DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MINISTRY POSITION
Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
Let us shout aloud to the Rock of our Salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
And extol him with music and song." Psalm 95
VISION STATEMENT
We understand music as a form of communication that is a powerful expression of the human spirit which has the ability to evoke a deeper awareness of the presence of God. Music in worship serves to unite the congregation in experience and expression; to build bridges between the different elements of the liturgy; and to support the worship themes found in weekly scriptures, liturgies, and sermons. The vision of our music ministry is to engage persons of all ages in using their vocal and instrumental talent to bring glory to God. As we encourage one another to lend our talents in music, the worship of the entire church is enriched and enlivened. Our worship music is a reflection of the diversity of our congregation and our world. A breadth of musical genres and styles fosters greater congregational involvement and joy in worship.
PURPOSE:
The primary ministry of the Director of Music is to work collaboratively with our pastor(s), Worship Committee, organist, choir, Logos worship staff, and other musicians to lead the congregation in joyful and reverent worship through music.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Work collaboratively with the pastors and Worship Committee in implementing a vision for "emerging worship" which seeks to utilize a broad diversity of musical and artistic gifts in the congregation.
- Create quarterly plans for choral music, coordinating musical selections with scriptural themes of worship planned by the pastoral staff and fitting with the church's liturgical season.
- Direct the chancel choir in rehearsal and presentation of selected sacred music at rehearsals on Wednesday evening and Sunday morning.
- Train choir members in choral techniques and appreciation of sacred music.
- Organize and supervise the recruitment of choir members, and other musicians, encouraging persons to offer their musical talents in worship.
- Plan and prepare introits and anthems and other musical selections appropriate to the theme of each service of worship. (It is the responsibility of the Pastors to select the hymns for each service, open to input from the minister of music.)
- Offer musical leadership, when necessary, for special worship services, including weddings and funerals which could include arrangements for a soloist, ensemble, or full choir.
- Become familiar with our existing music library, identifying anthems and worship music for use in congregational worship. Review, select, and order new choral music in coordination with the worship committee and in conversation with the pastor(s.)
- Work cooperatively with the Worship Committee to plan and schedule special musical groups and soloists for summer worship and throughout the year, taking primary responsibility for the scheduling)
- Together with the Worship Committee, plan for special musical programs for Christmas or Easter, and provide leadership in directing these programs when needed.
- Maintain personal musical skills and competency necessary to provide performance of a consistently high quality.
- Provide enthusiastic spiritual leadership by leading chancel choir members and other musicians in prayer and devotions at rehearsals and in preparation for worship.
- Lead or oversee the lay leadership of the Bell Choir and offer support and/or leadership to other emerging music ministries.
- Attend Worship Committee meetings and the annual Worship Retreat.
- Encourage and support the integration of all liturgical arts in worship such as liturgical dance, instrumental music, special productions, choir chimes, bell choir, Orff instruments and Logos children's music, etc.
- Help build community amongst choir members by arranging for choir social events during the year.
- Arrange for a substitute Choir Director and/or Organist when necessary, and request pay disbursement for substitutes (if applicable), when necessary.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
The Director of Music is directly accountable to the Worship Committee which operates under the Fellowship Division of Session, and the Personnel Committee. Both of these committees operate under Session and in conjunction with the guidance of the pastor(s).
REQUIREMENTS:
Must be a person who delights in expressing his or her faith through music in worship and enjoys working collaboratively with others.
A college degree, preferably in music, is required. Previous experience in conducting choral groups will be an asset.
RELATIONSHIPS:
The Director of Music will work with the pastor(s), Worship Committee of the Fellowship Division and lay leaders.
COMPENSATION, WORK SCHEDULE AND VACATION:
Salary: current salary range for a Bachelor's degree. Current salary range for a Master's degree.
Work schedule: A part-time position. The Minister of Music/Choir Director will be available for all choir rehearsals (Wednesday nights) bell rehearsals (currently Saturday mornings) Sunday Service (currently one), special services, Worship Committee meetings, and as needed for practices of other musical offerings.
Vacation: Four Sundays a year of paid vacation. Other Sundays may be scheduled (unpaid) with pastoral approval.
PERFORMANCE REVIEWS:
Will be conducted annually by the pastoral staff and Personnel Committee. The Personnel Committee will also annually review the adequacy of compensation.