Director of Music/Organist (Wilmington, Delaware)

Westminster Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, Delaware

Full-time Director of Music/Organist

Description:  Recognizing the power of music to glorify God, touch the lives of God’s people, enhance worship and spread the gospel, Westminster Presbyterian Church of Wilmington, Delaware is seeking a full-time Director of Music/Organist to provide leadership for adult choral and instrumental music programs and build the music ministry of the church.

Westminster Church serves a regional congregation of about 1000 members who enthusiastically support musical excellence in worship and concert programming. Musical assets of the church include:

·       1966 Austin three-manual, 53-rank pipe organ

·       several grand pianos

·       20-bell tower chime

·       five octaves of Schulmerich handbells and three octaves of hand chimes

·       music library of over 800 anthems and many major choral works

The adult choir is 50 voices strong, including four paid soloist/section leaders.  The choir supports Sunday morning worship at Westminster and has been invited to perform across the U.S. and in Europe.  Guest instrumentalists periodically enhance Sunday morning worship and perform in concerts presented at the church.  Soloist/section leaders and guest musicians are often drawn from the vibrant music culture of nearby Philadelphia, the excellent music school at the University of Delaware, and the Delaware Symphony.

Director of Music/Organist responsibilities:

·       Serve as organist and/or pianist for all worship services

o   a traditional Sunday morning Presbyterian service with organ and full choir      

o   second Sunday morning service featuring creative liturgy, new songs, and hymns accompanied by piano

o   special services such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Christmas Eve

·       Direct and accompany the Westminster Choir and conduct weekly rehearsals

·       Expand the ministry of music to enhance the programs of the church and engage the community

·       Serve as a resource to the Director of Music for Children and Youth

A detailed position description is available on request. 

Requirements/experience

Education/expertise: (minimum) Bachelor’s degree in music from an accredited college or equivalent experience, background serving in a church setting and familiarity with sacred music literature; demonstrated proficiency in organ and piano performance and choral and instrumental conducting.

Personal characteristics:  Integrity and reliability, positive and encouraging outlook, interpersonal skills with diverse people, collaborative approach with staff, musicians, and others

Benefits:  This is a salaried, full-time position with health insurance (15% employee contribution), vacation, retirement plan, and professional development/continuing education opportunities.  Salary is competitive and commensurate with educational background and experience. 

To apply:  Send a letter of interest, resume with references, and short audio/video samples of playing and conducting to Barbara Jobe, Convener, Director of Music/Organist Search Committee at apply@wpc.org. We are now considering applications and are looking to fill the position as early as April 15, 2020.