Position Description: Organist and Choir Director (part-time)
The Episcopal Church of Grace and Resurrection, East Elmhurst, NY
Salary: $20,000, negotiable depending on experience
Type: Exempt, part-time
Current Schedule (subject to change): Setup for Sunday Worship 9:00 a.m.; One Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m.; Adult Choir Rehearsal Saturday 1 pm - 3 pm.
Staff Meeting on one agreed-upon weekday for no more than 1 hour.
Benefits: Paid time off for 2 Sundays
Instruments: organ, grand piano, drum kit, hand-held percussion instruments, and assorted brass and woodwind instruments. The church owns three music stands.
Position Summary:
The Episcopal Church of Grace and Resurrection is a vibrant Afro-Caribbean church with a rich history and a commitment to growth in Christ in East Elmhurst, Queens. The church seeks a candidate with a deep commitment to the parish community and music ministry who shares the goal of honoring our history of musical excellence across decades. For this reason, we seek not only a skilled organist and choir director, but also a musician with experience in music education who is enthusiastic about and fluent in our cultural and spiritual context.
The Organist and Choir Director will work closely with the clergy, senior (adult) choir, church organizations/ministries, and other musicians to plan and execute music for regular and special services. Special emphasis is placed on liturgical music and chant, including the psalter. Our parish celebrates its Afro-Caribbean and African American identity, and especially appreciates a mix of Gospel and Praise music as well as more traditional Anglican/Episcopal repertoire.
Music Leadership and Coordination:
Collaborate with the clergy to plan, select, and lead music for Sunday services and major feasts, including hymns, anthems, and other liturgical music. In collaboration with church organizations/ministries, if requested, assist with musical rehearsals, song selections, and finding an accompanist (if not available). Work with members new and experienced of the adult (senior) choir, helping them to grow as musicians, including through sectional rehearsals. Lead weekly senior choir rehearsals during the program year, ensuring that the choir is well-prepared for services.
Worship Services:
Serve as organist and pianist for worship services and major liturgical occasions. Provide music for special services including Homecoming Sunday, Harvest Sunday, Christmas Eve, Holy Week (Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday), Easter Vigil, Easter Day, deanery-wide services as planned, weddings, funerals, and other church events. Compensation will be provided by the couple/family for weddings and funerals at an agreed-upon rate. The music director has right-of-first-refusal on weddings and funerals. Coordinate with guest musicians as needed.
Community Engagement:
Foster a sense of community and engagement through music, encouraging congregational singing. Explore opportunities for outreach through music, such as concerts, lessons, recitals, or collaborative events with other local churches and community groups.
Pay: $20,000.00 per year
Benefits:
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
