Director of Music (Wilton, CT)

Date Posted: 
March 17, 2022
Organization Name: 
Wilton Presbyterian Chuch
Contact Email: 
personnel.wiltonpres@gmail.com
Salary Range: 
$36,000.00
Job Description: 

WPC Staff Position Description

Director of Music

Updated 3/31/22

 

Title

Director of Music

 

Position

The Director of Music, using their gifts of talent, competence, and training, is charged with the responsibility to support and augment WPC’s programmed worship services and related spiritual activities. They’re expected to successfully undertake these activities through the development and maintenance of a meaningful, robust music program. Their challenges will include, but not be limited to:

 

  • Developing and maintaining an active choir and choral music program
  • Supporting the Clergy in the selection of music appropriate for various occasions
  • Seeking appropriate opportunities for music as an appropriate spiritual outlet for the worship of God

 

Accountability

The Director of Music is an employee of the Session. They report administratively to the Head of Staff. The Director of Music, serving as Church Choirmaster and Organist/Pianist, is the primary staff person responsible for the church music program.

 

Responsibilities

Worship Services

  • Rehearses the choir(s) and leads them and the congregation in regular Sunday morning worship
  • Encourages congregational participation to share their musical talents at services and other worship activities
  • Serves as the principal accompanist on the piano and organ
  • Seeks and makes arrangements for outside instrumentalists and/or vocalists as needed for special services, including Christmas and Easter. Conducts any special rehearsals for guest musicians and arranges for payment of such services
  • Conducts choral works for special services as required
  • Arranges for competent substitute(s) to carry out duties in the event of their absence

 

Choirs

  • Conducts weekly rehearsals for the Sanctuary Choir
  • Schedules and directs additional rehearsals, as required, for special services and/or programs
  • Conducts Sunday morning rehearsals and participates in Sunday worship services as director and accompanist
  • Recruits and develops - or directs to be developed and directed - periodic youth choir activities as deemed appropriate
  • Recruits and develops - or directs to be developed and directed - bell choir activities for no more than six (6) performances each year - Three (3) during advent and three (3) during lent
  • Encourages cooperative efforts between and among the Sanctuary, Youth and Bell choirs

 

 

 

 

 

Administrative

 

  • Administers the church music program, working with other staff members and Session. Serves as a resource to the Worship Committee in evaluating new or expanded ideas for worship and church programs
    • Plans the long-range musical needs of the church, organizing and planning the choral works for a particular season and/or special worship services and programs
    • Attends regularly-scheduled staff meetings, retreats, and appropriate committee meetings. Attends Personnel and Worship Committee meetings as required and/or meetings of the congregation as requested
    • Oversees the church music library. Maintains/updates files, seeks out new music to expand the library
    • Ensures Choir folders are updates weekly - taking out music no longer needed and assign music for future use
    • Helps formulate and manage the music budget. Purchases music and arranges for musicians required for special services or as substitutes
    • Submits music material for weekly bulletins and monthly newsletter in advance of printing deadlines
    • Responsible for maintaining piano and organ, contracting for regular tunings and maintenance to ensure both instruments are in excellent performance condition

 

Special Church Functions

  • When requested, arranges music for special functions as mutually agreed upon with church leadership
  • Directs and oversees such special music activities/programs as deemed appropriate
  • Participates in other church related services, including weddings and memorial services, as requested
  • Helps plan joint services and worship with staff of other churches when necessary

 

 

Evaluation

The Head of Staff is responsible for the Director of Music’s evaluation. The evaluation is based on their assessment of the Director’s performance against approved annual goals, execution of assigned responsibilities, overall competence, and standing with Staff members and the congregation. The Head of Staff will seek input for the evaluation from congregational sources such as the Personnel and Worship Committees and/or selected congregation members as required.

 

Compensation

Salary for the Director of Music includes compensation for assigned church year services and activities as delineated above. The Director of Music is expected to perform from Labor Day weekend through the second week of June, equivalent to 40 weeks of services, excluding two (2) prescheduled personal days (Sunday services). The Position during the course of those 40 weeks is Part Time. The Director of Music is a part-time position with the responsibility for coordinating music ministries through the entire calendar year.

The Director of Music will have first right of refusal to play at any weddings, funerals, or memorial services conducted at the church and be remunerated at appropriate fees. Base salary is $36,000.

 

Applications may be sent to: Attn: Chris Jones personnel.wiltonpres@gmail.com

Link to organization website