UUCV Music Director – Position Available

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Music Director

UUCV Job Description (10/2021)

Music is an integral part of the life of UUCV (Unitarian Universalists of the Cumberland Valley). The Music Director provides vital leadership for our music ministry and the greater community as an educator and the principal musician of the congregation. As an educator, the Music Director teaches music and explains worship and liturgical concepts as they relate to music. As a musician, the Music Director should be diligent in preparation and performance and shall collaborate with volunteers, staff, and guest worship participants to provide and enable a consistent, high standard of worship. The Music Director will report directly to the Lead Minister and will work in close collaboration with the worship team to ensure that music contributes meaningfully to services and enhances the spiritual life of the congregation. The Music Director must be familiar with a diverse range of musical styles,and be able to navigate issues related to race and identity with a deep commitment to advancing the values of equity and inclusion as well as reflecting our Unitarian Universalist principles.

 

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the Minister, Worship Associates, guest worship leaders/participants, and relevant staff & volunteers to select, coordinate, and provide music that enhances the theme and purpose of each worship service.
  • Provide high quality keyboard music for solo pieces and accompaniment.
  • Recruit singers and musicians from the congregation to continue to expand the diversity, depth, and quality of the choir and the music ministry at UUCV. Balance the need for high quality music with a principle of inclusion and open participation in our music program.
  • Lead and accompany the choir in performing music for 1-2 worship services a month as well as Christmas Eve, Music Sunday (as needed), and other services planned by the Minister and Worship Associates (when available).
  • Prepare and lead weekly choir rehearsals and Sunday morning pre-service warm-ups as needed. Provide rehearsal tracks as needed.
  • Recruit, coordinate, lead, and/or accompany small ensembles and/or soloists (volunteers and/or professional musicians) in performing music for worship services throughout the year.
  • Follow all UUCV safety guidelines and policies in the performance of duties, including choir rehearsals and special performances.
  • Choose music selections and communicate them to the appropriate staff and volunteers in a timely fashion based on the approved worship planning timeline. This includes attending weekly worship planning meetings and occasional staff and/or supervision meetings.
  • Maintain familiarity with and organization of the congregation’s music library and expand it as needed, following all copyright laws. Ensure sufficient legal copies for all musical participants.
  • Maintain UUCV-owned musical instruments; arrange piano tunings and other routine or necessary upkeep.
  • Submit yearly budget for music program at UUCV. Manage and document yearly budget expenditures.
  • According to availability, provide special music for events and rites of passage, with appropriate compensation paid by those requesting these services.
  • Arrange for and coordinate with music leaders for Sundays when not on duty (one Sunday off per month).
  • Prepare a summary of the music ministry each year for the annual report.
  • Prepare recordings of music and choir performances for on-line use in worship services (as needed).
  • Attend other team / committee / Board / congregational meetings as required.
  • Subject to availability and authorization of the Minister, provide musical services for the UUA or other denominational organizations or events.
  • Other duties as assigned by the Minister.

 

Qualifications & Requirements

Through leadership and example, convey how music serves and contributes to our practice of worship and congregational life, enhancing the spiritual experience and meaning for all.

  • Good communication skills & the ability to collaborate and work well with choir members, volunteers, musical guests, staff, and congregational leaders.
  • Creativity and flexibility
  • Good organizational skills and the ability to plan ahead collaboratively.
  • Keyboard facility including ability to sight-read hymns.
  • Knowledge of and ability to provide a broad repertoire of keyboard music.
  • Experience teaching, leading, & supporting amateur singers and/or choirs.
  • Ability to lead congregational singing from the keyboard
  • Working understanding of microphones, sound equipment, on-line tools, and platforms.
  • Ability to adapt or arrange choral music to suit the number & ability of available singers.
  • Degree in music or equivalent experience.
  • Maintain active membership in the Association for Unitarian Universalist Music Ministries (AUUMM).
  • Supportive of Unitarian Universalist principles and the mission of UUCV, including knowledge and skills to help further diversity, equity, and inclusion within UUCV’s music ministries and throughout congregational life.

 

The ideal candidate will be creative, collaborative and experience joy in working with a socially-conscious and energetic congregation. UUCV values a diverse workforce; people with disabilities, people of color, and those who identify as L/G/B/T/Q are strongly encouraged to apply.

 

Hours & Compensation

15 hours per week (average); $20.00 – $23.00 / hour based on skill and experience

 

How to Apply
Please submit the following materials to [email protected]
● One-page letter describing why this position appeals to you
● Your resume
● Any videos or recordings of your work
● One letter of reference plus the contact information for two additional references

This position will remain open to application until filled.