Organist-Choir Director (Wethersfield, CT)

Date Posted: 
February 27, 2018
Job Description: 

Job Title: Organist-Choir Director
Organization Name: First Church of Christ, Wethersfield, CT
Organization Website: firstchurch.org/musicsearch
Salary Range (optional):
Job Description:
Historic First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, Connecticut, seeks an
outstanding musician for the full-time position of Organist and Choir
Director, whose chief task is to bring glory to God and edify the
congregation.  The desired candidate should be a stellar organist with
significant professional training and accomplishment in organ and choral
conducting, as well as possess a clear Christian testimony and personal
commitment to Jesus Christ, evidenced by an actively cultivated devotional
life.  Experience with and passion for music in the church is essential, with
thoughtful insight into the nature of Christian worship and the significant
role of music in that worship.

A Bachelor’s degree in music is required, Master’s preferred.  Candidate
should be well grounded in all aspects of musical practice, and most
importantly be able to lead the congregation in worship, including the
creative and skillful use of registration, modulation, harmonization, and
improvisation at the organ.

First Church has enjoyed a long tradition of musical strength and excellence,
and the ideal candidate must be able to provide leadership to define, drive,
and foster a music program consistent with the church’s vision.  This
includes building and invigorating the adult and youth choral programs, as
well as cultivating relationships within the church and community to
encourage and increase support and participation.  Knowledge of choral
repertory appropriate to a mostly volunteer choir is essential, as is
effectiveness as a rehearsal director.

Working collaboratively with ministerial staff, the Organist and Choir
Director assumes the responsibility for the selection, preparation, and
performance of Sunday service music that will encourage congregational
participation and be a testimony to the Gospel of Christ.  He/she also
provides general oversight of fundamental musical values and direction for
the contemporary service and its music leaders, affirming its contribution to
ministry and the importance of high standards in a contemporary style.

The Organist and Choir Director provides leadership in the planning and
execution of special concerts, particularly in special seasons (e.g., Easter,
Christmas).  As church organist, he/she also services special occasions such
as weddings and funerals.

The candidate should possess strong interpersonal, communication, and
organizational skills to oversee scheduling, budgets, contracting outside
musicians, ordering music, and supervising the choral library and overseeing
the maintenance of church instruments.

The Church
First Church of Christ is an unaffiliated congregational church first
“gathered,” or formed, in 1635, making it one of the oldest still active
congregations in the country.  The present Meetinghouse, as it is called, was
erected in 1761 and served the dual purpose of church and assembly hall for
town meetings as late as the 1830s; it remains an historic landmark in Old
Wethersfield. Among those who visited or worshipped here were George
Washington, John Adams, and Jonathan Edwards.  Located just south of the
capital of Hartford, Wethersfield is ideally situated midway between New York
and Boston, each with a nearly limitless array of cultural offerings.

The church sanctuary is endowed with a large 4-manual, 62-rank Austin pipe
organ (Opus 2403); for a picture of the console and full disposition, click
or enter the following:
http://www.hartfordago.org/organs-of-hartford/first-church-wethersfield.
Currently there are three services each Sunday (two traditional and one
contemporary); an adult choir, youth choir, children’s choir, handbell
choir, brass ensemble, and contemporary band.

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus benefits.

To apply, please submit a letter of interest describing how you meet the
requirements presented in the job description, a current résumé, and
contact information for three references.  If there is a reference you prefer
not be contacted at this time, please inform the committee.  Recordings will
be solicited later.  All application materials will be kept confidential.
Send to Music Search Committee, First Church of Christ, 250 Main Street,
Wethersfield, CT 06109, or by email to musicsearch@firstchurch.org.

Contact Email: musicsearch@firstchurch.org