First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown                         Choir Director                                              Job Description

The role of the Choir Director is to provide a nurturing environment for musical growth

and education of this congregation creating a cohesive vocal program for adults and children for the glory of God.

The Choir Director works in coordination with the Music Director and is supervised by the Pastor/Head of Staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1) Plans for and directs choral music and/or solos for Sunday morning services and six additional services (two on Christmas Eve, one Maundy Thursday, and 3 others to be determined by the head of staff, if required) in a way that supports the congregation’s musical participation. 

2) Work with the congregation to develop a stronger music program with children: on Sunday mornings before Sunday School, during Wednesday afternoon Kids Club, and perhaps developing a Children’s Choir. 

3) Oversees and directs all adult (and children's) choirs during the program year which includes scheduling, preparing for and leading the choir in rehearsals. 

4) Develop overall schedule for choir participation in worship. 

5) Meetswith the Pastor and Music Director during the program year to plan music for upcoming services which includes a wide range of musical styles. 

6) Together with the Pastor and Music Director, introduce and teach new hymns to congregation.    

7) Share necessary items with the Music Director as it relates to scheduled staff meetings.   

8) Submit to the church office details of all choir music in time for inclusion in each Sunday worship bulletin.  

9) To allow for sufficient communication of needs, ensure effective interface with committees such asworship, Christian Education, etc.  Attend scheduled meetings as necessary and appropriate (ex.:Calendar planning) 

10) Purchase choral music.  

11) Ensure all church owned music is properly accounted for and filed. 

12) Maintain contact list of Choir Members. 

13) Stand in as the organist/musician when the Music Director is away. 

PERSONAL TRAITS ,QUALITIES, QUALIFICATION 

Must possess good leadership skills to work and lead large groups of people: firm yet positive, decisive with a strong sense of musicality. 

Must have knowledge and understanding on how to motivate and handle different kinds of people with different traits and characteristics.  

Must have an enthusiasm for choral singing, for song, and for music with an enthusiasm that is infectious and inspirational. Demonstrates expertise in knowledge and teaching of choral music. 

Brings an excellent sense of humor, and patience, and capacity to draw out the time and talents of participants.Maintains an atmosphere of joy in rehearsal and in performance.

Clear with instructions and directions at all stages of rehearsal and performance without any confusion or ambiguity.  Brings a desire for excellence in worship and has an ability to love people and their unique gifts and skills that they bring to church.

Possesses some measure of church experience, basic knowledge of Reformed worship practicesand the lectionary, and is willing to uphold traditions and favorite music from the past of FPCH. 

Desire to work collegially with the Music Director, having an interest in learning from her and collaborating with her while also bringing new ideas, music choices and inspiration along to the table. 

Oversee the music for Kid's Club music; bring an entrepreneurial spirit (initiative, effort, planning with parents) to explore the possibilities of establishing a Children's Choir.

A choral music educator and/or has prior experience in teaching choral music to adults. Experience with children preferred. Working toward or possessing a Bachelor’s Degree in Music is preferred.

ACCOUNTABILITY:         

The Choir Director report to the Music Director and the Pastor, as Head of Staff, and is accountable to the Session of the First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown through the Personnel Committee for the accomplishment of goals and objectives.

The Choir Director is supervised directly by the Music Director from week to week. S/he must be available to meet with the Music Director on a regular basis, at our mutual convenience;  and share the burden for attending committee meetings when a need arises. 

Confidentiality is essential to creating trust within a community.   Maintenance of strict confidentiality is both expected and required. As a staff member, you are required to maintain an appropriate standard of confidentiality.  Any disclosures of confidential information (including personal information kept on computer or other media) made outside the proper course of duty to any unauthorized person or persons will be regarded as gross misconduct and will render the employee subject to serious disciplinary action which may result in dismissal.

EVALUATION:

At the end of each year’s contract, the Personnel Committee of the First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown will provide a performance review.

Should the Choir Director have any serious differences or difficulties, s/he should discuss the issues with the Pastor/Head of Staff. If need be, the matter will be referred to the Personnel Committee of First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown.

This agreement is for a period of ten (10) months beginning September 1, 2012 continuing until June 30, 2013. After consultation with the Personnel Committee of the First Presbyterian Church of Hightstown, this agreement may be extended.

This agreement may be terminated by the Session upon thirty days (30) written notice.

The Choir Director may terminate agreement with thirty (30) days written notice and forfeiture of any payment beyond the thirty-day period.

Please send your resume to DilysHenninger, Chair of Personnel, by June 15, 2013.

thehenningters2@comcast.com