Organist/Choirmaster Position Available In Berks, Pennsylvania

Organist/Choirmaster St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church 1188 Ben Franklin Highway East, Douglassville, PA 19518 ST.

GABRIEL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Douglassville, PA Organist/Choirmaster

MISSION STATEMENT

“Learning & Doing the Work of Jesus”

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Organist/Choirmaster is responsible for leading the music program of St. Gabriel’s, in consultation with and subject to the approval of the Rector. The title “Rector” is used throughout to represent the person in charge. The Rector or Priest-in Charge shall be a member of and preside over the Vestry and is the President of the corporation. If there is no Rector or Priest-in-Charge, then the Senior Warden shall be the President of the Corporation (the person in charge).

POSITION HOURS

Part-time position working on average 10 – 15 hours per week

ORGANIZATIONAL ACCOUNTABILITY

The Organist/Choirmaster reports directly to the Rector.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY

This position has the following worship responsibilities: Playing and/or directing musical portions (including hymns, liturgical music, anthems, and organ music including prelude, postlude and interludes) at one of our Sunday worship services each weekend (10:30 am during program year, 10:00 am in summer), as well as special services (such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, etc.). Working with the Rector to coordinate, schedule and rehearse special music presentations during the summer choir recess. Collaborating with our Music Associate, who regularly provides guitar music for the Saturday night service, music while the choir receives the Eucharist, music at Villa services, and other services, as needed. In consultation with the Rector and the family, selecting and playing appropriate music for funerals, memorial services and weddings as requested. Supporting and coordinating with Children’s Ministry music leader and Youth Ministry team to plan and develop programs, services and special events. Encouraging congregational participation through competent, well-prepared leadership and through educational programs relating to the singing of hymns and other service music. Preparing of all musicians preceding services including choir members. Scheduling and conducting all rehearsals of choir members and any instrumentalists participating in services at St. Gabriel’s. Recommending and procuring competent substitute organists/choirmasters when unable to attend a service or rehearsal. This position has the following responsibilities for the development of musical gifts and talents: Encouraging individual parishioners to actively participate in a personal ministry using their musical gifts and talents. Recruiting, training and supervising professional and lay leadership of various choirs or musical ensembles. Preparing for efficient and effective rehearsals with choirs and instrumental ensembles. Selecting appropriate choral and instrumental music from the existing music or through review of new publications; maintaining and expanding the music library within the constraints of the music budget. This position has the following planning responsibilities: Providing competent, well prepared service music and choral leadership from the organ console which includes learning each score and selecting appropriate registration. Developing and administering the music budget; reviewing, selecting and purchasing appropriate music for worship; reviewing and selecting appropriate hymns and anthems for all services to complement the lectionary cycle. Meeting regularly to plan programs and services with the Rector and Worship Committee (of which he/she is an ex-officio member) as well as coordinating all musical activities with other ministries as necessary, Developing and promoting a variety of additional musical offerings such as special seasonal performances. This position has the following administrative responsibilities: Writing for “The Messenger” newsletter and other publications relating to services or other events; writing for the service bulletin to describe seasonal changes to music; telephone, text, or email contacts and correspondence with parishioners and other individuals and organizations, as needed. Supervising the selection, purchase and maintenance of musical instruments; supervising the purchase and maintenance of choir vestments; supervising the preparation of rehearsal area, materials, and instruments as needed. Supplement the volunteer voices with the paid positions (currently two: one female, one male) approved by the Rector and funded by the Vestry; submission of timely requests to the treasurer for payment of hired musicians/vocalists. Submission of an Annual Report prior to the Annual Meeting each year. Communicating clearly through email and/or text to the choir to notify them of rehearsal schedules This position has the following personal responsibilities: Insuring personal continued growth through periodicals, books, recordings, professional organizations (AGO, The Hymn Society, Choristers Guild, AAM), workshops, seminars and conventions within budgetary constraints. Responding to the community, diocese, and general Church by offering his/her talents and abilities when needed or requested.

CANONICAL AND RUBRICS

Title Il, Canon 5: “…It shall be the duty of every Member of the Clergy to see that music is used as an offering for the glory of God and as a help to the people in their worship in accordance with the Book of Common Prayer and as authorized by the rubrics or by the General Convention of this Church. To this end, the Member of the Clergy shall have the final authority in the administration of matters pertaining to music. In fulfilling this responsibility, the Member of the Clergy shall seek assistance from persons skilled in music. Together they shall see that music is appropriate to the context in which it is used.” 2006 Constitution and Canons

EDUCATION

Undergraduate degree in music with emphasis in choral direction and/or keyboard required. Master’s degree preferred.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

Must be competent in organ playing and choral directing, possess a working knowledge of sacred choral music, ability to work effectively with children/youth (or those who work with them) and adults and ability to be sensitive and responsive to the capabilities, needs and interests of the entire parish family.

RESIGNATION/TERMINATION

In the event of either resignation or termination, one month’s notice is required.

FEES AND PAYMENT

Salary:

$18,500 yearly, effective on hire date, to be reviewed annually.

Fee for weddings:

$200 (with soloist rehearsal and/or attendance at rehearsal, addtl. $75)

Note:

St. Gabriel’s organist/choirmaster has the right of first refusal to provide music at all weddings requiring organ music at St. Gabriel’s. Other organists may use our instruments only after consultation with the organist/choirmaster.

Fee for funerals:

$150 The position will receive four paid weekends per year of personal leave. If taken during the “choir year” (Sep. – May) this would include choir rehearsals. The position receives two weekends sick leave calculated on a similar basis per year (weekend and rehearsal night). There will be a performance review between the Organist/Choirmaster, the Rector, and the Senior Warden on an annual basis.

TO APPLY

Send an updated resume and cover letter to office@stgabriels.us. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

$18,500.00 per year Expected hours: 10 – 15 per week

Benefits:

Employee assistance program Paid time off

Work Location:

In person