What are the responsibilities and job description for the Accompanist/Assistant Music Director position at First Parish in Needham, Unitarian Universalist?
Job description
Posting for Accompanist/Assistant Music Director
First Parish of Needham, Unitarian Universalist
First Parish in Needham, Massachusetts, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, is seeking a Accompanist/Assistant Music Director to provide musical leadership and support for worship services and other congregational activities that include music. We seek an upbeat, creative person with strong musical and interpersonal skills, who can work with parishioners with a broad range of musical talents (from professional level to “non-musicians”) and interests (from early music to world, folk, pop, bluegrass, and other traditions). The Accompanist/Assistant Music Director will work closely with the Music Director and others on staff, current musical groups (adult choir, children’s choir, a folk/pop/bluegrass/gospel group, a jazz trio), and others in the congregation. As a Unitarian Universalist congregation, First Parish affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Those from historically marginalized backgrounds (e.g., women, LGBTQ , BIPOC, etc.) are especially encouraged to apply.
This position is a staff appointment reporting to the Music Director. This position is year round.
Please visit our website to learn more about our congregation at www.uuneedham.org.
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter, a resume (including 3 references) and 2 recorded samples of your musical work (video preferred, but audio acceptable) - at least one should be of you accompanying - by September 10 to lauranevittuuneedham@gmail.com. If you have any videos of you conducting or rehearsing a choir, please provide. Eligible candidates will be invited to an online interview. Final interviews will be conducted in person.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: Up to $12,591 per year
-Each Sunday, plan to be at the church from approximately 8am-1pm, to include First Parish Choir rehearsal, the service, and Song Squad (children’s choir) rehearsal.
-Accompany and assist with choir rehearsals each week.
-During the service, accompany hymns, the choirs, and guest musicians as needed.
-Lead rehearsals for the First Parish Choir and/or Song Squad in the Director’s absence. These may be planned absences or if the Director is sick or absent for another emergency.
-Lead the service (singing hymns, and possibly conducting/leading the choir) in the Director’s absence.
-Supply music for the prelude and postlude as needed each week on the piano or organ - as planned with the Music Director.
-Find music to play for services that is diverse and varied, and by composers of historically marginalized communities.
-Supply recordings as needed for rehearsal tracks for the choir and Song Squad, as well as recordings if we shift to virtual services or offerings.
-During the summer months, provide music for services as needed.
-4 times a year, assist Music Director with To the Fore Concert Series, which take place on Sundays at 4pm.
-Professional piano skills, and comfortable playing in a great variety of musical styles.
-Excellent sight-reading skills.
-Must be comfortable singing while playing, and leading the congregation in hymns.
-Ability to read and play open score.
-Experience accompanying choirs and instrumentalists.
-Ability to work with both adults and children.
-Flexibility and patience.
-An understanding of anti-oppression in music
-4 year music degree, Master’s Degree in Music preferred.
-Ability to play the organ, or willingness to take organ lessons (provided by the church).
-An understanding of/experience with Unitarian Universalism
Pay: Up to $12,591.00 per year
Work Location: In person