Seeking Director of Music - First Church Congregational (Fairfield, CT)

by Barbara Johnson
(Fairfield, CT USA)

FIRST CHURCH CONGREGATIONAL, UCC
FAIRFIELD, CT

Director of Music

OVERVIEW
First Church Congregational (founded in 1639) is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. We are an open and affirming church of the United Church of Christ, welcoming anyone who wishes to worship in fellowship, regardless of age, race, education, economic status, marital status, sexual orientation, or special needs. First Church is deeply committed to a "servant" identity, wherein we seek to serve God and God's people in metropolitan Bridgeport, CT and throughout the world. Music plays an integral role in that ministry.

We are seeking a "next generation" musician to assume leadership of a vibrant music program on a part-time basis, with eventual development into a full-time position over a three- to five-year span. The ideal candidate will not only possess a sincere commitment to the Christian faith and a sense of service within the world, but also bring creative ideas for expanding the music program.

The foundation for this expansion includes three recently completed capital programs: 1.) purchase of a new Steinway & Sons Grand Piano (2009); 2.) a comprehensive sanctuary renovation to update mechanical and architectural elements, improve staging, and enhance acoustics (2010); and 3.) purchase and installation (2010) of a new Johannes Klais Orgelbau pipe organ (Bonn, Germany).

JOB SUMMARY/RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Music shall work with the ministers, staff and committees to enrich the ministry of the church, provide musical leadership to the congregation, and expand upon the church?s musical heritage so that it evolves with vision, energy and diversity:

1. Worship/Music Planning - Works collaboratively with the pastors and staff in planning and coordinating a music ministry that is integral to the life of the congregation in worship services and other activities held in the church. Understands, values and incorporates a wide range of musical expression - choral, solo, and instrumental, utilizing traditional, global and contemporary idioms.

2. Ensemble Leadership - Develops, teaches and directs the Chancel Choir and Hand Bell Choir, and oversees leadership of Youth/Children's Choirs with artistic vision. Develops and administers additional ensembles as needed on a temporary or seasonal basis. Provides musical accompaniment and choral direction for:

· Sunday worship services (currently 8:15a in Chapel; 10:15a in Sanctuary)
· Special worship services as may be scheduled (i.e. Ash Wednesday, Maunday Thursday, Good Friday, Christmas Eve, etc.)
· Wednesday evening Vesper services (7:00)pm in Sanctuary)
· Occasional ecumenical services and concerts or musical events (i.e. Holocaust Memorial, Operation Hope Concert, community Thanksgiving service, etc.)
· Rehearsals for choirs, soloists, and instrumentalists

3. Organist/Choirmaster - Serves as organist at worship services, and has the right of first refusal for music at weddings and funerals. Provides additional keyboard and vocal leadership as required. Provides for safety and security of the organs and other church musical instruments.

4. Recruitment and Leadership - Recruits, resources, and promotes volunteers and paid leaders for current and future music ensembles. Actively identifies and encourages the musical talents of the congregation. Engages outside musicians and performers to enrich the congregation's musical life in accordance with approved budgets.

5. Administrative - Manages the budget for the entire music program in conjunction with appropriate committees. Oversees the use and maintenance of the organs, pianos and other musical properties of the church. Maintains a current catalog of the music library and its appropriate organization and storage. Purchases necessary music for the various ensembles, soloists, cantors and instrumentalists in accordance with current publishing and copyright laws. Participates in weekly and monthly staff meetings and planning sessions.

6. Reporting relationships: The Director of Music reports directly to the Senior Pastor, is financially accountable to the Music Board, and shall design the music program and develop the music budget in coordination with the Music Board.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please email:
Barbara Johnson - Music Director Search Committee Chair (barbarajohnson45@sbcglobal.net)

First Church Congregational
148 Beach Road
Fairfield, CT 06824
(203) 259-8396
www.firstchurchfairfield.org