Director of Music

Job Description

Director of Music Job Announcement
Our Lady of the Visitation Parish

About the Parish
Our Lady of the Visitation Parish is a growing, vibrant, welcoming community of approximately 750 families in Darnestown, Maryland, within the Archdiocese of Washington. Music ministry is led by a full-time Director of Music and a faithful, dedicated group of volunteer musicians from the parish; we are blessed with several cantors, an Adult Choir, and a Children's Choir, each with approximately 10 singers. We are guided by the Holy Spirit, focused on building the Kingdom, committed to beauty in worship, and filled with love for our Catholic faith.
Position Description
The full-time Director of Music leads and oversees all aspects of music ministry at the parish. The director is an accomplished pianist, capable of directing adult and children's choirs while accompanying them on the piano. This person is also an experienced vocalist, able to teach and prepare volunteer cantors and choir members. The Director of Music serves at the Sunday 9am and 11am Masses, holy days of obligation, and special liturgies, and arranges coverage for the Saturday 5pm Mass. The director plans and selects music for all liturgies in accordance with Catholic liturgical norms, and meets regularly with the Pastor and staff regarding music ministry at the parish. This individual serves as a music librarian, ensuring that all music used at the parish is in accordance with copyright and licensing. This person coordinates and provides music for weddings and funerals, for an additional stipend. The Director of Music is expected to be present at the parish every Sunday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Holy Week/Triduum, Easter, and holy days of obligation. Flexibility will be given, in communication with the pastor, regarding time off.
Qualifications
• Faithful, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church; open to the Holy Spirit in guiding music ministry at the parish
• Knowledge of Roman Catholic liturgy; ability to research when needed
• Bachelor's degree or higher in music or related field
• Advanced pianist; significant experience as an accompanist
• Proficient vocalist; experience as a cantor
• Significant experience working with choirs; experience leading a small choir from the piano preferred
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to respectfully work with and support volunteer musicians at a variety of skill levels
• Ability to obtain and maintain Archdiocesan clearance to work with children

About the Employer

Guided by the Light of Christ, we are building a vibrant, welcoming community of fellowship, grace, love of God and one another. We honor Mary as our mother in faith and pattern of holiness in daily life. We are called by our baptism to worship the Father, to build community in the Spirit, to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ, and to serve all those in need. We are proud to live our Christian faith as members of the roman Catholic Church and as a parish of the Archdiocese of Washington.