The Archdiocese of St. Louis invites applications for a part-time position as the Archdiocesan Youth Choir Director. Preferred candidates will have experience conducting and leading youth choirs, expertise in recruitment and retention of choristers, a strong desire to build community engagement throughout the archdiocese.

The Archdiocese of St. Louis has a rich history of sacred music particularly that of choral music. It is an exciting time as we are rebuilding what was once a very large and impactful ministry in the archdiocese. From the historic pontifical boys choir under the direction of William Diebels and Mario Salvador to the Archdiocesan Children’s Choir which was under the direction of John Romeri and Horst Bucholz. We now find ourselves with an incredible opportunity to etch another tremendous milestone in the rich history of sacred music in St. Louis.

Position Summary-

The responsibilities of this position include the support and assistance to the

director of music in establishing and maintaining a comprehensive youth choir

program for The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis. The program is to

reflect only the finest music, including the vast repertoire for youth and treble

choirs, settings of the Mass ordinary, the hymns and antiphons of the Catholic

Church, including Gregorian Chant, music theory, ear training, solfege, as well as

contemporary music that is consistent with the Roman Catholic tradition.

The position requires the support and execution of the vision established by the

director of music. The position requires the incumbent to function as the

archdiocesan youth choir director, choir librarian, and to provide administrative

support of the music department in collaboration with the director of music. This

position is responsible for weekly rehearsal preparation, regular collaboration

with the director of music in rehearsal instruction and repertoire selection, music

theory lessons each week, and communications with parents and choristers. This

position is 20-25 Hours a week.

Duties and Responsibilities-

I. The principle responsibility of the archdiocesan youth choir director is to

assist the music director of the Archdiocese and Cathedral Basilica of St.

Louis in fulfilling their vision for the Archdiocesan Youth Choir. This

position should make every effort to meet all goals and expectations for

the youth choir including, but not limited to, recruiting, rehearsal

planning, repertoire selection, education, and Catholic formation.

II. The archdiocesan youth choir director will create rehearsal plans each

week in collaboration with the music director.

III. The director of the Archdiocesan Youth Choir, shall meet weekly with the

director of music to plan and select repertoire for the youth choir for the

various liturgies and events the Archdiocesan Youth Choir is to participate

in.

IV. The director of the Archdiocesan Youth Choir shall prepare short

educational exercises in music theory and ear training / aural skills.

i. The use of solfege is required in educational programming.

ii. Focusing on one topic per lesson

V. In addition to the duties above, the following responsibilities are included:

i. Prepare all weekly cathedral worship aids, for cathedral and

archdiocesan liturgies.

ii. Assist in management of the choir library in collaboration with the

associate director of music for passing out and turning in music for

all choirs.

i. This includes collaborating with choir librarian volunteers

iii. Binder preparation for kids putting their music in order in their

binders before each rehearsal

iv. All other duties as assigned

Knowledge & Experience Requirements-

I. The Archdiocesan Youth Choir Director shall have a four-year degree in

music with a proven record of success working with children’s and youth

choirs.

II. This individual has held past youth choir director positions.

III. This individual shall regularly attend continuing education workshops for

youth choirs, training in gregorian chant, RSCM, and Ward Method.

Skills & Attitudes Required for Success in Job

I. Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church.

II. Excellent interpersonal, communication, leadership, and performance

skills, patience, clarity, mentoring, ability to lead others in prayer, and

possess a positive attitude.

III. Excellent organizational skills

IV. Detail oriented

V. Ability to work as a member and leader of a team.

VI. Timeliness and preparedness

VII. High degree of motivation

Relationships Requirements-

I. The Archdiocesan Youth Choir Director shall attend weekly music

department meetings.

Resources for which accountable

I. Accountable for the music library

II. Accountable for keeping the office space and chapel clean and presentable.

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to Andrew Kreigh, Director of Sacred Music, at akreigh@cathedralstl.org