Director of Music and Organist (Norman, OK)

St. Thomas More University Parish and Student Center in Norman, Oklahoma is seeking applications for a new full-time Director of Music & Organist.

St. Thomas More University Parish is located on the campus of the University of Oklahoma and has served the spiritual needs of the community for more than 90 years. With 800 families - university students, professors, and Norman residents – we are an active and growing parish community in the center of Norman, a city of 125,000. Norman also houses the University of Oklahoma, founded in 1890 and with a total student body of 28,000 and a music school of 450 students (graduate and undergraduate). St. Thomas More has a reputation in the Archdiocese for exceptional liturgical music and has frequently hosted archdiocesan liturgies and guest choirs. In 2019, St. Thomas More dedicated a new 750 seat English Gothic church with a choir gallery in the west end. A 1923 E.M. Skinner pipe organ will be installed before Easter Sunday 2022 and there is an eight rank 1978 Moller pipe organ in the parish hall. The 1979 parish hall, formerly the church, was designed by noted architect and former dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Architecture, W. H. Raymond Yeh.

The full-time Director of Music and Organist will direct and rehearse the Parish Choir weekly, currently 30 members comprised of 16 staff singers and 10-15 lay choristers. The choir has a wide repertoire ranging from Gregorian chant and polyphony, Anglican Chant, and large accompanied anthems from the English canon. There is the option of developing a parish children’s choir, seasonal or year-round. The director of music also acts as curator for the instruments of the parish.

The Director and Organist is responsible for planning and playing the music for four weekend Masses, Holy Days and Special feast days, weddings and funerals (for an additional stipend), and additional liturgies as needed. They are also responsible for a monthly Sung Vespers, and guest artists for lunchtime recitals and evening concerts.  In addition to choral and organ proficiency, the Director of Music is responsible for the creation of weekly music leaflets, related social media, graphic design, programs, etc. and should have a working knowledge of Finale (or an equivalent music notation software) and Microsoft Publisher.

St. Thomas More has a long tradition of excellent music, and the director of music works closely with the pastor in planning and executing all liturgical celebrations to the highest standard. They are considered a part of the arabam kaç para.

Salary and Benefits
St. Thomas More offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. A comprehensive benefits package with health and dental insurance, retirement plan, paid vacation, and sick leave is included. Professional development opportunities are available and encouraged.

Qualifications
A master’s degree or higher from an accredited university in music, choral, or organ performance  is preferred, and a minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a church organist or music director.

The successful candidate must complete a background check and maintain the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City Safe Environment training, required of all employees.

Interested Candidates should submit a cover letter with resume, three references and links/recordings of past performances to: music@stm-ou.org