Assistant Children's Choir Director and Accompanist, St. Mary Roman Catholic Church

Per Diem/Non-Exempt position reporting to the Music Director.

About the role

Assist with rehearsal and direction of the Children's choir. The assistant will help to sing and accompany the choir during prelude selections and liturgy. The position could evolve into a greater role within the overall parish music ministry that would entail additional playing for weekend Masses as well as directing one or more choral groups, with a focus on increasing participation.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Organist with the Children's choir for Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday services, including helping to choose and prepare music for choir binders.
• Direct and help accompany during the 20-30 minute prelude prior to the start of Mass, primarily helping to sing the soprano parts.
• Attend and rehearse with the Children's choir approximately 7 Sundays prior to Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday.
• Rehearse with the choir after 10:45 AM Sunday Mass from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM.
• Other duties as assigned by the Music Director and/or Pastor, which might include but are not limited to sharing the playing of regular Sunday and other Masses.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in music or equivalent professional experience preferred, combined with intermediate to advanced organ and/or piano proficiency.
• Guitar playing skills would be helpful.
• Good understanding of music theory, vocal techniques, and choral literature.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, adults, and children.
• Experience performing and directing music at the Catholic liturgy in a parish setting is preferred.
• Prior experience teaching or working with children preferred.
• Must be able to read sheet music and possess good vocal skills.
• Clear records of Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check (PATCH), Pennsylvania Child Abuse History, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Criminal Background Fingerprint Check as required under Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Act 153 of 2014 (at least 1 year old).
• Attendance at a Protecting God's Children class and Mandated Reporter Training.

Additional Conditions of Employment

Due to the nature and mission of the Catholic Church, all employees are bound to exhibit respect for the teachings and discipline of the Church regarding matters of faith and morals, including maintaining a lifestyle that is in conformity with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to use hands and arms to play musical keyboards, direct music, type, handle, feel, or operate objects or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to sit, talk, and hear.
• Occasionally required to walk, stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• Must frequently lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

Indoors; noisy environment while playing the piano/organ and during choir rehearsals and performances, and in a moderately quiet office setting. Hours are flexible (2-10 hours) as needed and will be discussed at the interview.