Position Description for Organist & Adult Choirmaster

 

I. GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Organist & Adult Choirmaster collaborates with the Rector or Priest-in-Charge and other staff members to plan, prepare and provide music for all worship services, plays  the organ and/or piano accompaniment each week, and directs the Adult Choir. 

 

II. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Organist/Adult Choirmaster is responsible for:

  • Providing music at the regularly scheduled worship services on Sunday, including playing the organ and/or possible piano accompaniment at the principle service.
  • Recruiting, training, rehearsing and directing the adult choir.
  • In consultation with the Rector or Priest-in-Charge and additional music staff, planning and preparing appropriate music for each service
  • Encouraging both vocal and instrumental musical interest in the entire congregation.  Teaching and leading the congregation in singing, especially when introducing new music.
  • Providing special music programs, including guest musicians, for Easter, Christmas, and other times as needed or desired.  (specific days to be spelled out in Letter of Agreement)
  • Submitting a proposed budget to the Budget Committee for all areas for which the Organist/Adult Choirmaster is responsible on or before Oct 15th of each year or as specified by vestry and adhering to the approved budget for the music program
  • Purchasing music for choirs from allocated funds and ensuring compliance with applicable copyright laws
  • Purchasing and maintaining choir robes from allocated funds
  • Maintaining the organ, and pianos.
  • Providing music after consultation with the Rector or Priest in Charge for all weddings and funerals or, if unavailable, obtaining an organist (the wedding party pays the organist according to the published fee schedule for weddings)
  • Maintaining the music library
  • Performing other related work as assigned by the Rector or Priest-in-Charge.
  • The Organist/Adult Choirmaster shall attend regular planning meetings with the Rector or Priest-in-Charge and participate in scheduled staff meetings.
  • Arrange for substitute musicians for day that you are unavailable.

 

III. QUALIFICATIONS

The Organist/Adult Choirmaster shall have demonstrated proficiency in organ technique, service accompaniment, choral conducting and knowledge of Christian theology. An additional indicator of past training would be a bachelor’s degree in music. Knowledge of the Episcopal liturgy would be considered advantageous.

 

IV. SALARY AND BENEFITS

This will be based upon experience, as well as annual budgetary review process. Benefits will include paid time off and continuing education as negotiated and noted in final letter of agreement.

 

V. HOURS AND EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

Hours for this position will be based upon final delegation of duties outlined in a Letter of Agreement. This Agreement shall be established and shall be a written agreement. This Letter of Agreement shall remain in place for a one-year period and shall be reviewed and/or renewed annually.  The first six months of the initial Letter of Agreement will constitute a probationary period.  During this time either party may terminate the Letter of agreement with a 2 week notice. The Letter of Agreement shall follow the guidelines established by the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut.