Associate Director of Music

Description

Celebrating the liturgy involves the whole person: intellect and will, emotions and senses, imagination, aesthetic sensibilities, memory, physical gestures, and powers of expression. The Church’s insistence on music of a unique sort is intended not merely to stimulate feelings in a general way, but to exemplify Christian truth and convey transcendent mysteries using an appropriate form of expression. As Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI has written, sacred music “elevates the spirit precisely by wedding it to the senses, and it elevates the senses by uniting them with the spirit” (Cardinal Ratzinger, The Spirit of the Liturgy, 150). 

The Associate Director of Music for St. James Cathedral and assisting the Diocesan Music program as needed, is called to assist leaders of ministry to bring forth the sacred in liturgy by encouraging active participation of the people through its music.

The Diocese of Orlando four core values lay the foundation for the work performed by its employees. 

1. Authenticity: Conviction that God has called us to reflect exteriorly our inner life of faith in our daily living. 

2. Respect: Affirming each person’s God-given dignity and uniqueness.

3. Courage: Inspired by this gift of the Holy Spirit, we proclaim and live the Word of God fearlessly and devotedly. 

4. Commitment: Individually and collectively, we are steadfast to the team and its purpose. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. 

Choir

•  Acts as an Assistant Director of the Cathedral Choir: Assists the Director of Music in maintaining the regular pattern of rehearsals of the Cathedral Choir, to ensure high standards of musical performance. 
•  Accompanies the Spanish-language Choir and assists the Spanish Music Coordinator with planning and preparing the Worship Booklets and Choral Booklets. 
•  Oversees the Youth and Children’s Choirs. Recruits students from the Cathedral School and Faith Formation Classes. Directs rehearsals and selects music in consultation with Director of Music. Coordinates scheduling choir for Sunday Masses in consultation with Director of Music. Works with Director of Music to combine choirs (student and adult) when appropriate. 
•  Supports the School Children’s Choir for weekly Masses and other celebrations. Ensures high standard of music performance. Audits classes to assure appropriate faith formation within the area of music and offers liturgical guidance for music planning. 

Organ

•  Acts as an Assistant Organist. Assists in the organ playing for both statutory and special services in the Cathedral as required. 

Administrative 

• Manages volunteers with a focus on Christ, bringing forth the Cathedral and Diocesan core values to encourage individual and team growth.
•  Works cooperatively with various personalities within the Catholic Church, facilitates good communication and is responsive to requests of others within a large, complex and diverse working environment. 
•  Directs and oversees all projects to ensure that activities meet standards and goals within approved budgets.
•   Works well within a multi-cultural environment, celebrating diversity while honoring the beauty of liturgical music.
• Attends and participates in regularly scheduled staff meetings for the Cathedral and Chancery. 
• Assists the Director of Music in the running of the music office of the Cathedral. 
• Assists and prepares the weekly choir booklet from September -June, as well as the Children’s choir booklets too. Assists the Director of Music with preparing and distributing the Cathedral Worship Booklets.  
• Be familiar with all aspects of the day-to-day running of the music office. 
• Assists in the selection of music for cathedral liturgies and concerts, as requested. 
• Assists with music planning at Diocesan workshops and convocations. 
• Works with “Friends of the Music Ministry” to plan organ recitals and other music concerts. 
• Maintains streamlined filing system and reduce carbon footprint of paper whenever possible.
• Provides assistance in planning formation opportunities for various parish musicians, eg. choirs, cantors, etc. 

• Makes an active contribution to ensure the music office operates in an efficient and professional manner at all times. 
• Supports the Director of Music in all music office related tasks, both at Cathedral and away from the Cathedral, where directed. 
• Takes responsibility for bringing any matters of concern related to the Diocesan/Cathedral Music areas to the attention of the Director of Music.

Communication 

• Provides updates for website as appropriate regarding music for liturgies, seasons of the year, policies. 

Parish Sacramental Needs

• Shares responsibilities for music and Cathedral weddings and funerals with Director of Music. 
• Provides musical leadership for parish sacramental preparation prayer services. 

Self-Development

• Practices to improve or maintain skills in voice, conducting, and the instruments upon which performance is expected (organ).
• Keeps current with official statements and documents on music, liturgy and developments in the pastoral field. 

Requirements

Catholic Faith 

Practice of the Catholic faith is required. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the policies of the diocese. A thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgical theology and praxis is required, as well as a knowledge of the history and repertoire of sacred music.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE 

Master’s Degree in Music or its equivalent. Musical leadership requires skills in the following areas: keyboard, voice and conducting, Finale or Sibelius software. Skills and experience may be required in other areas such as instrumental ensembles, composition, orchestration, handbells, children’s choirs, and familiarity with musical styles of various cultures within the community. A thorough understanding of Roman Catholic liturgical theology and praxis. A knowledge of the history and repertoire of sacred music. 

Working Conditions 

The working hours of this position are not limited to an 8-hour day. This person will need to be available in the evening and weekends, as needed. Must be willing to work in conditions of stress and function well under pressure.