Job Title: Catholic Music Director & Choir Director
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced, passionate Catholic Music Director to lead the music ministry at Maxwell AFB Chapel 1 in Montgomery, AL. In this role, you will recruit, train, and direct choir members and musicians, select liturgically appropriate music, and provide vocal/instrumental leadership for weekly Catholic Masses, rehearsals, and special liturgical services.This position requires a deep understanding of the Catholic Liturgical Calendar, traditional/modern liturgical music, and the ability to foster a collaborative, reverent worship environment.
Key ResponsibilitiesMusical Leadership & Choir Direction
- Rehearsals & Mass Leadership: Direct weekly choir rehearsals (Wednesdays 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM) and lead music/vocal performances for Saturday Vigil Mass (5:00 PM) and Sunday Morning Mass (9:00 AM).
- Vocal & Instrumental Performance: Provide solo vocal performances with accompaniment for weekend Masses, special liturgical events, and up to 4 annual funerals as required.
- Special Services & Events: Plan and direct music for special liturgical celebrations (e.g., Advent, Lent, Holy Days, First Communion, Confirmation).
Liturgical Planning & Administration
- Music Selection: Select seasonally appropriate hymns from the Missal, Music Issue, and Glory and Praise in coordination with the Catholic Priest.
- Liturgical Calendar Compliance: Maintain familiarity with the Roman Catholic Liturgical Calendar to ensure accurate musical alignment throughout the church year.
- Logistics & Facility Setup: Unlock and secure chapel spaces; oversee the set-up, sound check, and teardown of microphones, stands, risers, and sound equipment; ensure instruments (piano/keyboard) are properly cared for.
- Ministry Coordination: Serve as the primary music point of contact, recruit/train choir members, submit facility/purchase requests, and submit monthly written reports to the Pastoral Council (attending at least 9 council meetings per year).
Work Schedule & Expectations
- Weekly Rehearsals: Wednesdays, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (1 to 2 hours)
- Saturday Vigil Mass: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM (includes 30-minute pre-service warm-up)
- Sunday Mass: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM (includes 30-minute pre-service warm-up)
- Punctuality: Arrive at least 10 minutes prior to rehearsals and 30 minutes prior to all services.
- Substitute Provision: Responsible for providing a qualified substitute of equal or higher proficiency during planned absences.
Requirements & QualificationsMandatory Qualifications
- Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience as a choir director for Catholic Masses [Required].
- Liturgical Knowledge: Complete familiarity with Catholic liturgical music, hymns, and seasonal selections across Advent, Lent, and Ordinary Time [Required].
- Demonstrated Skill: Ability to pass a qualification interview/evaluation and submit a performance recording demonstrating Catholic liturgical music proficiency [Required].
- Security & Clearances: Must be able to pass Air Force base access security checks and background checks required to work around children [Required].
- Physical Capability: Ability to regularly setup equipment and lift up to 40 lbs [Required].
- Communication & Professionalism: High fluency in speaking, reading, and writing English; neat, professional attire and demeanor [Required].
Desirable Qualifications
- Degree: Bachelor’s degree in Music, Catholic Liturgy, Religious Studies, or a related field.
- Instrumental Proficiency: 5+ years of experience playing an instrument or cantoring for Catholic Masses; ability to direct the choir while playing an instrument.
- Performance Skills: Ability to play by ear, sight-read music, and improvise accompaniment.
- Background: Experience within a military chapel community and active standing as a practicing Roman Catholic.
Pay: $35.00 - $40.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
