Music Director

Job Description

QUEEN OF APOSTLES PARISH
Director of Music Ministry
JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Purpose: Music for an Excellent Liturgy
Queen of Apostles Church, striving to be a family of families committed to growing in discipleship of Christ and eager to invite others to join our family, is seeking a Director of our Music Ministry program (DMM). This position will report to the Pastor and the Office Manager, and will work to refine and implement the musical vision for the parish. The qualified candidate will be Catholic, with a strong appreciation for liturgical music. Technical mastery is valued, but the parish places importance on the candidate's ability to bring a sense of passion, artistry and awe to the program, as well as the ability to bring growth and maturity to the program. The following passages express our sensibility for what a musical program should reflect:

"The musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art. The main reason for this pre-eminence is that, as a combination of sacred music and words, it forms a necessary or integral part of solemn liturgy." (SC 112)

"Song and music fulfill their function as signs in a manner all the more significant when they are more closely connected with the liturgical action, according to three principal criteria: beauty expressive of prayer, the unanimous participation of the assembly at the designated moments, and the solemn character of the celebration." (CCC 1157)

Mission
The DMM has a profound impact on the parish through the Liturgy and as a consistent and visible representative of the Church and Staff at every mass. Through exemplary and reverent music, strong character, faithfulness to the teachings of the Church, a strong work ethic, and professional, loving interactions with parishioners, the DMM will support our parish mission to form disciples of Christ by:
Equipping parishioners with spiritual resources that will lead to deep spiritual growth
Inspiring families to joyfully embrace their vocation to holiness
Encouraging the faithful to use their time, talent, and treasure to the glory of God
Introducing people outside the Church to the joy and beauty of the Gospel
DMM Responsibilities
Plays the organ for all weekend Masses and Feast Day/ Holy Day Masses.
a. Weekend Masses with music: 5pm (vigil), 7pm (Spanish vigil), 10:00am, 12 noon, and 1:30pm (Spanish) Masses
b. Instrumental pieces for Masses and other Liturgies chosen by the organist will be consistent with the identity of the music program and Parish culture
c. Works to continue to expand skills in organ and piano accompaniment
Works with vocalists and instrumentalists for parish Liturgies and other special occasions
a. Unlocks and locks rehearsal spaces as necessary; oversees set-up and clean-up
b. Prepares and guides musicians through Liturgies; conducts and leads ensembles
c. Controls or oversees use of sound system
d. Helps to recruit new members to the Music Ministry
Works with School Music Teacher to lead the parish Youth Choir at the 10am Mass on the first Sunday of each month during the school year.
a. Communicates with non-school families involved
b. Discusses and plans music program with the Music Teacher in advance
Leads all rehearsals including weekly choir rehearsals
a. Weekly rehearsals for the English and Spanish Choirs are held during the months of September (after Labor Day) through the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Choirs may meet occasionally for special events during July and August.
b. Weekly rehearsals/warm-ups with the Spanish Choir continue throughout the year at least 30 minutes prior to the mass.
c. Additional rehearsals may be scheduled for Holy Days and special events
Office administrative responsibilities include:
a. Plans music for liturgies; arranges sheet music as needed for choirs, ensembles, cantors, and congregation for Liturgies and other parish activities
b. Sends Music Ministry-related communication through CCB platform
c. Plans and drafts regular communication to the congregation, including information for Bulletin, Announcements, and Parish email
i. Upon approval of Office Manager, information may be submitted to appropriate parties for dispersal
d. Coordinates and tracks organ maintenance and repairs
Attends staff meetings. Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as mutually agreed upon with Pastor and Office Manager
a. Approves bi-weekly musician timesheets
b. Cooperates with parish staff and represents the parish with a Christian attitude in interactions with clergy, parish members, and the community.
Builds and maintains connections within and outside the parish to support the growth of the Music Ministry.
a. Cooperates with music directors from other parishes on special diocesan music events as requested by the pastor or bishop
Is prepared to give short musical performances at the Parish Festival in August and at the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner in December
Required Skills & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in music preferred, but may be fulfilled with demonstrated experience or similar degree
Bilingual English and Spanish, or at least a working ability
Strong knowledge of quality organ repertoire available for liturgical music programs
Comfortable in a wide range of styles with a focus in traditional music
Experience as a team member and a team leader, comfortable taking direction or giving direction in a respectful, professional and positive way
Roman Catholic, active and committed
Strong spirit of prayer, that will give the understanding of the worship as prayer
Deep understanding, knowledge and appreciation of the Church's liturgical tradition as well as current liturgical practice
Ability and desire to lead and sustain a program of quality congregational singing, and to create a welcoming community for volunteers
Basic computer and administrative skills
Critical Qualities:
Sterling character, humble, exercises sound judgment
Readiness to embrace the pastor's vision and follow his guidelines
Passion for developing an excellent liturgical musical program
Self-starter with strong initiative; doesn't wait for prodding
Flexible, team player
Patient and professional approach and demeanor with calming leadership quality
Joyful, with strong interpersonal skills and winsome demeanor
Relevant Information
This is a full time position, and requires much of its work on nights and weekends. Along with the regular parish liturgical schedule, the organist may be required to provide music for additional services during Holy Week, sacramental celebrations, weddings and funerals.
Pay will be commensurate with demonstrated experience and skills.
Fees and First Refusal for Weddings, Funerals, Quinceaneras...
The parish DMM has the right of first refusal, respecting the decision of the family if in a reasonable way they want other musicians.
The fees to perform for special events (Weddings, Funerals, Quinceaneras...) are fixed in the Parish and may be changed by the DMM if necessary in special circumstances.
The fee for parish musicians will be paid by the family through payroll.

General Breakdown of Work Hours
30 hours total:
9 hrs weekends
- 4:30-8:00 pm on Saturdays - 3 hrs
- 9am-2:30 pm - 5 hrs
2 hr rehearsal
19 hours of office time during choir season
21 hours of office time when no choir rehearsals

About the Employer

Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, located in Alexandria, Virginia is a community that continually grows in faith, hope, and charity. As a parish, we give special attention to fraternal encounters and to always rediscover the face of Jesus in others, supporting each other, thus creating a fraternity atmosphere and always welcoming diversity. We are God's people, the great family of God, and seek holiness by living the sacraments and listening to the Word.