The Director of Music will serve as the primary organist, choir director, and bell choir director for four weekend liturgies and also will oversee the music for funerals (100 to 130 per year) and weddings (70 to 85 per year).
The salary for this full-time position with a great benefits package ranges from $55,000 to $65,000, depending on the actual number of funerals and weddings. Final salary negotiation will be commensurate with education, experience, and ability. Benefits are offered according to diocesan and parish policies. Background check and safe environment training are required of all parish employees and volunteers.
Significant advantages to this position are:
• An already established SATB choir of about 25 members sings regularly for one weekend liturgy and special events, and is supplemented by seven experienced cantors at the other services. These singers are willing and eager to grow as a ministry. • The bell choir regularly serves at select weekend liturgies (sometimes with the adult vocal choir) and at funerals and weddings upon request. • Several excellent volunteer instrumentalists, who play guitar, flute, oboe, and violin, add to the musical mix. • A list of reliable substitute organists from which to select as needed by the Director of Music • Instruments: • St. Mary of the Mount Church: Schlicker pipe organ of about 25 ranks but with flexible tonal variety, plus a Kimball baby grand in the front of the church • St. Adalbert Church: Ahlborn-Galanti electronic organ and a Yamaha electric keyboard in the balcony, and a large Yamaha acoustic grand in the front of the church • Excellent sound systems at both churches to enhance the already naturally fine acoustics • Video and audio recording capabilities at both churches • Regular live stream Masses regularly from both churches • Annual concert series with Duquesne University’s Mary Pappert School of Music • Flexible rehearsal scheduling depending on weekly needs and the liturgical season
The parish community and its leadership demonstrate strong enthusiasm and support for the music program and its future growth, realizing that along with homilies, it is a major influence for active participation in worship. This position would be conducive to a musician who has complementary endeavors such as: collaborative performing, composing, arranging, CAGO/AAGO/ChM/FAGO certification goals, leadership in connection with other ministries such as lectors and religious education. Scheduled hours include Saturdays, Sundays, all Holy Days and other days as needed. Administrative duties can be performed on a flexible schedule. An office/choir library is provided at the Parish Administrative Center. The Director of Music is supported by the Pastor and the Parish Leadership Team.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Familiarity and experience with the Catholic liturgy
Knowledge of contemporary songs, choral music, plainchant in English and Latin, as well as English hymnody
Proficiency in choral conducting, organ accompaniment, and piano accompaniment
A Master’s Degree in Music is preferred for the position. Alternatively, a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and additional organ certification (CAGO, Sacred Music Certificate) may be considered
The search will remain open until the position is filled. The starting date is by mutual agreement. A full list of detailed job duties is available upon an invitation to interview. Please learn more about Mary, Queen of Peace Parish by visiting our website at www.maryqueenofpeacepgh.org .
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, a complete biography, contact information for three references, plus recordings of representative organ/piano skills, singing and playing, and conducting. Send this information to: [email protected]. Please include your name on each sent file.