UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY: EAST POSITION GUIDE

Title: Director of Music
Accountability: Minister and Sunday Services Committee
Time Frame: ¾ Time, 30 hrs/wk. including Sundays

Nature of Work:

Develops and implements the Society’s comprehensive music program. Works with minimal supervision and in consultation with the Minister and the Sunday Services Committee.

Essential Functions:

Sets goals for and develops the music program for the Society.

Provides prelude, hymn accompaniments (on piano), and other appropriate music for Sunday Services and special services as requested by the Minister and/or Sunday Services Committee. Organizes rehearsal time as necessary.

Encourages known and potential musical talent within the Society and works to expand the musicality of the congregation.

Arranges, transposes, and/or composes music as necessary for the particular needs of a service or the performers. Recruits musicians for special music.

Recruits, rehearses, and directs volunteer choirs and special vocal and instrumental ensembles in cooperation with Minister and Sunday Services Committee. [Note: Currently choirs and special ensembles are occasional, not weekly.]

Serves as ex officio member of the Music Committee and Sunday Services Committee and meets as needed with the Minister, staff, and coordinators/presenters of Sunday services.

Coordinates proper maintenance and repair of church instruments. Maintains files of music, instruments, and relevant records. Purchases new music and may occasionally hire outside musicians within scope of the annual budget. Tracks music expenditures.

Submits a budget proposal to the Finance Committee by announced dates.

Continues to expand knowledge and skills through attendance at workshops or other continuing education opportunities.

Has first right of refusal for providing music at weddings, memorial services, and other special services outside the above contracted services.

Assures that information about music or special events within the church and local community is communicated to the congregation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must be a fully competent pianist.
Must be flexible and well-organized.
Must be able to organize and direct the activities of others.
Must have a broad knowledge and understanding of many types of music.
Must be able to generate enthusiasm and participation among Society members and friends.
Must be able to promote music as a means of spiritual expression.
Must ideally have an understanding of, or be open to learning about, the Unitarian Universalist music tradition, hymnody, and theology.

Training and Experience:

Degree in music, strong keyboard performance and accompaniment skills, and experience in directing vocal and instrumental ensembles. Candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements are encouraged to submit a letter of explanation outlining their qualifications for the position.

Must be or become a member of the Unitarian Universalist Musicians Network and adhere to its code of professional practices.

The Pianos:

Rebuilt 1893 Steinway Grand Piano, Model A.

Reconditioned 1986 Steinway Grand Piano, Model L.

[Use of pianos is permitted for teaching. Recitals can be scheduled through appropriate channels.]

Note: The above description is intended as a guide only and should not be interpreted as a complete list of the duties of or qualifications for this job.

Date: January 10, 2007