Organist and Associate Minister of Music and the Arts (Minneapolis, MN)

Title: Organist and Associate Minister of Music (.75FTE + benefits), Westminster Presbyterian Church

Position Start Date: Aug 1, 2020

Relationships: Reports to Minister of Music and the Arts

Westminster Presbyterian Church seeks an Organist and collaborative leader whose primary responsibility is to serve the church in weekly worship services, embracing music’s role in worship to support, reflect on, and enliven the Word.  The ideal candidate would have strong professional training, knowledge of a wide range of repertoire, the ability to inspire and lead, and versatility to explore new directions. The Organist would also serve as Associate Minister of Music, working closely with the Minister of Music and the Arts to collaboratively guide the vision and programming of Arts at Westminster.  Westminster is currently engaged in a process of deep listening across the congregation to further develop the role of the arts in our community. This Arts Visioning endeavor will help to direct the ongoing nurturing and expansion of Arts at Westminster.

Westminster is a vibrant, open-minded congregation worshipping in the heart of downtown Minneapolis, known for its traditional services combined with a progressive church culture.  Westminster has been a telling presence in the city for over 160 years and continues its commitment to work for love, peace, and justice. Approximately 850 congregants worship each week at Westminster across five services.  The church features two organs: a Moeller organ (IV/85) in the Sanctuary, and a Dobson organ (II/24) in the Chapel. Westminster’s newest renovation, completed in 2018, includes a contemporary concert space recognized for its acoustical and design qualities, which houses Westminster’s new Performing Arts Series. 
 

Responsibilities:

1. Worship planning and leadership

   1. Select and prepare organ/piano music as an integral part of worship
      (Service times: Sundays at 8:30am & 10:30am, Wednesday evening contemplative service from 6-6:30pm, and other special occasions; summer Sundays have one morning service at 10am)

   2. Coordinate, hire, and supervise guest instrumentalists in worship, in consultation with the Minister of Music and the Arts, accompanying as needed

   3. Attend and assist in weekly worship planning meetings

2. Westminster choirs and ensembles

   1. Serve as rehearsal pianist with the Westminster Choir on Wednesday evenings (6:30-8:30pm), as well as other choir events (e.g. choir retreats, Christmas Dinners, etc.)

   2. When requested, accompany other ensembles

   3. Supervise music ensemble staff to be defined as the Arts Visioning process evolves, including options to lead one or more ensembles

3. Instrument Maintenance: Supervise the maintenance of church organs and pianos (instrument specs listed below)   

4. Contract Opportunities: Select music and plan liturgy for weddings (annually 10-12) and memorials (annually 30-35), in collaboration with families and staff.  Compensation is paid via stipend directly from the service user.

5. Participation in church staff meetings, retreats, and other staff events

6. Other duties as assigned

Required Experience, Skills and Attributes:

1. Master’s degree or equivalent experience in organ performance, church music, or other related degree

2. Minimum 5 years experience supporting worship on organ and piano

3. Broad knowledge and expertise of organ literature, including ability to craft and perform recitals

4. Demonstrated skills in planning worship within a collaborative staff model

5. Familiarity with Reformed/Presbyterian liturgical tradition, hymnody, and historical context, and vision for the evolving future of church music

6. Knowledge of and experience accompanying a broad range of styles in sacred repertoire (e.g. global music, gospel, classical, jazz, contemporary, etc.)

7. Commitment to Westminster’s mission and the role of music as ministry

8. Effective organization and implementation skills with an ability to plan ahead

9. Excellent oral and written communication skills

10. Passion for creativity and eagerness to try new things

11. Grounding in intercultural competence

Compensation: Commensurate with experience and comparable positions 

Instrument specifications:

 Chapel (8:30am Sunday worship): Dobson organ (II/24), 2008:

http://www.pipeorganlist.com/Organ_Webpages/Mpls,_Westminster_Presbyterian,_Dobson_sp.html  

Sanctuary (10:30am Sunday worship): Moeller organ (IV/85), 1981 rebuild:
http://www.pipeorganlist.com/Organ_Webpages/Mpls,_Westminster_Presbyterian,_Moller_sp.html  

Westminster also houses six pianos:

1. Sanctuary - Steinway B 122953 - 1906

2. Chapel - Steinway M 217545 - 1923

3. Meisel Room - Yamaha C3 B 1633572

4. Westminster Hall - Steinway B 474810 - 1981

5. Choir Room - Kawai RX-2 2580399

6. Youth Music Room - Steinway L 553515 - 2000

To Apply: Send cover letter, resumé, and supporting digital files (one piece of organ repertoire and one accompaniment) to Dr. Amanda Weber, Minister of Music and the Arts, at aweber@wpc-mpls.org.  Review of applications will begin April 1, 2020 and will continue until the position is filled.