Interim Director of Music (Falls Church, Virginia)

Founded in 1732, The Falls Church is simultaneously one of the oldest Episcopal congregations and one of the newest. Divided over theological issues, the prior congregation disaffiliated from The Episcopal Church in 2006. The court returned The Falls Church to The Diocese of Virginia in 2012, and Episcopal worship resumed at The Falls Church as the parish grew exponentially. We have begun a strategic planning process in which we have identified that the Holy Spirit calls us specifically into ministry with children, LGBTQ+ persons, and the wounded faithful, and the process continues as we discern how to live into those ministries in the coming years. We are liturgically broad and faithful to The Book of Common Prayer 1979 and its supplemental material as approved by General Convention. The Falls Church is poised for growth, and the Director of Music position will play an integral role in this community that values thoughtful worship.

The Interim Director of Music will help us live into our mission and support the worship of the parish by conducting choirs for each service, accompanying corporate worship, and strategically growing the music program. This staff member will bear responsibility with the rector for the musical and liturgical life of the parish that worships in an historic 1769 nave (capacity 450) and a 1993 contemporary semi-circular nave (capacity 800).

The term of the position is through January of 2024 with an option to continue pending mutual agreement. Once funding is secure, a full-time Director of Music position will be advertised.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

·      Choose hymnody, service music, and choral and incidental offerings, in consultation with the rector, for two Sunday morning worship services in two different naves (one in summer)

·      Rehearse The Historic Church Choir on Thursday evening and the Contemporary Church Choir on Sunday morning; conduct both on Sunday morning and special services

·      Accompany corporate worship on a weekly basis as well as holy days, feasts, observances, and special events

·      Support corporate worship with sensitive hymn playing, including voice-leading and the maximization of the organ’s capabilities, teaching unfamiliar hymnody/service music to the congregation

·      Coordinate guest instrumentalists/vocalists as needed

·      Accompany (and arrange for soloists if necessary) all funerals and weddings, compensation over and above the salaried position

·      Nurture the development of an outstanding parish music program, including enlarging and polishing current choirs; establish, in time, a children’s choral program

·      Increase the musical profile of The Falls Church as a community recognized for broad and diverse musical excellence

·      Develop relationships within the larger Washington musical community

·      Promote outside usage of the acoustically remarkable Contemporary Church and other spaces

·      Arrange for substitute organist/choir director when Interim Director of Music is away

·      Oversee maintenance of both organs and all pianos

·      Attend parish staff meetings on Tuesday mornings

·      Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

·      Bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree in organ with a concentration in choral conducting.

·      Experience and facility with Anglican/Episcopal liturgy as well as an appreciation for the breadth of musical expression from plainsong to American hymnody.

·      Broad knowledge of and experience with diverse choral and organ repertoire

·      Liturgical sensitivity and the ability to read clergy and congregation and respond appropriately

·      Reasonable skill with adjusting accessible pipes to correct minor voicing issues or ciphers

Instruments:

·      1993 Steiner-Reck, Op. 98, 49 ranks

·      1967 Schantz, Op. 803, 12 ranks

·      2002 Steinway B grand piano

·      Multiple upright pianos

Work environment:

·      Requires reasonable office hours, both on site and remote, and participation in special events, often on weekends

·      Regular weeknight and Sunday morning choral rehearsal and special rehearsals as needed in anticipation of special services.

·      Participate in the life of the parish outside Sunday mornings and rehearsals, including presence at coffee hour after service

·      Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with clergy, staff, and members of the parish

Benefits:

·      Compensation in accordance with AAM standards

·      Group medical/vision/dental insurance

·      Vacation/sick leave

·      403(b) plan