Director of Music/Organist (Bethesda, MD)
Pilgrim Lutheran Church
DIRECTOR of MUSIC/ORGANIST—POSITION OPENING
Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Bethesda, Maryland, an LCMS congregation, is seeking a part-time Director of Music and Organist to lead a robust music program that deepens the faith of our members while sharing the Church’s ministry with our neighbors and wider community. Pilgrim is located just two miles from our nation’s Capital.
The ideal candidate is proficient in organ, piano, choral conducting, and vocal coaching, and is preferably familiar with Lutheran liturgy and hymnody. The candidate will enjoy working with adults, youth, and children in a variety of musical styles, from traditional hymns and liturgy to more contemporary worship music.
Our instrumental and vocal music are enhanced by an acoustically vibrant sanctuary. Pilgrim’s musical resources include a Rieger tracker-action organ from Austria (two manuals, 17 stops, 20 ranks, and 1016 pipes), and a Steinway grand piano in the sanctuary. The choir room has a Yamaha upright piano. All instruments are well maintained. The church also has a three-octave set of Schulmerich handbells.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
Organize the music program in collaboration with the pastor. Plan services with the pastor, including hymn selection and organ works appropriate to the season of the church year.
Play the organ for one weekly church service, usually at 10 AM, and seasonal services (e.g., Advent, Christmas Eve, and Lent), or schedule an available substitute. An organist/member of the congregation has regularly played for the 8:15 AM service and for some of the 10 AM Sunday and seasonal services, when requested by the Music Director.
Rehearse and direct the adult choir. Average ensemble size: 10-15. (Choir schedule runs September through May)
Recruit, encourage, and facilitate musical participation from all groups and members in the church. Youth and children are especially to be encouraged through ensemble opportunities, Vacation Bible School music, and the like.
Maintain professional competency through regular practice on the organ. Attendance at professional workshops is supported.
Perform administrative duties such as preparing music ministry budget, ordering choir music, renewing copyright and livestream licenses, and providing reports to the congregation at semi-annual congregational meetings. (Church office administrative assistant available to assist.)
Experience with basic audio/visual technology or an interest in furthering their use and application is helpful, but not required. Audio-visual technology is available for live streaming services.
Total hours per week: 18-20
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Music Director may use choir room to give private lessons, for additional reimbursement.
Weddings and funerals – fees paid by families. Organist has right of first refusal.
Position Availability: Immediately
Salary commensurate with experience and education; paid bi-monthly.
Two weeks’ paid vacation
Please submit cover letter of interest and resume/curriculum vitae via email to committee chair, Dr. Marilyn Regier at marilyn@regier.us. No phone calls please.