About Two Rivers UMC
We are a United Methodist Church in downtown Rock Island looking for a part-time music director. Two Rivers UMC is a multicultural congregation of around 70 people in worship every Sunday. We worship in a traditional style but like to use music in creative ways. We are a Reconciling Congregation, meaning that we affirm people of all genders and sexual orientations. Our mission is to serve the community with justice, connect people with loving kindness, and walk humbly together as disciples of Christ.
Job Summary
We are seeking a passionate Church Music Director to lead and inspire our congregation’s musical worship. This role involves shaping the musical atmosphere of our services, managing music teams, and helping to build theologically grounded worship services. The ideal candidate will bring a knowledge in traditional choral music, but a willingness to be creative with other styles. As a choir director, the candidate must be able to encourage amateur musicians, build their confidence ,and help them grow. Team-building and encouragement are vital aspects. This paid position offers an exciting opportunity to influence worship through music, mentorship, and innovative musical direction within a faith-based organization.
Responsibilities
- Lead and conduct worship music during church services, ensuring a seamless and inspiring musical experience.
- Select anthems and conduct the adult choir during the season at midweek rehearsal and during Sunday worship (Sept-May).
- Select pieces and conduct the hand bell choir during the same season as adult choir.
- Provide a musical anthem (either choir or bell choir) every Sunday from Labor Day through Pentecost (late May). Typically bell choir once a month and the choir every other Sunday.
- Schedule soloists for the summer when the choirs take their break and on special occasions (e.g. Christmas Eve or special worship series)
- Work with community partners and other churches for combined choir events and community worship as the schedule dictates (especially in Lenten season and in the summer)
- Manage and mentor church choir members and volunteer musicians, fostering their musical development through vocal training and mentoring.
- Oversee the management of musical instruments, sound equipment, and production logistics to ensure high-quality sound during services and for Live Feed.
- Collaborate with pastors and ministry leaders to integrate music seamlessly into the overall worship experience while maintaining musical liturgical knowledge.
- Encourage multicultural congregation to engage African and Burmese immigrants through various styles of music.
- Develop music budget, including new music, guest musicians, equipment, piano maintenance, etc.
Required
- Team-building, encouraging attitude with an ability to correct when needed.
- Ability to teach to a group with wide range of musical experience and skill levels.
- Willingness to engage faithfully with people of all genders, sexual orientations, races, cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
- Strong ability to read sheet music and demonstrate proficiency in vocal music, including vocal training techniques.
- Organization skills to maintain extensive music library.
- Conducting experience with choir and piano accompanists.
- Knowledge of musical liturgical practices relevant to worship settings across various denominations.
- Working knowledge of traditional hymnody.
Preferred
- Experience managing musical productions, selecting appropriate repertoire, and leading music teams effectively.
- Working knowledge of the United Methodist Hymnal and The Faith We Sing.
- Skilled in playing piano or other keyboard instruments; proficiency with multiple musical instruments is a plus.
- Excellent leadership qualities with the ability to motivate volunteers and team members while fostering a positive worship environment.
- Effective communication skills for mentoring choir members, collaborating with clergy, and engaging the congregation.
- Background in nonprofit faith-based organizations preferred; demonstrated religious leadership is highly valued.
- Background with various cultures and experience with Swahili songs, African drum, and
- Willingness to grow as a spiritual leader as well as musician. The choir director often leads prayer at the end of rehearsals.
We are a small but mighty choir with members ranging from 16 to mid 80's. There are long-time musicians and new singers who can barely read music. We care about each other and have learned to love to sing together.
Pay: $20.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Flexible spending account
- Paid time off
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
