Who we are:

Church of the Nativity is a young(ish) Episcopal Church (40 years old this year!) with a history of being actively engaged in worship, justice and Christian formation. We average approximately 150 worshippers on Sunday morning, and our sanctuary features a two-manual, 20-stop Andover pipe organ that was installed in 2007 and has been well maintained. For more information about our organ, please see: About the Organ. We primarily worship following Rite II of the Book of Common Prayer and have a congregation that enjoys congregational singing of all types. At a recent service our youth described Nativity’s core values as “Love, Justice, and Faith.”

The parish currently maintains a volunteer adult choir of approximately 14 singers that rehearse weekly on Thursday nights and sings most Sundays from September through Pentecost, including seasonal services, such as Christmas Eve and Easter. The congregation is enthusiastic about singing and values both traditional Episcopal repertoire and newer musical genres.

Who you are:

We are seeking a Choirmaster who appreciates the full breadth and depth of musical expression within the Episcopal Church. Our successful music program is rooted in The Hymnal 1982, but we are also comfortable with using additional resources such as the LEVAS II hymnal and Wonder, Love and Praise. We are excited for whatever additional resources you might bring. We also will prioritize applicants who have familiarity with new composers, and who are comfortable working with a choir and a congregation to expand their musical repertoire and enliven our common life and worship.

The ideal candidate will have previous experience as an organist, choirmaster, or music director. Familiarity with Episcopal liturgy and musical traditions is preferred. Experience leading volunteer choirs.

Bachelor’s degree in music, organ performance, choral conducting, sacred music, or equivalent experience preferred.

Description:

The Organist/Choirmaster administers the music program, serves as organist for all worship services, directs the adult choir, and assists the Rector with liturgical planning as needed.

Choirmasters without organ experience will be considered, provided Nativity is able to recruit an accompanist to support the program.

Timeline

We desire to have a candidate in place by the middle of August in order to begin preparing for the church program year, which begins in early September.

Reporting

The Choirmaster reports directly to the Rector. The Choirmaster may address concerns regarding the job description, support, and feedback with the Rector, Senior Warden, or Vestry representative, as well as the Diocesan Canon for the East Region. There will be an annual performance review with the Rector and a member of the Vestry in January.

Type

¾ time (25 hours / week) Choirmaster/Organist or 15 hours a week (Choirmaster only)

Compensation

Expected compensation will be between $30,000 – $40,000 depending on experience assuming ¾ time. This includes three weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO), including Sundays, and 1 additional week for continuing education. Vacation time should be cleared at least 30 days in advance with the Rector and noted on the Nativity Google calendar. Sick leave is in addition to this at the discretion of the Rector. Medical and retirement benefits are not included at this time. Funerals, weddings and other non-scheduled services are compensated extra at $350 per service.

Time Required

The Choirmaster is expected to serve at all worship services (detailed below), which are considered work times. The Choirmaster will also be expected to hold consistent office hours as determined in conversation with the Rector (in person and virtual possible), and be available via email and phone during the workday Monday through Thursday.

The Choirmaster will attend and participate in weekly staff meetings. The Choirmaster will also meet individually with the Rector for liturgical and communications planning as needed, at a mutually agreed upon time.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee, in consultation with the Rector, all music (hymns, service music, choral music, voluntaries, etc.) for worship in the parish, including for:
  • Weekly Sunday 10:30 am services
  • Advent Service of Healing (7 pm)
  • Advent Lessons and Carols
  • Christmas Pageant 
  • Christmas Eve (currently 4 pm and 9 pm)
  • Christmas Day (10 am, optional)
  • Ash Wednesday (12 pm and 7 pm)
  • Maundy Thursday (7 pm)
  • Good Friday (12 pm)
  • Easter Vigil
  • Easter Sunday (currently two identical morning services: 9 am and 11 am)
  • Funerals / Burials / Weddings
  • Vacation Bible School
  • Other Diocesan and Parish events as required
  • Supporting and expanding our ‘Spirituality in the Arts’ musical offerings.
• Assist with other liturgical planning as directed by the Rector
• Input music choices into the liturgy planning spreadsheets in a timely manner, as agreed upon with the Rector
• Maintain and develop our relationship with NCCMI (North Carolina Chamber Music Institute)
• Manage the music library for Church of the Nativity, identifying and purchasing new selections that speak to the needs of the Church today and the abilities and charisms of our choir and music program
• Serve as consultant for music selections for funerals and weddings
• Serve as organist and/or pianist for all worship services requiring music, including playing voluntaries, and accompanying hymns and anthems as appropriate
• Conduct and accompany the adult choir at weekly Thursday evening rehearsals (7pm), at pre-service warmups (one hour prior to services), and during services
• Ensure proper preparation of organ music and superb training of the choir
• Serve as organist for funerals and weddings or ensure adequate coverage for such services (additional compensation at $350 per service)
• Find and prepare substitute organists as needed
• Prepare annual music budget
• Schedule instrument maintenance (2-manual, 20-stop Andover pipe organ and Schimmel grand piano), note all maintenance concerns, and liaise with technicians – For more on our instrument click here: https://www.andoverorgan.com/organs.new.115.php
• Liaise with external instrumentalist and singers as necessary
  • Funerals
  • NCCMI groups for playing in services (Christmas Eve 4 pm, and others as needed)
• Prepare music-related communications as necessary, in consultation with Rector and Communications Team

How To Apply

To apply please submit a resume and cover letter, and links to any performances or other recordings you would like to share, and send them to rector@nativityonline.org