Musician

St. Joseph Parish is a vibrant Catholic community committed to excellence in sacred music, located at the Cardinal Rigali Center in Shrewsbury, MO, the headquarters of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

About the role

The Traditional Choir accompanist supports our Traditional Choir, which leads music for the 8:45 a.m. Sunday Mass each week from September through Pentecost Sunday, as well as selected holy days and other parish celebrations. Our repertoire spans from the Middle Ages to the present day, with a particular emphasis on classical choral literature. Representative composers include Tallis, Byrd, Bach, Mozart, Franck, Stainer, Chesnokov, Darke, Dawson, Manz, Rutter, and Marrolli, along with selections from major works such as Fauré's Requiem, Handel's Messiah, and Vivaldi's Gloria. As the ministry grows, musicians will have opportunities to participate in concerts of sacred music.

Responsibilities

• Weekly rehearsals, typically Thursdays from 7:30–9:30 p.m.
• Sunday warm-up rehearsal at 8:15 a.m. and Mass at 8:45 a.m.
• Participation in major liturgical celebrations, including:
  • Immaculate Conception (December 8)
  • Christmas Eve (11:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols, Midnight Mass)
  • Solemnity of St. Joseph (March 19)
  • Holy Thursday
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Vigil
  • Easter Sunday
  • Pentecost
• Additional services and rehearsals as announced
• Participation in up to two sacred music concerts annually
• Lead vocal warmups before rehearsal or Mass
• Lead sectional rehearsals as needed
• Lead full rehearsals in the absence of the choir director
• Occasional opportunities to conduct the choir and/or instrumental ensembles (for qualified candidates)
• Collaborate with the Director of Liturgy and Music, Co-Director of the Traditional Choir, choir members, cantors, and instrumentalists
• Maintain punctuality, reliability, and consistent professional behavior
• Commit to the full liturgical and rehearsal schedule, including major feast days and solemnities

Requirements

• Proficiency in piano accompaniment, with the ability to support choral literature of moderate difficulty across a variety of styles
• Musical sensitivity in interpretation, including phrasing, dynamics, and articulation
• Responsiveness to the director’s musical leadership, including tempo and expressive direction
• Excellent sight-reading skills and the ability to prepare repertoire independently
• Proficiency in accompanying congregational singing with steady tempo, clear phrasing, and confident introductions
• Ability to accompany chant, including antiphons and responsorial psalmody
• Experience collaborating with cantors and soloists in rehearsal and performance settings
• Familiarity with the structure of the Roman Catholic liturgy
• Bachelor’s degree in music performance (piano or organ) or equivalent level of training and experience preferred

Benefits

• Flexible working times and remote working options
• Generous paid vacation increasing with service
• Personal leaves of absence
• Opportunities to participate in Archdiocese-sponsored volunteer events