at least annually by the Pastor, with input from the Music Committee, and other Staff members.

 

 

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