The Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine is seeking a Director of Music to provide service music and direct our church choir.  Our sanctuary has a Steinway grand piano and a Rodgers model 805B classic organ; we would welcome applications from organists, pianists, and musicians comfortable on both instruments. Our church choir is small, but enthusiastic, and our community is home to a number of gifted musicians who regularly provide special music.  Compensation is $300 per week, plus $300 for additional special services (e.g., Christmas Eve, Holy Week). A full position description can be found below.  Start date is negotiable, but we are hoping to have a new person in place no later than November 30.  To apply, email a cover letter, resume, and names/contact information for three references to our Church Administrator, Debbie Morehouse, at [email protected]. For more information about the position, please contact the search committee chair, Kristi Carter, at [email protected].  

Position Description

The Music Director is responsible for all aspects of the music ministry at the Trinitarian Congregational Parish of Castine.  The Music Director serves as organist/pianist during our Sunday morning worship services and scheduled holiday services (Christmas Eve, community Thanksgiving service, Holy Week), directs the TCP choir, and collaborates with the Pastor to develop special music offerings by guest musicians throughout the church year.  Providing music for special events such as funerals or weddings is not considered to be part of the Music Director’s regular responsibilities, but the Music Director may participate in special events and determine fees independently of TCP. This is a part-time, year-round independent contractor position.  The Music Director is supervised by the Pastor. 
 
Responsibilities:

• Prepare for and perform at scheduled Sunday services and scheduled holiday services the following: hymns (3 to 4, plus a congregational response and the Gloria Patri), a prelude (approximately 5 minutes in length), postlude, interlude, offertory music, and other musical portions of the Sunday worship service.
• Choose or work with musical guests to choose the prelude, interlude, offertory, and postlude.
• Communicate all information on music planned for a Sunday worship service to the church office no later than noon on Tuesday to ensure that the information can be included in the bulletin for that week’s worship service.
• Collaborate with the minister to find soloists or small groups to provide special music, particularly for special holidays such as Easter.  A budget is available to pay individuals when appropriate.
• Direct the TCP choir, including:
  • Lead and accompany choir members.
  • Review and select music appropriate to the ability and makeup of the choir and the mood/theme of the service.
• Meet regularly with Pastor to plan and coordinate musical selections for worship services.
• In consultation with the Pastor, arrange for substitute musicians during vacations and other absences.

 
Requirements:

• Highly proficient in piano and/or organ.
  
• Experience in music ministry.
• Available year-round, with the exception of vacation (four Sundays per year).
• Successful candidates will have strong collaborative and communication skills.

 
Compensation: 
$300 per service, to be paid monthly.  Compensation includes provision for rehearsal time for soloists and the adult choir, planning meetings with the minister, and occasional Music Committee or Council meetings upon request.