Director of Music Position Information
St Paul
Lutheran Church - July 2008
Church Background
St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran church was founded in 1852 in Reading, Ohio. We are a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and belong to the Southern Ohio Synod. There are 256 confirmed members in our congregation.
The combined attendance at two Sunday morning Eucharists is approximately 125. Our Pastor, Rev.
Elizabeth Senft, has been with us for one year. A Chancel Choir of about
fourteen adults supports the late service most Sundays, September to June. The
Joyful Noise, a choir of approximately nine adults, sings at each service once a
month, November to August. An instrumental group supports worship services on
festivals and other occasions. A four-octave set of handbells equips a bell
choir of six to eight adults. We use a variety of
musical styles of high quality, while maintaining Lutheran liturgy. Communion is celebrated every Sunday at both services. Sunday school classes for all ages are offered at 9:15 am each Sunday, September through May.
Position Search
1. We are seeking a Director of Music who would be
responsible for the Chancel Choir and would serve as
Organist for both services.
2. The position will be part-time (approximately 15
hours/week), and is available after July 20th, 2008.
3. The Director of Music would be accountable to our
Pastor and the Church Council, and would serve on the
Music & Worship Committee.
4. Salary is commensurate with experience and duties
performed. Experience in liturgical service, knowledge
of choral techniques and sensitivity to Lutheran musical
traditions is highly desirable.
5. Further details are available from Carla
Jowanovitz, Search Committee Chair, through this
website or e-mail to
MusicDirector@fuse.net . Apply by submitting a
cover letter and resume to the church at the above
address, to the attention of Carla Jowanovitz. The
successful candidate will be asked to submit references,
interview with the Search Committee and play and/or
conduct as appropriate.
Director of Music Duties and Responsibilities
1. Direct the Chancel Choir in rehearsals as required to participate in Sunday worship (September through early June). In addition, prepare the Chancel Choir for special services including Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter. Purchase all music and music supplies for the Chancel Choir as the budget allows.
2. Actively recruit new members of all ages to participate in the music ministries of St. Paul. Provide a nurturing atmosphere for musical learning.
3. Provide organ/piano music for two Sunday worship
services weekly, as well as Christmas Eve, Ash
Wednesday, Mid-week Lenten services, Maundy Thursday,
Good Friday and Easter. May also be involved in
occasional ecumenical services held at St. Paul.
4. Provide accompaniment for weddings, funerals and
other special liturgies for St. Paul. The Director of
Music will have the right of first refusal in service
playing.
5. May include direction of the Handbell Choir as
required to participate in Sunday worship. Prepare the
Handbell Choir for special services such as Christmas
Eve and Easter. Purchase music and music supplies
for the Handbell Choir as the budget allows.
6. Assist and collaborate with the Pastor in planning worship, including choosing hymns, liturgies, and special music. Coordinate service details with visiting clergy.
7. Meet with the Music and Worship committee to accomplish planning tasks and provide leadership to the music program.
8. Provide Church Council with an annual report
evaluating the music program.
9. Work with committee chairs and the director of children's education to provide music for various programs (Sunday School,
Vacation Bible School).
10. Work cooperatively with the directors of the
Joyful Noise choir and the instrumentalists to schedule
the calendar of activities and plan festival music.
Skills and Qualifications
1. Knowledge of various musical styles and familiarity with Lutheran liturgical tradition preferred.
2. Secure knowledge of keyboard technique and ability
sufficient to play hymns, liturgy and easy anthem
accompaniments by sight.
3. Experience in choral conducting and/or vocal technique.
4. Knowledge of handbell technique and experience in
handbell conducting, if directing the Handbell Choir is
an included responsibility.
5. Strong leadership and interpersonal skills required. Experience as a team player also essential.
6. Passion and enthusiasm for music and ability to
motivate through example. Vision for future
development of a vital music ministry.
Benefits:
In addition to a salary, the Director of Music will receive 4 Sundays paid vacation,
preferably during the summer months. Continuing education is expected and an allowance of $500 is provided. Twenty hours (2 and a half days) is provided off for such continuing education.
Fee information:
Weddings: $200 (This includes an initial conference with the bride and groom to choose music, the rehearsal and the wedding itself. Any additional work with soloists or other special music would involve an extra fee).
Funerals: $150
The Organ
The Sanctuary's fine acoustic has often been
complimented. Click the Organ Icon to the left for a complete
description of the organ at the St Paul Lutheran church
