Organist and Choir Director

Job Overview

Holy Spirit Episcopal Church seeks a skilled, collaborative Organist and Choir Director to lead and elevate our music ministry. This part-time role centers on preparing and performing liturgically appropriate music that enhances the weekly 10:00 AM Sunday worship experience and major Holy Days. The ideal candidate will foster community within the choir, train members in vocal techniques, and maintain the musical heritage of the parish. This position reports directly to the Rector.

Core Responsibilities

Musical Performance & Worship Leadership

· Sunday Services: Prepare and perform appropriate service music for the weekly 10:00 AM worship service.

· Liturgical Holy Days: Provide music for major seasonal services, including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, and Easter.

· Service Planning: Select choral music that aligns with the liturgical calendar and submit selections to bulletin staff at least two weeks in advance.

Choir Direction & Development

· Rehearsals: Conduct two weekly rehearsals (one weekday evening and one Sunday morning prior to worship).

· Vocal Training: Train choir members in good singing techniques and choral blend.

· Recruitment: Actively recruit new choir members within the guidelines of the Vestry budget.

Administration & Operations

· Instrument Care: Oversee ordinary maintenance for the church's worship instruments.

· Library Management: Maintain and organize the choral music collection in the choir library.

· Personnel Management: Maintain an updated list of substitute musicians and share it with the Rector.

· Guest Musicians: Secure specialized, external musicians when required, operating within the approved Vestry budget.

· Accountability: Attend formal job and ministry reviews with the Rector twice per year.

Qualifications & Skills

· Musical Expertise: Proficiency in playing the church organ and conducting traditional choral ensembles.

· Liturgical Knowledge: Familiarity with Episcopal liturgy, seasonal traditions, and appropriate sacred music selection.

· Leadership & Coaching: Ability to teach, motivate, and develop volunteer singers of varying skill levels.

· Organization: Strong administrative skills for music scheduling, library upkeep, and early bulletin submissions.

· Collaboration: Ability to work closely with the Rector, church staff, and vestry leadership.