Choir Director/Organist

NOTE: Posting revised to correct an entry mistake

Accountability: The Choir Director/Organist of First Presbyterian Church of Newark, Delaware, is a staff member who reports to the Senior Pastor/Head of Staff and has a working relationship with the Worship Ministry and other entities who provide worship music.

Responsibilities:

        Primary:    

        · Play the organ, or the piano as appropriate, during Traditional, Contemporary (as needed), and Special Worship Services, and direct the Chancel Choir in these services throughout the church year.

        · Facilitate excellence in music in First Presbyterian’s worship services.

        · Plan, select, coordinate, and direct/perform music that is an integral part of all Traditional Worship in a cooperative manner with the Pastor and other staff members (e.g., the Pastor selects hymns with the Choir Director/Organist’s advice as appropriate).

        · Plan music for the summer schedule cooperatively with the Pastor and other staff using a variety of alternative music support including, but not limited to, vocal soloists, instrumental soloists, small group singers, summer choirs, etc.

        · Arrange for proper care of the organ and grand pianos.

        Related:

        · Work to encourage, recruit, and increase participation in the Chancel Choir.

        · Attend Staff meetings and Worship Ministry meetings as scheduled.

        · Coordinate and maintain a schedule of all musical rehearsals and performances to avoid conflicts with other events in the church facilities.

        · Prepare an annual music budget following the established procedures for purchases, contracts, and other expenses of the ministry, including maintenance of the organ and pianos.

        · Select, acquire, and maintain/supervise the Choir music library, including the lending of music to other churches and choral groups.

        · Provide educational opportunities for the congregation to enhance its appreciation for music in the church in concert with the Worship and     Learning ministries.

        · Be available for, or arrange for, an organist/soloist for funerals, memorial services, and weddings as requested by the Pastor.

        · Through the Music Program, encourage community attendance at worship services and other music events.

        · As appropriate, coordinate music selections with the Praise Team Music Leader for performance at worship services.

Necessary Qualifications:

        · Demonstrate competence of a variety of music styles by playing First Presbyterian’s sanctuary organ and concert grand piano.

        · Understand the variety of musical styles used in First Presbyterian’s worship.

        · Demonstrate competence in preparing and conducting First Presbyterian’s Chancel Choir.

        · Ability to manage a choir budget.

Compensation and Benefits:

        This position is part-time (20 hours per week). Salary is paid semimonthly. No benefits are provided.

        Vacation is described in First Presbyterian’s Human Resources Manual.

        Compensation for such events as memorial services and weddings will be arranged with the requesting party/parties.

Contract: Cindy Rogers, Office Manager, 302-731-5645, cindyrogers@firstpresnewark.org

Church Website: www.firstpresnewark.org