Minister of Music (Newtown, CT)

Hours:  15 Hours/Week

Beginning:  Summer/Fall 2022  

Collaborates With:  Rector, Communications Director, Vestry and Lay Leaders, Children’s Ministry Coordinator, Choir Members, Worship Planning Teams; All Parishioners

Working Environment:  Creative and collaborative team; Office supplied; Budget established 

Supervisor:  Rector

Compensation:  Negotiable

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Overview:

• Exciting opportunity, with creativity and collaboration, to offer a music program that meets the changing needs of families as church culture evolves.                                          

• We are an inclusive, loving, and Spirit-filled community, attracting families.  We plan to begin re-building Chorister program for children and youth in the Fall of 2022.  An innovative service may be added 2022/2023.

• The Minister of Music, working collaboratively with the Rector, is responsible for the musical content of all liturgies of Trinity Episcopal Church, and for encouraging all ages within the parish to use and develop their gifts for praising God through musical expression. 

Responsibilities:

In consultation with the Rector, the Minister of Music provides music selection and direction coordination for Sunday Worship and major feasts of the liturgical year. The Minister provides timely updates to the Communications Director for publication.  Mid-week communication and collaboration may occur in-person and electronically as needed.

Music offered will contribute meaningfully to worship – whether through choir, organ, piano, a cappella or instrumental music.  Music offered will be consistent with the Church season and with the direction and focus of Trinity Church’s ministry and outreach, including cultural diversity and major events in the community.

The Minister shall encourage and nurture congregational singing in the Sunday 9:30 AM Service and other services, especially as the parish re-gathers after pandemic and needs support in singing.

The Minister shall with sensitivity blend musical genres; selecting music for worship that incorporates selections which are innovative, fresh and creative as well as the traditional music of the Episcopal Church tradition.

As Pianist/Organist, the Minister demonstrates proficiency with piano, organ and voice; preparation and rehearsal for worship is expected.

The Minister shall recruit, rehearse and conduct the Adult Choir with one rehearsal per week.

The Minister provides invitation and direction to a Choir of children and youth, and schedules occasions for them to sing in worship.  Staff and lay leaders will work collaboratively with Music Minister as we rebuild this important ministry.

The Minister shall offer inclusive and enthusiastic invitation and welcome to people of all ages and abilities to participate in the Church’s musical expression; through announcements, in the weekly E News, and in building supportive one-to-one relationships with parishioners and newcomers alike.

As the budget allows, and in consultation with the Rector, the Minister may hire and supervise paid musicians. 

The Music Ministered is encouraged to host concerts at Trinity. She/he will serve as a liaison to community music partners, such as the Connecticut Choral Society and Waterbury Symphony.

The Minister will work within and uphold the Safe Church practices set forth by the Episcopal Church in Connecticut.

The Minister has ‘right of first refusal’ – to serve as musician for funerals and weddings held in the parish. 

The Minister is responsible for enlisting and arranging for compensation for substitute musicians in times of absence.

The Minister oversees the maintenance and tuning of Church instruments, and keeps the music library in orderly and organized manner.

To Apply:

Please Send Cover Letter and Resume to Trinity Episcopal Church, 36 Main Street, Newtown, CT  06470; 203-426-9070; trinity@trinitynewtownct.org.