Job Overview
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (ELCA, gslc-cu.org) in Champaign, Illinois, is seeking a Choir Director for a small volunteer choir that rehearses on Wednesday evenings and sings Sunday mornings September-May at the 9 AM worship service. Successful candidates will have directing and vocal music experience and basic familiarity with the Christian liturgical calendar. Your leadership should energize rehearsals, elevate performances, and create an inclusive space where singers of all levels can thrive.
Responsibilities
1. Plan, attend and direct all choir rehearsals and worship services at which the choir assists in leading worship. Rehearsals are scheduled Wednesdays from 7:00-8:00 pm, except during Lent when the schedule is altered due to Wednesday worship service. The Choir meets 30 minutes before Worship service on Sundays for warmups and Psalm rehearsal.
2. Provide musical leadership for worship and ensure that the choir is familiar with the hymns selected for the worship service.
3. Assist the assembly in learning new hymns, new liturgical settings and varied worship styles (as an example; Joyous Light)
4. Select choir anthems for presentation as part of worship each week that align with the choir's skills. Anthems selected should be appropriate for the Three-year Revised Common Lectionary and Calendar of Sundays and Principal Festivals.
5. Actively encourage congregation members and community members to join the choir.
6. Oversee and maintain the Choir Music Library and ensure that the needed musical supplies are purchased and available in the choir room.
7. Serve on the Worship and Music Committee and attend meetings of the Committee.
8. Additional duties may be negotiated and add to the level of compensation. Examples include leading music for children in the congregation, playing the guitar or another instrument, etc.
It is our hope that the Choir Director will lead engaging rehearsals that help build our choir's vocal technique, harmony, and musical interpretation, using constructive feedback that helps singers improve and expand their vocal abilities. We value a diverse, positive, and collaborative atmosphere that welcomes all people and all skill levels.
REQUIRED SCHEDULE:
Sunday Worship Services
The Choir generally sings every week at the 9:00 am Sunday worship service. The Choir convenes at least thirty minutes prior to the start of worship service for warmup and rehearsal. A Cantor from the choir helps lead the liturgy at worship services.
Church Year Holiday Services
If multiple services are held on festival Sundays, such as at Easter, the Choir is expected to perform at both worship services. The Choir is also expected to provide music at Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and Holy Week evening services. Performance at midweek Lenten services will be determined each Lenten season.
Choir Calendar
The Choir typically convenes rehearsals in late August and begins singing during Worship services in early September. The schedule concludes on Pentecost Sunday. There are no scheduled choir rehearsals or performances during the summer months.
Pay: $7,500.00 - $8,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
