Director of Music Ministries Position
Summary:
The Church of the Holy Cross (Episcopal), located in Dunn Loring, Va., seeks part-time Director of Music Ministries, organist and choral director, to replace current Director who is retiring. Holy Cross is a vibrant, diverse, and growing parish that appreciates high caliber music as an integral part of worship. Preferred applicants will have a degree in organ performance, with a minor in choral conducting or music education, together with a background in traditional liturgical worship services. Rodgers Trillium, three-manual electronic/pipe combination organ. Responsible for adult choir, children’s choir, oversight of guitar group and parish musicians. Position approximately 20-25 hours per week. Compensation negotiable.
Parish Description:
Holy Cross is a vibrant, growing parish, established in 1979. The ministry and outreach, led by the Reverend Walter Smedley IV, serves approximately 200 parish families, the local community, and beyond. The staff and parish at Holy Cross are passionately committed to music as an integral part of their worship. It has a modern sanctuary and three-manual, 49- voice, Rodgers Trillium electronic/pipe combination organ, both designed for future expansion. Parishioners actively participate in adult and children choirs in support of the congregational worship service.
Position Description:
The Church of the Holy Cross seeks part-time Director of Music Ministries to replace Director who is retiring. Holy Cross is a vibrant, diverse, and growing parish that appreciates high caliber music as an integral part of worship. Preferred applicants will have a degree in organ performance, with a minor in choral conducting or education, together with a background in traditional liturgical worship services. This position requires planning the music program and liturgical music, in consultation with and under the direction of the Rector, in order to provide music complimentary to meaningful worship. This person is expected to rehearse and build both the adult choir (approximately 15 singers) and children’s choirs (approximately 15 singers) on a weekly basis, play and conduct choir(s) for Sunday services and play special services and occasions (see worship page for listing of special services).
The Director of Music will get first call to play for all weddings and funerals for separate fee, otherwise he/she will find a qualified musician to play the service and/or review and approve or refuse any third-party request for a specific organist based on appropriate qualifications and experience.
The adult choir is accomplished and the congregation includes some gifted and professionally-trained instrumentalists who are happy to participate. Candidate should have a solid understanding of Episcopal liturgy and musical heritage, and be willing to provide both traditional classical repertoire, as well as more contemporary and accessible music (particularly for the children’s choir).
The Director of Music Ministries plays an integral part in the life of the church. It is expected that this person be energetic and exude a passion for music and its inclusion in the church. The ability to communicate effectively with others, to work effectively with staff and volunteers, and the desire to work with both adults and children will be essential characteristics of any candidate considering this position. Candidates should be of strong professional caliber, capable of fully utilizing the three-manual, 49-voice, Rodgers Trillium electronic/pipe organ (pipes will be forthcoming). Candidates should already have a broad repertoire across genre to provide appropriate prelude, postlude and traditional service musical content, be continually expanding repertoire and be flexible and open to occasional experimentation and new ideas.
The Director of Music Ministries is required to arrange for his/her own qualified subs, should occasional need arise. Preferred candidate will also continue and expand coordination of appropriate recital series.
The church is located in Dunn Loring, Va., which is approximately 8 miles from Washington D.C. and the church is one-quarter mile from the Dunn Loring Metro Station stop on the Orange Metro Line.
Characteristics of Preferred Candidate:
In addition to characteristics mentioned in the Full Position description and elsewhere in these materials, the following descriptors should help candidates appreciate what this parish is looking for in its Director of Music Ministries:
- Exuding passion and enthusiasm about music.
- Committed, reliable, and dedicated to the Holy Cross parish.
- Professional demeanor.
- Liturgical sensibility; well versed in Episcopal liturgy to understand how music compliments and supports worship services.
- Gifted and interested in working both with adult and children’s choirs, particularly bringing excitement to the children for their musical accomplishment and contribution.
Expectations of Candidate:
Because of the current part-time nature of this position, it is believed that this is an ideal position for an experienced musician who has additional professional pursuits, doctoral student in music, or recent conservatory graduate. The candidate must, however, be able to meet all requirements of this position, maintain timeliness and be responsible for coordinating his/her schedule accordingly.
Compensation:
Negotiable and competitive (based on experience and credentials). Estimated salary range: $27,000 - $37,000. Additionally: four weeks vacation, modest sick leave and continuing education.
Application / Interview / Audition Process:
Application: Please email resume and cover letter to The Rev. Wes Smedley and send (via postal service) a copy of the same, together with a 15-minute tape or cd containing the candidate playing excerpts from works spanning multiple genre, including music selections from the Episcopal tradition. Email: wes.smedley@holycrossepiscopal.org. Postal address: The Rev. Wes Smedley, Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 2455 Gallows Road, Dunn Loring, VA 22027-1225.
Interview:
Initial telephone interviews will be scheduled with appropriate candidates. Candidates will provide references following successful completion of this step.
Audition:
An in-person interview and audition with the rector and Director Search Committee will be scheduled for semi-finalists. Finalists will be required to produce and play a full church service, including rehearsing the adult choir just prior to the service.