Director of Music Position Description

Effective September 20, 2012, this position has been filled.

Overview

The Church of St. John the Evangelist is an Episcopal congregation with approximately 350 members, located in suburban Flossmoor, 25 miles south of downtown Chicago. Music is an important component in the mission and ministry of the parish. Within that mission and ministry, music is offered to the Glory of God by, and on behalf of, the assembled congregation within the context of worship. Music unites us as a community at worship, draws our spirits towards God and enables to offer God our praise. The Director of Music is a ministry staff position, responsible for the vitality of music as a component of the parish’s worship. In the Episcopal Church, the Rector (priest in charge of the congregation) has primary authority for all aspects of worship. At St. John’s, the Director of Music works collaboratively with the Rector to achieve: high quality of instrumental and choral musical presentation, interaction and complementarity of music with other elements of liturgy, personal, professional and spiritual nurture and growth of the choir, and the support and increase of the congregation’s appreciation and participation in music of worship.

St. John’s has an enthusiastic and talented volunteer choir, currently composed of twelve to fifteen voices. The music in worship draws primarily upon the historic music traditions of the Episcopal (Anglican) Church, utilizing the Hymnal 1982. The parish and choir do enjoy occasionally supplementing the more traditional hymnody and anthems of the church with a wide diversity of musical offerings. In 2003 a new digital three manual Ahlborn-Galanti Organ was installed in the church. A Baldwin spinet piano is also located in the church.

The choir currently rehearses on Sunday mornings before and after the principal worship service. The Director of Music position is considered a quarter time position (approximately 10 hours per week). Salary and vacation time are negotiable and dependent upon qualifications and experience. Salary will conform to AGO guidelines for a quarter time position (approximately $10,000 – 17,000 annually). Benefits are not provided.

Qualifications and Skills

• An active faith and passion for music as an act of worship.

• At least a bachelor’s degree in music performance, church music or a related degree.

• Proficiency on the organ and piano as soloist and accompanist.

• Experience and competency rehearsing and directing a choir, specifically from the bench.

• Interest and experience in motivating and encouraging singers of various proficiencies. Experience in vocal pedagogy or coaching is particularly desirable.

• Demonstrated knowledge or experience with liturgical worship. Familiarity and interest in Episcopal liturgy and theology are highly preferred.

• Broad knowledge of historical and contemporary church music and other music appropriate for use in worship.

Specific Job Expectations

• In collaboration with the Rector, seek to nurture joy, reverence and participation in music as part of the congregation’s life and worship.

• Select and perform instrumental music at the principal Sunday worship service.

• Rehearse, direct and accompany the choir at the principal Sunday worship services during the “choir season” from September through May. Select liturgically appropriate choral music for one or two anthems each Sunday.

• Foster collegiality, motivate the highest possible musical quality, and nurture spiritual growth within the choir.

• Select and accompany liturgically appropriate hymns for congregational singing throughout the year.

• Provide instrumental and choral music (subject to choir availability) for the following special holy days throughout the year: Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil (Easter Eve), Easter Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the Feast of St. John the Evangelist.

• Subject to availability, provide organ music for parish weddings and funerals.

• Meet with the Rector at least monthly for planning and consultation.

• Arrange for a substitute organist when needed.

Application Process

Applications will be received through July 31, 2012. As needed, the application process may be extended. Applicants should send a cover letter and resume with the names of at least two references. Application may be made via postal mail or e-mail.

The Rev. Kristin E. Orr, Rector
The Episcopal Church of St. John the Evangelist
P. O. Box 25
Flossmoor, IL 60422
708.798.4150
708.798.3050 (FAX)

sje2638@gmail.com

The application process will also include:

• An interview with the Rector.

• An interview with a small group of parishioners and choir members. • An audition on organ.

• An audition leading a choir rehearsal.

• In accordance with the policy of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a background check and participate in “Safe Church” training on the recognition and prevention of sexual misconduct and abuse.