Ensemble Choir Director

PLEASE NOTE: FOR THIS POSITION YOU SHOULD NOT APPLY VIA THIS SYTEM BUT RATHER SUBMIT YOUR RESUME DIRECTLY TO THE PARISH OR AGENCY AS LISTED AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POSTING (HIGHLIGHTED IN RED), OTHERWISE YOUR APPLICATION MAY NOT BE SUBMITTED TO THE APPROPRIATE PARTY. THANK YOU.

Seeking Ensemble Choir Director at St. Vincent De Paul Parish

Overview:

St. Vincent DePaul-a diverse, social justice-minded Roman Catholic parish in the Germantown neighborhood of Philadelphia-is seeking a Director for our ensemble group whose volunteer choir, cantors, and accompanists are responsible for two Masses each weekend. Other parish music ministries include Gospel, Spanish, and children's choirs, all helping the congregation to praise God in a meaningful way through song. The Ensemble Director reports to the pastor and collaborates with the other Directors. Approximate time commitment: 10 hours/week.

Musical Responsibilities:

1. Coordinate / accompany liturgical music at 4:00 Saturday vigil and alternating 9:00 and 10:30 Sunday Masses. Share responsibility for holy days, Triduum, funerals / weddings (as available), and special liturgical events.
2. Recruit and rehearse choir members, cantors, and instrumentalists so that they are prepared to lead St. Vincent's in worship through a high-quality music ministry.
3. In collaboration with choir members, select appropriate hymns, psalms, and choral arrangements that align with the liturgical calendar.

Administrative Responsibilities

1. Attend monthly Liturgy Committee meetings and collaborate with clergy and other parish leaders to create a cohesive liturgical experience.
2. Through membership in professional organizations (e.g. NPM), stay updated on trends and developments in Catholic liturgical music, incorporating new repertoire and styles when appropriate.
3. Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment, encouraging congregational song and growing the music ministry.
4. Develop and maintain a central music library and ensure compliance with copyright laws.

Qualifications

• Excellent proficiency in piano
• Understanding/appreciation of Catholic liturgy and the role of music in worship; strong knowledge of hymnody, psalmody, and liturgical music traditions; appreciation of various cultural styles of Catholic music.
• Experience in choir directing-especially with non-professional singers and musicians-with an "all are welcome" attitude.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; facility with email, texting, scheduling. • Good pastoral identity; at ease praying with choir and being attentive to pastoral needs. • Ability to collaborate effectively with clergy, musicians, parishioners, and other choirs within and beyond the parish.

To Apply: Send cover letter and resume to search@saint-vincent-church.org by May 10, 2024.