Job Opening: Music Director
Position Overview
The Plymouth Church in Framingham, MA is an Open and Affirming congregation in the United Church of Christ. As a church gathered by God, open to everyone, following the way of Jesus, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, we grow wiser and kinder, and more useful to the healing and repair of society. After many years, our Music Director has retired. A Search Committee has been formed to seek a new Music Director to develop, guide, and enhance the music ministry of our congregation.
Reporting to the Senior Pastor, the Music Director will lead our organ, piano, and vocal sacred music program and craft an evolving and expanding vision of traditional and contemporary music ministry as an integral part of our worship service.
The Plymouth Church in Framingham maintains a pipe organ as its core instrument along with a piano in the sanctuary and another in the parish hall. The Church is looking for the Music Director to play both the organ and piano during the worship services on Sunday mornings. (Note: the church also has a set of hand bells, not currently in use.)
The Music Director will also direct our adult choir which rehearses on Thursday evenings and sings on Sunday mornings. The choir is made up of approximately 20 people and welcomes members with vocal skills at all levels. The Music Director will choose anthems and teach choral techniques during rehearsals with this dedicated ensemble.
The Search Committee welcomes applications from candidates who are interested in all or part of the position. The Search Committee hopes to interview and select a candidate (or candidates) this Fall, to begin employment by January 2025.
Responsibilities
The full position combines three areas, leadership of the music program, organ and piano performance during worship, and direction of the Senior Choir.
Music Program Development & Leadership
Shapes a music program that glorifies God through choral and instrumental music, and supports the congregation’s spiritual development
Collaborates with the Senior Pastor on the music calendar
Prepares for, and participates in, the weekly services of the church (and seasonal worship services)
Attends regular meetings with the Senior Pastor, and church staff meetings when scheduled
Interacts with other Church Leaders as needed (such as the church’s Stream Team to ensure sound quality for church members watching on YouTube)
Seeks opportunities to connect with church members to uncover additional musical talents, and to better understand musical tastes
Arranges for substitutes, and for any musical enhancements (soloists, instrumentalists)
Organist
Provides music for worship services, including prelude, postlude, anthem accompaniment, offertory, and hymns
Provides accompaniment for Senior Choir (adults) rehearsals, from September through June
Provides accompaniment for Junior Choir (grades 1-5) and Chapel Choir (grades 6-12) during Sunday services as needed, in partnership with the Church’s Youth Music Director
Provides accompaniment for musical enhancements (soloists, instrumentalists)
Oversees music for weddings and funerals; these services are compensated by family and participants
Oversees maintenance and tuning of pianos and organ
Choir Director
Rehearses the Senior Choir, from September through June
Develops the skills of the Senior Choir
Supports choir member retention and recruitment over time
Selects music appropriate to the requirements of the worship service and suitable to the ability of the choir members
Orders music and maintains the music library in collaboration with choir volunteers
Prepares the Senior Choir for special services (such as Christmas Eve and Maundy Thursday)
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have demonstrated:
Experience in leading sacred music for worship
Proficiency in music of the pipe organ and piano
Success in directing and growing choral groups
Flexibility and an openness to continued creative renewal and change
Ability to work well independently and in a group
Patience to work with a wide range of skill levels
Appreciation of a wide range of music styles and periods
Commitment to a collaborative working environment
Administrative, communication, team building, and leadership skills
A formal degree in music (performance, choral conducting, composition, education) is preferred.
While the former music director fulfilled the role in its entirety, the Search Committee welcomes applications from candidates who may fit part the role and show an openness to either learning the other requirements of the position, or partnering with another musical leader to deliver upon the church’s need.
Expectations
The Plymouth Church is committed to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse. All employees and lay leaders who work with children are expected to comply with our Safe Church Policies and regular background checks.
Hours
Part-time position, year-round leadership
20 hours a week (hours may vary each week to meet the obligations of the position)
The Music Director may take 5 Sundays off in July and August, and 2 Sundays off from September through June.
The Music Director will have discretion as to the frequency of choir rehearsals (currently 7:30-9:00pm on Thursdays, and 9:00-10:00am on Sunday mornings).
Worship services are on Sundays at 10:00am.
Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Professional development stipend of $1,000 per calendar year
Selected Worship Videos
Weekly worship services are live-streamed to YouTube and available after on our Channel.
September 15, 2024
April 28, 2024
Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024
Maundy Thursday, March 28, 2024
Christmas Eve, December 24, 2023
November 12, 2023
Choral Repertoire
Instruments
Organ: Skinners-Rogers Hybrid
Sanctuary Piano: Steinway 7 Foot Grand
Parish Hall Piano: Mason and Hamlin
Bells: Schulmerich, three-octave set
Keyboard: Casio PX-130
About The Plymouth Church
The Plymouth Church in Framingham, MA is an Open and Affirming congregation in the Southern New England Conference of the United Church of Christ. As a church gathered by God, open to everyone, following the way of Jesus, and inspired by the Holy Spirit, we grow wiser and kinder, and more useful to the healing and repair of society. Explore our Vision, Core Values and Bedrock Beliefs here. The church was founded in 1701 and has the notable distinction of being the location for the first public performance and singing of the Battle Hymn of the Republic. For more information about the congregation and our ministries, please explore our website.
How to Apply
To be considered for this position, please email music.plymouth.church@gmail.com with your resume or CV. Candidates are encouraged to share links to videos that feature their musical expertise, although this is not required.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Interviews and auditions are expected to commence this fall.