Organist/Music Director (Part-Time)

 About the Church
We are an inclusive and welcoming congregation of approximately 60-70 people on an average Sunday and several hundred on major holidays like Christmas and Easter. We are currently seeking a part-time organist/music director. Our gorgeous Gothic Revival sanctuary, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, features Casavant Opus 3062, with three manuals, 63 ranks, and over 3,200 pipes. We recently made a large investment in our organ with a full factory refurbishment in 2022, to include upgrading to a digital console, and we added an antiphonal division to the balcony in 2024. It is considered one of the best pipe organs in the Midwest. Our choir is small but dedicated, averaging about six to eight volunteer singers, and they take the summer off.

Position and Hours
Based on the duties described below, we believe the position will call for about 15 hours/week, although this is open to discussion. We hope this will allow the candidate to pursue their musical interests, other career commitments, and/or hobbies, as desired.

Education and Experience
We would prefer a candidate with a degree in music, ideally in organ performance. At least several years of past experience in church music is required, preferably in the Anglican choral tradition. Experience with rehearsing and directing a choir is also essential.

Anticipated Compensation
$25,000 - $30,000 per year, depending on qualifications, with no benefits and four weeks off annually plus compensatory time off after busy holiday weeks.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Play hymns, anthems, service music, and voluntaries for the 10am Sunday service (which is at 9:15am over the summer) as well as special services throughout the year such as Christmas Eve and during Holy Week.
  • Consult with families about weddings and funerals to assist in planning the services and preferably play for those services (at additional compensation) or find a qualified substitute if unavailable.
  • Direct the choir during services. Often this will be done while also playing the organ.
  • Plan and lead choir rehearsals, which are currently on Wednesday evenings and Sundays before the service, although that is open to discussion.
  • Maintain technical proficiency through regular practice and rehearse the upcoming music.
  • Work with the Rector in the selection of appropriate music. This can be done with guidance or under minimal supervision, depending on your comfort level.
  • Work with the Parish Administrator to prepare and proofread the music selections in the weekly bulletin.
  • Maintain the professional relationships necessary to secure supply coverage as well as special musicians for holiday services. We ask you to participate with organizations like the local chapter of the AGO and network with the local business association, local high school, and other area churches as part of our music outreach ministry.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Ensure copyright compliance and reporting of music usage to license services.
  • Develop programs and initiatives to grow the choir. Maybe there are opportunities for a children’s program or a choral Evensong. We won’t know until we try.
  • Lead the occasional educational program for the congregation to deepen our love for, and knowledge of, music. We have no preconceived notions of what this might look like.
  • Be part of a staff team that’s committed to personal and professional fulfillment through continuing education and a laid-back, collaborative, trusting environment.
  • Be the primary staff liaison to the Pipe Organ Project committee, which holds concerts and fundraising events to bring people into the church and fund organ maintenance through a separate 501(c)(1) organization called Friends of Casavant 3062.
  • Help prepare the music budget each year.
  • Schedule organ tunings as needed and budgeted.
  • Organize and maintain the music library, acquiring new pieces as needed.
  • Participate in seasonal liturgical planning meetings.
  • Participate in the social life of the parish as a ministry leader through attendance in at least four events annually.
  • Other duties as needed. This could be anything from making photocopies to moving music stands. We all pitch in to get the job done.

Application Information
A rolling review of applications will begin on January 15, 2025. To apply or for additional information, please email jobs@eeclg.org. All applications will initially be held in confidence. Please note that hiring requires successful completion of a background check and safeguarding training, and that references will be checked.