Interim Music Director

Grace Episcopal Church, Newton Corner, MA www.gracenewton.org/

Overview of Music at Grace Church

Music is an integral and highly valued part of our worship at Grace Church. Participation in music is an important component of faith formation for all ages; for our spiritual lives individually and as a congregation; and for our community life together at Grace Church. Members of our parish enjoy a variety of musical styles and musical instruments. We appreciate the pastoral and relational dimensions of music ministry.

The Interim Music Director will work closely with the clergy, the Worship Committee, and the parish choir to create an engaging and spiritually uplifting music program at Grace Church, in accordance with the canons and practices of the Episcopal Church. It is expected that the Interim Music Director will participate in the community life of the parish. The Interim Music Director is supervised by the Rector/Priest in Charge, and serves at the pleasure of the Rector/Priest in Charge (or in the absence thereof, the Senior Warden). Grace Church is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, or sexual orientation.

The Interim Music Director position is a part-time salaried position, based on an average of 15 hours per week.

Responsibilities:

  • Direct Choir rehearsals on Thursday evenings and Sunday mornings September through mid-June

  • Plan (with the clergy) and lead the music at the 10:30 Service of Holy Eucharist (9:30 in summer) and other services throughout the year

  • Hire, train, and supervise section leaders. Should there be a need during the Interim Music Director’s tenure to hire a new section leader or to dismiss a section leader, s/he will do so in conjunction with the Rector/Priest in Charge

  • Engage substitute organist/choir director when needed

  • Engage additional musicians/instrumentalists for special musical offerings; oversee timely payment for guest musicians

  • Develop and lead (or support), parish music programs for children and youth, in conjunction with the Minister for Christian Formation

  • Provide oversight and support for the Eldredge Chime ringers

  • Participate in regular meetings with the clergy and parish staff, either weekly or as otherwise determined by the Rector/Priest in Charge

  • Ensure Grace Church’s musical instruments (organs and pianos) are properly maintained, regularly tuned, and in good repair

  • Purchase all necessary music and music supplies

  • Manage the Music Program budget responsibly

  • Participate in Worship Committee meetings

  • With the clergy and parish staff, plan and lead special services and events such as Holy Week services, Lessons and Carols, the Christmas Pageant, evensongs, requiem for All Saints Day

  • Write up and submit in a timely fashion to Parish Administrator descriptions and promotions of parish musical offerings for internal parish communications (such as Grace Today newsletter, parish website), and for external marketing via social media and publications

  • Provide music for weddings and funerals ($300/funeral; $400/wedding; $100/hour for additional services to be paid directly to the Interim Music Director), or arrange for a substitute organist

  • Other music and worship-related duties or projects as assigned by the Rector/Priest in Charge

Desired qualities include:

  • Excellent musicianship on organ and piano

  • Excellent choral conducting skills

  • Ability to work with all levels of musicians: professionals, amateurs, and children

  • Familiarity with the Episcopal tradition

  • Understanding of the important contribution of music to liturgy and celebration of liturgical seasons

  • Familiarity with and willingness to include a broad range of music for congregational singing

  • Collaborative and collegial approach to music ministry

  • Personable, friendly, and interested in community life

Benefits 

Vacation/Time off

The Interim Music Director accrues one (1) paid week off per three months worked, arranged with the Rector/Priest in Charge and with sufficient advance notice.

Sick Time

The Interim Music Director will accrue a one (1) hour of sick time for every thirty (30) hours worked for a maximum of forty (40) hours of sick time per year, which may be carried over into the next year but never exceed forty (40) hours in one year, in accordance with Massachusetts state law.

Use of Facilities

The Interim Music Director may have use of church facilities for private teaching by arrangement with the Rector/Priest in Charge and coordinated with other parish and outside user groups.

Duration of Employment

Grace Church anticipates that the Interim Music Director will ideally serve in this role from August 15, 2023 until June 30, 2024. Based on their mutual discernment, the Rector/Priest in Charge and Interim Music Director may consider the extension of this term and/or the Interim Music Director may apply to serve in the role in a permanent capacity.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Ellen Farwell, Senior Warden at warden@gracenewton.org.

Grace Episcopal Church does not discriminate on grounds of age, race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability.