Leader of Sanctuary Music Ministry

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead the Chancel, Handbell and Youth Choirs and administer overall sanctuary music ministry. We value the quality of our music program, recognizing that it is first and foremost a ministry for the growth and sharing of our Christian faith.

Administer the Sanctuary Music Ministry

• Lead and direct the Chancel Choir in sanctuary worship services and weekly choir rehearsals

• Lead and direct the Handbell Choir and Youth Choir in regular rehearsals; schedule participation in Sunday worship and special events

• Work with the pastor, organist, and volunteers to provide appropriate congregational and enhanced music for sanctuary services

• Evaluate and procure choral music for Sanctuary worship services representing a wide range of styles, including classical, traditional, gospel/spiritual, and contemporary.

• Prepare the Chancel Choir to lead the congregation in singing weekly hymns

• Relay to each choir the worship service’s biblical and spiritual music message

• Work with local resources to interview and secure paid section leaders for the Chancel Choir

• Encourage and lead the choirs and instrumental groups to present larger choral works for Christmas, Easter and periodic combined worship services

• Plan and oversee the budget for the Sanctuary music program

• Participate in church staff meetings, attend appropriate monthly Council meetings as needed

• Maintain correspondence with choirs through FPC email

• Provide for the systematic care of all music ministry materials, including choir robes and the extensive church music library, preferably through volunteers

• Provide for the systematic care and maintenance of pianos, handbells, chimes, timpani, the Austin pipe organ, and other church-owned musical instruments, and develop a plan for ensuring that they remain fully functional and up to date

• Collaborate with other music ministry leaders to maintain the overall music ministry program calendar and music ministry section of church website

• Encourage and recruit members of the congregation of all ages to offer their musical gifts in the service of Christ and the church. Recognize that on rare occasions, paid resources outside the church may also be appropriate where budget allows

• Be active in professional development through continuing education, current literature, and participation in professional societies and appropriate conferences

• Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor

• Maintain compliance with all church policies and procedures

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

• Firm personal commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior

• Appropriate musical education/training and/or professional experience. Prefer at minimum, bachelor’s degree in music-related field

• Demonstrated knowledge of the theology and practice of worship in the context of an established mainline Protestant congregation

• Significant skills in choir training, piano accompaniment and the selection of appropriate music

• Proven leadership in recruitment, program coordination, and administration

• Proven proficiency with standard office software

• Excellent verbal, written and electronic communication skills

• Collaborative work ethic

Physical Requirements:

Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions and maintain regular punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards

We are a PCUSA church located on the Old Town Walking Mall in the heart of downtown Winchester, VA. We have both contemporary and traditional services with an average attendance of 210 worshippers. Join a staff where tradition meets innovation.