DIRECTOR OF MUSIC POSITION DESCRIPTION
ALL SAINTS EPISCOPAL CHURCH – FT LAUDERDALE FL
www.allsaintsfl.org
All Saints is an active, growing parish located in the Southeast Florida Diocese. Our Rector, the Rev. Leslie Hague, has repeatedly stated that at All Saints Episcopal, wherever you are in your journey, you are welcome. We seek a new Director of Music.
The parish has a long history of musical excellence. The choir is currently an all-adult volunteer group with 18-25 singers. Each section has a paid leader, sometimes supplemented with additional professionals. The church is also blessed to have several talented current and retired music professionals, who regularly participate in the choir and other instrumental and vocal musical offerings. The church has two pipe organs, the larger 3 manual is located behind the altar and flanked by the tiered choir seats, the smaller is located in the rear gallery, a 9’ Petrof Grand Piano and a 3-octave set of handbells.
A recent parish survey showed great support and appreciation for music ministry and a strong desire for growth. The parish is blessed with superior preaching, music, a strong sense of community and parishioners who love to sing.
Our ideal candidate will be trained and equipped in traditional Anglican/Episcopalian worship practice and familiar with choral repertoire and performance practices from the earliest to the present day. Working with the Rector, the Music Director will incorporate diverse hymnody, choral and instrumental music from other traditions including multi-national and multi-cultural.
Post-pandemic program restoration and growth, including potential new ensembles, a handbell choir, a concert series, Evensongs, popular music programs outside of worship, and working with other area churches are all encouraged and possible. The candidate would also be an active presence in parish life, possessed of good people skills and able to attract participation by fostering a collegial musical environment.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Director of Music will be organist, choirmaster, and principal musician of the church, working closely with and reporting to the Rector, effectively leading, managing and coordinating music as part of overall parish ministry.
Specific functions and responsibilities include:
• Superior organ skills, especially leading the people’s song; serving as principal organist for all Sunday worship services; Holy Days and Principal feasts of the church; and other special services
• Working with the Rector to effectively plan worship themes, including hymn selection, choral repertoire, solos, psalmody, and organ voluntaries
• Consulting for and providing music for parish weddings and funerals approved by the Vestry with appropriate compensation; and right of first refusal on non-parish events
• Coordinating maintenance of all musical instruments
• Preparing for and conducting organized midweek and Sunday morning choir rehearsals; recruiting choir members; hiring and working with section leaders, professional singers, instrumentalists and soloists; and arranging for substitutes as needed
• Managing all music communication with the parish staff and submitting musical information in a timely manner and serve as staff liaison for all church musical events
• Maintaining the parish choral library and purchasing new music; managing licensing and reporting
• Attending weekly staff meetings
• Managing the parish music budgets
Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in music or commensurate experience
Experience: Minimum 3 years parish music experience in Anglican/Episcopal or other liturgical worship traditions
Position Details
• 30-hour work week with future potential for full-time
• Salary Range: $35-40,000 commensurate with education and experience
• Additional Benefits: Paid Employee +1 Health Insurance and Pension Benefits through the Episcopal Church ; Vacation time; Continuing Education; Use of parish facilities for teaching/coaching
• Start Date: Summer 2024
Potential candidates may submit a letter of interest with complete contact information and resume by April 5, 2024, to music.search@allsaintsfl.org. Click here to download this description.