Full-time Director of Music/Organist (Oxford, MS)

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

FPC Oxford serves a regional congregation of about 600 members who support musical excellence in worship and concert programming. Musical assets of the church include:

• 58-rank Casavant pipe organ (1980) with a new facade, console, and Walker digital additions in 2013 (see details at https://www.fpcoxford.net/music/)
• Steinway grand piano
• three octaves of hand chimes
• music library of over 800 anthems and many major choral works

The adult choir is 20 voices strong, including several paid soloist/section leaders. The choir supports Sunday morning worship at FPC and other special music events. 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 University of Mississippi Department of Music. The church maintains a restricted account to support the special event music offerings throughout the year.

Director of Music/Organist responsibilities:

• Plan music for worship in conjunction with pastoral leadership
• Serve as organist and/or pianist for all worship services

• traditional Sunday morning Presbyterian service with organ and full choir
• special services such as Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Christmas Eve, etc.

• Direct and accompany the Chancel Choir and conduct weekly rehearsals
• Expand the ministry of music to enhance the programs of the church and to engage the community
• Oversee the children’s music ministry
• Fulfill various administrative duties related to the music ministry of the church

A detailed position description is available on the church’s website or by 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 performance, choral and instrumental conducting. Proficiency in piano performance is desired, but not required.

Personal characteristics: Personal profession of faith, 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, vacation, retirement plan, and professional development/continuing education opportunities. Salary is competitive and commensurate with educational background and experience. We are now considering applications and are looking to fill the position as early as possible. The successful candidate will be required to pass a background check.

Application: The application packet should include the candidate’s resume, references, and recordings that demonstrate organ performance and work with choral music. Application materials should be emailed to: fpcoxfordmsdmmosearch@gmail.com.