St. Stephen United Church of Christ

Director of Music

Proposed Position Description

August 2010

Qualifications

• Must have training and relevant experience in conducting and a willingness to work with varied types of quality music as requested by the worship staff. Proficiency in vocal technique and keyboard is preferred.

• Must have good people skills and be capable of working with the professional
staff, other music staff, the Music Committee, choir members, and the general laity.

• Must have good organizational skills.

• Must have good communication skills.

• Must have a sincere interest in and a commitment to the total church program.

Accountability

• An employment agreement for the position must be executed with
the Consistory.

• The Director of Music is a member of the worship staff with accountability to the pastor(s) for programs and scheduling.

• The Director of Music is a member of the Music Committee.

• Twice a year the Director of Music must prepare and submit a report to the Consistory detailing all music activities and concerns of the preceding months.

• On an annual basis, the Director of Music will prepare and submit a report to the church membership regarding all musical activities over the past twelve months.

• Evaluation of this position will be performed annually by the Music Committee with input from the pastor(s). Additional evaluations maybe performed as requested.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for senior and youth music programs, and any instrumental groups, as requested.

• Direct Praise Team during the Blended service each week, year round.

• Direct Senior Choir during the Blended service each week, September
through May, and for festival services, such as Easter, as requested by the
Consistory or pastor(s). Regular choir schedule runs from the first Sunday
after Labor Day until the summer schedule begins. The choir does not sing
during the summer schedule.

• Direct Hand Bell Choir during Blended and Traditional service one time per month, or as available. Regular choir schedule runs from the first Sunday after Labor Day until the summer schedule begins. The choir does not ring during the summer schedule.

• Develop Traditional service music ministry

• Recruit and train new choir members.

• Prepare music for choir rehearsals and performances, and supply music to other
staff members in advance as needed.

• Schedule weekly rehearsals and extra rehearsals as required. Conduct weekly rehearsals September through May. Rehearse June through August only on an as needed basis for small ensembles and summer solo performances.

Responsibilities (continued)

• Select appropriate music for services, taking into account scriptural text and
current worship themes.

• Communicate weekly to the church office appropriate titles of music to be
performed on designated Sundays or at special programs or services.

• Work with the worship staff to provide music for special church programs.
Participate in planning sessions for special programs as required.

• Attend music/worship staff meetings to coordinate and plan for the church music
program.

• Manage and coordinate church music with paid and volunteer staff, helping to
solve any conflicts that may arise.

• Work with the Property Committee, ushers, sound technician and church staff on any programs that require use of special equipment in the sanctuary or any rearrangement of the sanctuary furniture.

• Whenever possible, honor any special requests as they are submitted from the
worship staff or Consistory.

• Submit an annual budget request through the Music in Worship Committee,
including requests for related and appropriate educational opportunities.

• Operate within the music budget as approved by Consistory. Buy new music as
required.

• Maintain the choral music library and choir rehearsal room.

• Be sensitive to choir members with varying degrees of talent, experience and
capabilities.

• Attend choir activities and promote fellowship among all choir members.

Position Description proposed by Music Committee 8/18/10