POSITION DESCRIPTION Director of Music Ministries. Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Sligo Parish 633 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910

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1 POSITION DESCRIPTION Director of Music Ministries Episcopal Church of the Ascension, Sligo Parish 633 Sligo Avenue, Silver Spring, MD WELCOME With anticipation and excitement, we look forward to welcoming our new Director of Music Ministries and writing the next verse in our ongoing song to God. At Ascension, music is integral to worship, Christian formation, and spiritual growth. ABOUT ASCENSION, SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND Ascension was founded in 1930 and has a rich history in the Diocese of Washington. We are seeking a talented, engaging and creative Director of Music Ministries to further develop our music program. Our approach embraces the spectrum from our rich heritage of hymnody and choral music to expansive expressions such as spirituals, Taizé, and contemporary music. We are a vibrant, growing, diverse, and multi-cultural congregation (150+ average Sunday attendance) committed to being a welcoming house of God for all people, where authentic worship is offered to engage the heart and mind, and where members are empowered to serve God in the surrounding community and in the world, especially those who are oppressed, marginalized, or in need.

2 OUR MUSIC PROGRAM INCLUDES: Chancel Choir (adults) Youth Choir (elementary through middle school) Cherub Choir (pre-k and Kindergarten) Hand Bell Choir Recorder Group Featured Instrumentalists Concert Performances from Local Musicians/Choirs THE JOB, COMPENSATION, AND BENEFITS Description: Part-Time (20 hours/weekly) Reports to: Rector; in Rector s absence, the Senior Warden and/or Vestry Total Salary: Following AGO and diocesan guidelines, base salary: $20,000 to $24,000, plus pension benefits Four weeks of annual paid vacation (including Sundays, except major feasts as indicated in Responsibilities ) One week of professional development leave (including a Sunday, except major feasts as indicated in Responsibilities ) Ideally, we are looking for one person to fill the position of Director of Music Ministries, but we are open to splitting this position into two (Director and Assistant Director). The perfect candidate(s) will be excited to be part of Ascension and about the responsibilities and opportunities outlined below. PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS Education Bachelor s degree in Music (advanced degree preferred) Experience with choral directing & leading a church choir Experience in organ performance & piano performance Experience in a liturgical tradition (Episcopal/Anglican preferred) Experience with Hand Bell Choirs (preferred) Experience with instrumental ensembles (preferred) Experience with Children/Youth Choirs Experience working with other musicians Ability to work well with others; good interpersonal skills

3 REQUIRED SKILLS and QUALITIES Inspiring leader with choir members (all ages and skills), creating a learning environment Excellent communication skills and ability to work well with children, youth, parish staff, parents, volunteers, parishioners, and the Rector, Deacon, Seminarians, and Deacon Candidates A strong commitment to excellence Excellent organizational and time management skills; strong attention to detail, e.g., when proofreading worship bulletins or administering the music budget Ability to direct rehearsals and educational programs as a leader, helping people deepen their relationship with God through prayer, music, and song. RESPONSIBILITIES Selects and provides music at all principal services of the church (organ, piano, choral, or other music), subject to approval by the clergy, including but not limited to: All weekly Sunday worship services (10:00 AM service, but occasionally at 8:00 AM) and special services that occur throughout the seasons of the Church Year, such as All Saints Sunday, Advent Service of Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Epiphany, Holy Week services particularly Maundy Thursday and Good Friday, Easter Eve Vigil, Easter Day, Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday and Ascension Day. Plays for weddings and funerals (honorarium according to AGO and Diocesan Guidelines) in collaboration with the Rector and other participants; Develops the strength of the music program, including leading weekly rehearsals for the Chancel Choir (Tuesday night), and being the musical accompanist for the Youth and Cherub Choirs (after church on Sundays); Identifies, develops, and utilizes volunteer musical talent within the parish (i.e., those who play instruments and possess vocal abilities); Work with volunteers who lead the Hand Bell choir, the Youth and Cherub Choirs, and the Recorder group, and provide resources as needed; Selects and delivers all information for Sunday music electronically for service bulletins within the Rector s stated deadlines;

4 Hires professional musicians, as appropriate and within the parameters of the parish music budget, for liturgical festivals and special services, such as Christmas and Easter; Secures substitute musicians during his/her absence; Coordinates overall music schedule within the liturgical year in consultation with the Rector; Prepares annual budget request reflecting the needs for the total music program, including: printed music and supplies, musical instrument maintenance, vestments, substitute organist, & guest musician expenses; Arranges for maintenance and tuning of all musical instruments; Develops relationships with regional musicians and groups encouraging the use of Ascension as a venue for musical and cultural events; Attends requested staff meetings and meets with the Rector on a regular basis, participating in liturgical planning meetings, and other meetings as directed; Prepares advertising for concerts, recitals and performances as needed and acts as staff liaison for special music events at the church; Attends and accompanies one daylong choir retreat per church year; Prepares the choir to lead the congregation s singing of Hymns, and develops Cantors to lead Psalms and Chants; Plans and performs one major Choir Concert per year (preferably in Advent); Accompanies soloists in worship as needed; Plays for special gatherings of the church when requested by the Rector. INSTRUMENTS, MUSIC LIBRARY, AND REHEARSAL SPACE Allen Electronic Organ (Sanctuary) Baldwin Grand Piano (Sanctuary) Piano - Multimedia Center Electronic Keyboard (Office) Parish Hall (Piano) Hand bells (almost a full complement) Extensive Music Library (choral sheet music and a wide variety of other material) Personal Office Space for Meetings, Music Planning, etc. Newly renovated Multimedia Center for choir rehearsals

5 BONUSES: Availability of space and instruments for private lessons for individuals within the church or the surrounding community Availability of Sanctuary and Parish Hall to showcase one s musical talents and creative compositions (whether religious or secular) via concerts and recitals HOW TO APPLY Please send a cover letter, resume/cv, and list of three (3) references to: Anne LeVeque, Senior Warden, at anne.leveque@gmail.com OR mail to: Church of the Ascension, 634 Silver Spring Avenue, Silver Spring, MD ATTN: Music Director Position. More information about Ascension can be obtained from our website Application Deadline: Wednesday, November 15 th, 2017 The Ascension Chancel Choir