Director of Music (New Britain, CT)

Job Title: Director of Music
Organization Name: South Congregational – First Baptist Church
Organization Website: http://southchurch.org/
Salary Range (optional): $45,000 - $60,000 annually
Job Description:
South Congregational – First Baptist Church in New Britain, CT, is seeking
an individual to fill the role of Director of Music. In partnership with
clergy, the Director of Music is a creative and inspirational leader,
responsible for the integration and interpretation of music in worship and in
the life of the congregation. Our ideal candidate is an accomplished organist
with experience conducting sacred choral music. We seek a dynamic individual
with strong leadership skills who will grow our music ministry. South Church
has long been known for our Gress-Miles organ and exceptional Chancel Choir,
and our goal is to continue to build on that tradition. Yet, while we highly
value traditional classical choral music, we understand that different styles
of music move people spiritually. We are a diverse congregation looking to
continually increase in diversity and number. Our motto, “In the Heart of
the City for the Heart of the City”, represents very much who we are and
want to be. Thus, we feel the need for a more varied music repertoire that
includes gospel, contemporary praise music, and sacred music from South
America, the Caribbean, and other cultures. We seek a Director of Music with
vision to build an expansive and inclusive ministry.

One aspect of our music legacy is The Music Series at South Church, which has
traditionally produced four concerts annually, including A Candlelight
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, featuring our Chancel Choir. Our ideal
Director of Music will fill the role of Artistic Director for The Music
Series.

Music is a substantial part of our liturgy, thus the position also requires
an individual who is comfortable working with our pastor to shape services in
terms of musicality, hymnody and the lectionary.

Function

The Director of Music plans, develops and administers a complete music
program for the church, including the ministry of music in worship, and
opportunities for outreach through fine arts in our congregation and
community; serves as organist and choirmaster; supervises all professional
and volunteer music personnel; and assists the pastor in all endeavors for
the spiritual welfare of the church.

Accountability

The Director of Music is a full-time, exempt position that reports directly
to the pastor and congregation through its elected Church Council. He/she has
authority in the administration of the church’s music ministry and in the
supervision of professional and volunteer music personnel, subject to the
limits of the Board of Worship, Music and the Arts (WMA).

Duties

•       Plans, develops and administers a complete music program for the church,
including the ministry of music in worship and opportunities for outreach
through fine arts in our congregation and community.
•       Works with pastors and staff in the design, development and execution of
all worship services, and participates in all regular and special services of
the church.
•       Directs the Chancel Choir in weekly rehearsals and Sunday worship
services.
•       Hires, supervises and evaluates the performance of the Chancel Choir’s
professional soloists/section leaders, and hires/supervises the Music
Secretary.
•       Serves as Artistic Director of The Music Series at South Church,
providing artistic consultation, and including the planning and execution of
A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, featuring the Chancel Choir.
•       Maintains the collection of the church’s instruments, including two
Gress-Miles organs – a large instrument in our main chancel
(http://www.southchurch.org/organ), and a smaller organ located in our
chapel.
•       Leads recruitment efforts for active participation in the church’s
music ministry.
•       Researches diverse styles of music for integration into the repertoire to
keep pace with the growing diversity within the congregation.
•       Selects, orders and maintains, in coordination with the Music Librarian,
all music for use by the Chancel Choir.
•       Leads special musical ensembles of various ages and abilities as needed,
i.e., the Tower Chime Guild, hand bell and contemporary choirs.
•       Responsible for providing music at all weddings and funerals held in the
church (for additional compensation).
•       Attends staff, WMA and Church Council meetings.
•       Drafts music notes for the Sunday bulletin and other events, and other
communications to the congregation about the music ministry.
•       Arranges for special vocalists or instrumentalists to supplement the
music at regular and special services.
•       Stays current with choral, organ, piano and other instrumental techniques
and repertoire.
•       Reviews and examines music and related literature to broaden the work of
the music ministry.
•       Oversees technical aspects of recording and sound systems.

Core Competencies

The position of Director of Music requires substantial professional training
and experience in organ, piano, choral conducting, sacred music and music
education. The preferred candidate should be a degreed professional or have
the equivalent work experience, as well as experience in administration and
supervision of volunteer and professional musicians.

Your annual salary will be based on your education, experience and potential.
We offer a competitive benefit package.  Additional compensation offered for
Artistic Director consultation to The Music Series at South Church.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest describing how you meet the
requirements presented in the job description, a current resume, and contact
information for three references to Pastor Jane Rowe at South Church:
jrowe@southchurch.org. The application deadline is end of business on May 31,
2018.

South Church provides equal employment opportunities and does not
discriminate opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion
(except insofar as ordination or religious background may be a qualification
for a position), sex, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital
status, sexual orientation, military status or any other class or status
protected by law.

Contact Email: jrowe@southchurch.org