Bethesda Lutheran Church
New Haven, Connecticut
The Director of Music Ministry leads, encourages and supports the Songregation as it worships God in song and other music.
The director will exhibit strong choral conducting and organ skills, an awareness and appreciation of Lutheran liturgical and theological traditions, and organizational, teaching and leadership abilities in working with adults, youth and children.
Expectations:
- Support the vision, goals and annual objectives of the congregation. See the website for more information.
- Meet with the pastor in preparing the liturgies for Sunday and other days (including planning congregational, choral and instrumental music for each).
- Gather and nurture the musical gifts of members and other participants for the worship of God at Bethesda, with special attention to recruiting members of the congregation to join the choir and/or provide instrumental music.
- Assist Bethesda in developing its repertory of song, hymns and service music.
- Maintain excellence in one’s own musical skill through regular practice, study and continuing education.
- Foster children and youth engagement in the music ministry by facilitating opportunities and encouraging participation.
Specific Duties Include:
- Planning, preparing, playing organ and/or piano and directing choirs for the Sunday service as well as for special services such as, but not limited to, an Advent Service of Lessons and Carols, Advent Weekday, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Ash Wednesday, Hamburgers and Hymns, Ascension Day, Lenten Weekday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Easter Vigil.
- Conduct weekly choir rehearsals with the adult choir, as well as Sunday morning rehearsal before the service. Include additional rehearsals or a longer preparation period for more challenging music and/or Christmas, Easter and special events.
- Serve as Artistic Director of the Bethesda Music Series, which presents diverse, high quality performances (4 to 6 concerts, September – May) by Bethesda and.or outside musicians to raise funds for local social service organizations. Assist with marketing and fundraising for the Series. Encourage collaboration with other church choirs and musical ensembles for larger Music Series concerts that require a substantial chorus, such as cantatas and mass settings.
- Serve as an ex-officio member of the Worship and Music Committee and the Music Series Committee. Meet regularly with the pastor and attend other staff meetings upon the request of the pastor.
- Provide or arrange for music at weddings and funerals. (Extra reimbursement provided.)
Qualifications:
Possess excellent music skills with training in organ, choral conducting and church music. Also possess excellent organizational skills and the ability to choose music that reflects the size and varied abilities of the choir. A Master of Music degree or its equivalent in education and experience is preferred. A background in liturgy and theology is desirable.
Salary and Benefits:
Salary of $25,000 depending on experience and educational qualifications. For approximately 20 hours per week with a flexible schedule. Funds for continuing education available. Four Sundays paid vacation, two Sundays of sick leave, one Sunday for continuing education (with a stipend). The Director of Music Ministry permitted use of church instruments for rehearsals and private instruction.
Other Provisions:
Church owned choral library. Dedicated funds provided for substitute organists, music purchases, instrumentalists, special music events. Utilize the church’s physical resources to facilitate the organization of choir music and to rehearse in an environment that allows musicians to create a better, more balanced sound.
Terms:
Annual renewable contract with annual performance and salary review. The Director of Music Ministry is directly responsible to the pastor. Position will be open as of June 1, 2023.