Music Director/Organist

As stated in the constitution on Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council, the combination of sacred music and words forms a necessary and integral part of the solemn liturgy. The Director of Liturgical Music facilitates this important liturgical function by serving the parish as principal musician, organist and choir director according to the highest professional standards established by his profession.

Essential Functions:

· At the direction of the pastor, assist the pastor in the selection and preparation of music for all parish masses and liturgies

· Provides service by playing for the regular parish liturgical celebrations including weddings and funerals

o Recruits, trains, directs and supervises choirs, instrumental ensembles and cantors

o Prepares assembly for liturgies through rehearsals prior to liturgies, rehearsals with students in schools or religious education programs

· Provides for liturgical updating and education of the parish

o Communicates through parish bulletin or newsletter

o Actively participates in parish organizations including pastoral staff, liturgy preparation groups, and music support committees

· Maintains and develops personal and professional skills

o Attends in-service training opportunities

o Sharpens skills through personal practice, lessons or master classes

· Develops and monitors budget for area of responsibility and administers the expenditures of approved items

· Cooperates with the liturgical music projects of the Archdiocese

· Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as mutually agreed upon

Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities:

· Must have a knowledge and appreciation of the Catholic Church’s liturgical tradition as well as current liturgical practice

· Must have a high degree of proficiency in the use of the organ as attested to by formal credentials and a personal performance audition

· Should have a working knowledge of other instruments which may be used

· Must have skill as an effective choral conductor as demonstrated by formal credentials and/or a choral audition (rehearsal)

· Must have a knowledge and appreciation of the Catholic Church’s liturgical tradition as well as current liturgical practice

· Must have the ability and desire to lead and sustain a program of quality singing

· Must have a good knowledge of quality repertoire available for liturgical music programs for adult and children’s choirs, organ and congregation; this also includes a familiarity with organ literature both classical and contemporary, for preludes, postludes and interludes

· Must be self motivated

· Ability to adapt to changes in routine or schedule

· Must be adept in pedal-board skills

· Good manual dexterity

· Excellent communication skills both written and oral

· Must have a good working relationship and accompaniment for the cantors and soloists

· Must have a good relationship and ability to motivate the congregation to participate in hymns, refrains, antiphons and acclamations through excellent keyboard, pedal-board and registration skills

Educational Requirements:

· A Master’s Degree in music is preferred; Bachelor’s Degree in Music is required

· High degree of proficiency in use of the organ and a working knowledge of other instruments

· This position requires experience in parish liturgical music programs

· Knowledge and appreciation of liturgical arts and practices

· Ability to direct choirs and congregational singing

· Willing to improve knowledge and skills through course work and professional associations.

Responsibility for Quantifiable Measures:

Preparation and administration of annual liturgical music budget, including purchase of music, payment of additional musical personnel, copyright fees and programs.

Physical Requirements/Environmental Conditions:

Requires prolonged standing and/or sitting

Ability to use mechanical functions of the organ, e.g., pistons, stops, as well as all manuals and pedal-board

Ability to direct choir from console

Working Environment:

Regular weekend and evening work hours are required. Along with the regular parish liturgical schedule, musicians may be required to provide music for additional services during Holy Week, sacramental celebrations, weddings and funerals.