Director of Liturgical Music

St. Joan of Arc Church, located in Aberdeen, Maryland, seeks candidates for a Director of Music. With the guidance of the Pastor, the Director of Music will be responsible for the music ministry and coordinating sacred music at three weekend Masses, Holy Days, Sacramental celebrations, funerals, weddings, devotions, and some national holidays. Rehearse and lead choirs and ensembles for weekend Mass. Perform all duties consistent with Church documents on sacred music. The Director of Music must be proficient in organ and piano, choral conducting, vocal coaching, and training, rehearsing, and conducting adult choir, youth choir and youth ensemble. He/she must also be able to lead the congregation in music during Mass as a Cantor or Accompanist.

The goal of the Music Ministry is to enable the full and active participation of the parish community in every aspect of our liturgical worship. In collaboration with the Pastor, The Director of Music is to assist the Church in bringing glory to God through music, both vocal and instrumental, by encouraging a diversity of musical expression. The Director of Music will coordinate the procurement of vocal ensembles, cantors, instrumentalists, accompanists, and others in music ministry. The Director is a dedicated Catholic and is knowledgeable in Catholic liturgical practices and performs all duties consistent with Church documents on sacred music. 

Essential Functions

• Schedule all music ensembles, volunteers, cantors and accompanists for weekend Mass, Holy Days, and other liturgies.
• Coordinate musicians for Weddings and Funerals as appropriate.
• Attend Liturgy Committee and Staff meetings.
• Communicate faithfully with the Pastor and staff.
• Participate in the life and ministry of the Church.
• Recruit and coordinate volunteers for Music Ministry: accompanists, cantors, instrumentalists, Adult Choir members, Children's Choir members, Youth ensemble members, Handbell Choir members, and music library help.
• Engage additional musicians for special occasions as needed.
• Prepare the annual budget for liturgical music and ensure that expenses adhere to the approved budget.
• Develop and maintain a sacred music library of various styles for assembly, choirs, cantors, and instrumentalists.
• In collaboration with the Pastor, engage in ongoing initiatives to educate all individuals involved in music ministry and the assembly on the proper role of sacred music in liturgy, in accordance with Church documents.
• Oversee and maintain the music library. Order new music as needed.
• Ensure all copyright regulations and licenses are followed regarding music reprinting, podcasting, and posting online.
• Maintain parish musical instruments: Pianos, organ, electric keyboards, and related equipment. Ensure that tuning, preventive maintenance, and repairs are performed on a timely basis.
• Plan retreats and workshops for all Music Ministry members.
• Maintain personal and professional growth through active participation in music organizations, classes and performance opportunities provided by the Archdiocese of Baltimore, National Pastoral Musicians and American Guild of Organists.
• Ensure that the Diocesan Policies of VIRTUS are followed to protect the most vulnerable.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in music or related field strongly preferred.
• Must be proficient in organ, piano, choral conducting, and vocal coaching.
• Minimum 3 years prior experience as a liturgical musician or director of liturgical music preferably in a Catholic parish.
• Strong working knowledge of the treasury of sacred music, particularly within Catholic Church tradition; ability to integrate appropriate sacred music into each liturgical season and celebration.
• Practicing Catholic preferred.
• Working knowledge of Catholic liturgical rites, including Sacramental celebrations, and the liturgical documents of the Catholic Church, particularly as they relate to sacred music, including but not limited to: Sacrosanctum, Concilium, Musicum Sacram, and the General Instruction on the Roman Missal.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and collaborative skills.
• Ability to supervise and counsel volunteers and paid members of the music ministry.

Pay Range:  $42,500 - 45,500, Annualized

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package with this position, including health, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; automatic enrollment in the 403(b) plan and employer contribution (whether or not the employee contributes); and generous paid holiday, sick and vacation leave. Please click on the link below for more detailed information:

https://www.archbalt.org/human-resources/employee-benefits/employee-benefits/