JOB SUMMARY
The part-time Chancel Choir Director chooses music, leads rehearsals, directs vocal music for worship services and special events, and works with volunteers to enhance their music gifts. This role requires background and education in music; experience in directing and guiding church choirs, and experience in volunteer recruitment and retention. Member/associate member willingness to become a member/associate member of Central College Presbyterian Church and active participation in the life of CCPC are required. The Chancel Choir Director supports and enhances worship by selecting anthems and special music; rehearsing the Chancel Choir; maintaining the music library; and recruiting and supporting volunteers.
PURPOSE
The Chancel Choir Director is a vital part of the worship ministry of the church. The Chancel Choir Director provides musical leadership that enhances worship, fosters spiritual growth, and nurtures the gifts of Chancel Choir members. The Chancel Choir Director is a consistent, positive presence in worship services and at special events.
Key Responsibilities
Choir Leadership
· Lead Chancel Choir rehearsals (currently Thursdays from 7:30-9:00 pm) from the last week of August to mid-June; on Sunday mornings before services (7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.) from September through mid-June; and in special rehearsals for special services and programs.
· Direct the Chancel Choir during Sunday worship services and special seasonal services and programs, including but not limited to Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, and Easter.
· Recruit and work closely with accompanists. Music selections should be given to the accompanists well in advance of their rehearsal and performance by the choir.
· Arrange for soloists, accompanists or instrumentalists as needed.
Music Selection
· Select choir music for the Sunday morning traditional worship services, which are currently held at 8:00 and 9:30. Selections should provide a variety of music, including traditional, classical, gospel, and contemporary music, and should be appropriately coordinated with the liturgical calendar. Whenever possible, choir music should follow the theme or sermon for the worship service.
· Select and arrange for musical presentations during Holy Week (Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday), Easter, and Advent/Christmas season (including a Christmas cantata).
· Organize and arrange for music for community events that the church sponsors or participates in such as the Freedom Celebration and the Habitat for Humanity Progressive Concert.
· Arrange for substitutes when solo, ensemble, or instrumental musicians are absent.
· Ensure that the worship space is prepared for the choir and/or instrumentalists before the service or program.
· Find a substitute when absent from rehearsals, services, or events and informing the Pastor and accompanist of absence beforehand.
Administration and Collaboration
· Adhere to CCPC policies/procedures regarding worship planning.
· Provide music information, including music titles, composers, and musicians, for each worship service to a person designated to receive such information, in a timely manner, at least one week prior to each Sunday or special service.
· Maintain the music library in an organized fashion and keep the choir room orderly and neat.
· Maintain collaborative relationships with the organist, bell choir director, any youth/children’s choir directors, Children’s and Youth Ministry directors, Instrumental Group director, music teacher of Central College Christian School, and technology staff.
· Manage the choir budget, arrange for purchase of new music and supplies within budget, and present annual budget requests to the Budget Committee.
· Provide reports to Session, as requested by the Senior Pastor.
· Meet regularly with staff members, volunteers, and/or pastors to facilitate communication and planning and to coordinate service logistics and music needs and expectations.
Choir Member Recruitment and Retention
- Encourage church members and community members to join the Chancel Choir.
- Foster an inclusive, positive choir environment.
Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree with a music/music education major or minor.
· Prior experience in church music ministry or music education.
· High level of overall musicianship.
· Demonstrated competence in musicianship and choral directing, including conducting of various types of music.
· Demonstrated ability to conduct instrumental groups.
· Solo performance experience.
· Keyboard skills are strongly preferred.
· Patience and teaching ability when teaching vocal parts to volunteer singers of mixed experience levels.
· Enthusiastic, positive, and organized.
· Excellent personal communication skills are essential.
· Adherence to the values, traditions, and mission of Central College Presbyterian Church.
· Demonstrated commitment to the Christian faith and agreement with the mission, values, and beliefs of Central College Presbyterian Church.
· Agreement with the church’s Statement of Faith.
· Membership in or willingness to become a member/associate member of Central College Presbyterian Church.
Work Schedule and Environment
This position is a part-time position. The hours for the position will average 15 hours per week.
The Chancel Choir Director’s work schedule includes Sunday morning services, special services, regular and special choir rehearsals, special instrumental rehearsals related to the traditional services, meetings, and other times as required.
Work Relationships and Expectations
This position works closely with church staff and volunteers. The Chancel Choir Director is expected to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and a servant-hearted attitude while contributing to the spiritual life of the church community. The Chancel Choir Director will:
· Collaborate with colleagues and volunteers to enhance spiritual development.
· Participate in staff meetings and professional development, as needed.
· Support and uphold all church policies, procedures, and expectations.
· Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Pastor or designee.
Pay: $27,300.00 per year
Work Location: In person
