Position: Choirmaster

Position Description:

The Choirmaster works closely with the Rector to plan the musical offerings of the parish and coordinates the same with the Principal Organist and Organ Scholar/Assistant Organist. This position provides fifteen to twenty hours per week.

 Duties include:

  •  Serve collegially with the Principal Organist and Assistant Organist and coordinating as needed their work to provide musical resources for the rounds of prayer and sacrament at Christ Church Parish, reporting to the Rector as head of staff

  • Plan and execute the choral music calendar for the program year, consulting as needed with the Principal Organist on items requiring organ accompaniment, and the Rector

  • Recruit and direct the Christ Church Choir, planning for the number of singers needed for the sung liturgies, working within the confines of the budget. It is the expectation that the choir will sing, as possible within the budget, at each Solemn High Mass from early September (Labor Day) through late June (Corpus Christi), and at other liturgies as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Rector.

  • Coordinate as needed for the necessary musical resources for the 8:45am service.  (This service is typically covered by Principal Organist and/or Organ Scholar when needed)

  • Plan for & direct the Sunday evening Compline service during term, recruiting singers as necessary.

  • Maintain a high standard of excellence within the musical and liturgical traditions of the parish, while also suggesting new resources or strategies as appropriate.

  • Work with the Rector to plan sung liturgies, and report the necessary information for the preparation of bulletins to the Parish Administrator.

  • Coordinate with the organists to see that one or more organists are provided for each service with music.

  • Take the lead in arranging with the organist and any singers necessary for special services such as weddings, funerals, and other weekday services with music, at an additional compensation of $150 per service.

  • With the approval of the Rector, collaborate with other parishes, musical and community organizations in concerts and/or services of mutual benefit.

  • Provide for a timely reporting of the choir pay roll to the parish office.

  • Maintain the choir room in an orderly and professional manner, overseeing improvements as necessary.

  • Take a lead in planning for the promotion and publicity of Christ Church musical events.

  • Serve as needed as coordinator for musical events by outside groups at the parish, overseeing the set-up, clean-up, and security for the event. In particular, serve as a liaison with the Institute of Sacred Music.  (ISM staff typically manage each ISM function, and the Sexton as support staff is available to carry out cleanup and breakdown of non-ISM events.)

  • Participate in the overall staff function of the parish, including a weekly staff meeting and other duties as may be assigned.

  • Provide coaching and training as requested for members of the staff or others with musical responsibilities in the liturgy.

  • As a member of the parish staff and community, share in the responsibility of maintaining a secure and safe environment on campus while promoting collegiality amongst staff and fellowship amongst parishioners.

     

 Qualifications:

Advanced degree preferred (MM or similar or higher); prior experience preferred and considered in lieu of advanced degree.

Experience in church ministry, whether paid or unpaid, is useful.

Familiarity with Episcopal liturgy and polity is useful.

 Skills:

  • Attention to detail.

  • Strong oral, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication.

  • Effective collaborative and pastoral style.

  • Strong integrity, honesty, and confidentiality.

  • Ability to take initiative and make decisions.

  • Working knowledge of all major office software including word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and web design.

To apply, send resume, cover letter (may be an email), recordings of two choral pieces, and three references to search@christchurchnh.org.  Christ Church Parish does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, orientation, or gender identity.