Assistant Director of Music/Choir Director and First Evangelical Lutheran Church
Job Summary: The Assistant Director of Music Ministry/ Choir Director provides leadership for the vocal choirs of First Evangelical Lutheran Church and supports the overall music ministry of the congregation.
Essential Functions:
• Schedules and leads choir rehearsals throughout the program year (typically September-May); schedules choir participation / leadership in worship throughout the program year, at all festivals and Holy Week services, in a yearly concert and at other times as requested; directs children’s/youth choir and arranges for their worship participation monthly during the program year.
• Working in consultation with the Director of Music Ministry/Organist, selects choir anthems and other service music appropriate with the church season, lectionary readings and the abilities of the choir(s).
• Serves as cantor and soloist for worship services or arranges for and trains others to serve in these roles.
• Occasionally serves as accompanist for choir and other singers, using piano or organ • Is responsible for the care and organization of the choral music library.
• Works with the Director of Music Ministry/Organist in scheduling appropriate music for worship during the summer months.
• Works with the Director of Music Ministry/Organist in hosting concerts by guest musical groups.
Other Responsibilities:
• Attends weekly staff meetings, as schedule permits.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in music (or similar professional training), preferably in church music.
• Experience in choral conducting and vocal development with both adults and children.
• Knowledge of a variety of church music styles (classical, contemporary, folk, gospel, global) and the role of music in Lutheran worship.
Core Competencies:
• Technical Expertise: Acquires and demonstrates the technical skills required to proficiently execute the essential functions of the job; understands which skills are lacking and seeks to develop those skills; continually works towards mastery of technical proficiency.
• Interpersonal Skills: Establishes good working relationships with all others who are relevant to the completion of work; works well with people at all levels of the congregation; builds appropriate rapport; considers the impact of his/her actions on others; uses diplomacy and tact; is approachable; avoids communication triangles.
• Helping Orientation: Demonstrates concern for and attends to the needs of the congregation’s internal and external constituents; projects a sense of empathy and understanding when dealing with members and friends of the congregation; is able and willing to supply answers and resources that others find satisfying.
• Team Orientation: Demonstrates interest, skill and success in team environments; promotes group goals ahead of personal agendas; steps up to offer self as a resource to other members of the team; understands and supports the importance of teamwork; shares credit for success with others; takes responsibility for his or her part in team failures.