Director of Music Ministry, Part Time, First Church in Sterling: Sterling, MA
SUMMARY
The Director of Music Ministry (DMM) leads the music ministries in the church, including organ/piano, choirs, and instrumental music for Sunday worship and other events as needed. The DMM works in conjunction with the Pastor, Organist and lay leadership in planning the musical portion of church programming and worship services.
WHO WE ARE
We are a joyful community who care for each other, for people in our broader community, and for our earth. Affiliated with the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association, First Church in Sterling is a theologically diverse, open and affirming, progressive Christian community where we are gathered in the spirit of Jesus and are committed to creating heaven on earth. We offer worship services Sundays at 10 AM, year-round.
We are dedicated to dynamic worship each Sunday morning, with music central to the experience. We celebrate our multi-generational and multi-denominational congregation with a wide range of music and worship opportunities.
We are searching for a DMM to build on the foundation of a choir of around 15 members and a growing and very active congregation of about 300 members (including many with diverse musical talents).
WHO YOU ARE
Passionate about music as a means of spiritual expression and of opening the congregation to spiritual exploration. A choral director in both traditional and contemporary music. Flexible and creative, able to work with musicians of all skill and ability levels, and willing to support the mission of the church.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Support of Worship Services:
• Coordinates all music and directs the choir for Sundays and special services including Ash Wednesday, Christmas Eve (two services), Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.
• Reviews, selects, and purchases music that follows the thematic planning of the senior pastor, worship team, and the liturgical year, and that reflects a wide diversity of styles. Maintains the music library.
• Intentionally programs a thoughtful mix of traditional/contemporary hymns, songs, anthems, and pieces for choirs, small groups, and soloists, and instrumental pieces for organ, piano, or other instrumental groups or soloists.
• Arranges for and provides orientation for guest/substitute musicians and other artists (instrumental, vocal, visual) as needed.
• Provides copyright reporting to appropriate entities for live-streaming worship services.
• Attends weekly staff meetings and meetings of the worship team.
Musical Education and Development
• Rehearses and conducts the adult choir for services and for weekly rehearsal(s).
• Recruits and motivates new choir members and other musicians.
• Creates and maintains information about musical talents/abilities in the congregation and regularly incorporates them into worship services.
• Directs, rehearses, and accompanies children/youth choirs and instrumental groups, as interest warrants.
Stewardship of Music Program Resources
• Oversees with organist the maintenance of pianos, organ, bells, and other instruments
• Procures vestments, folders, music, and other related materials.
• Manages, consults, and advises on music budget and program needs.
Additional Responsibilities:
• Provides consultation and music for other special services; remuneration negotiated with the Senior Pastor.
• Other duties as requested by the Senior Pastor.
Minimum Qualifications:
The Director of Music Ministry must be able to conduct choral groups. The DMM will have:
• Wide range of knowledge in sacred music, contemporary music, and worship planning.
(Bachelor of Music/Sacred Music or certification is preferred but not required.)
• Knowledge of, and ability to implement, choral vocal technique.
• Good communication and organizational skills.
• Spiritual and emotional maturity.
• Willingness to explore innovative ways of growing the music ministry.
• Knowledge of and experience with basic audio/visual technology is a plus.
Please submit a cover letter, resume and possible links to your work to sterlingoffice@gmail.com
Title: Director of Music Ministry
Terms of Employment: Part-time non-exempt position, average of 12 hours per week, 10-12 months/year. Would have the option of taking the summer off for a 10 month position.
Salary: $16-19,000 per year commensurate with experience, with 5 annual paid Sundays off
Audition required.
• Lead a choir rehearsal:
o Rehearse a piece the choir knows well (10-15 minutes)
o Introduce a contemporary piece of your choice to the choir (10-15 minutes).