Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Parish in Bremerton, WA, in the shadow of the Olympic Mountains and at the shore of the Puget Sound, is seeking a full time Director of Music to replace their current director, who is leaving the parish to pursue a career in higher education.

Star of the Sea is an exceedingly active parish of 1500 families that embraces the liturgical and musical vision of “Reform of the Reform” movement, placing Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony at the center of their liturgical worship. The Director of Music is responsible for conducting and recruiting for the parish girlchoir, the volunteer parish choir, and Schola Stella Maris, a professional ensemble that provides sacred music for special liturgical occasions. The Director also supervises the liturgical music provided at two other Masses. He/She should be able to provide organ accompaniment at liturgical services as called upon.

The Director is also in charge of teaching beginning (5th grade) and intermediate (middle school) choir in the parish school and provide liturgical music (Simple English Propers/Lumen Christi Gradual) for all-school Masses every Friday during the school year. Students are educated in Gregorian chant beginning in 5th grade and sing the Introit, Offertory, and Communion in English weekly.

Resources currently include the Graduale Romanum (11AM Parish Volunteer Choir), Simple English Propers/Lumen Christi Gradual (8:15AM Girlchoir), the Lumen Christi Missal and the fourth edition of The St. Michael Hymnal. The parish is preparing to install a refurbished 37 rank Möller pipe organ. The current instrument is a 1969 Rodgers electronic organ.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in sacred music or equivalent (Masters preferred), strong keyboard skills, a mastery of Gregorian chant, excellent administrative abilities, 5 years experience in parish sacred music, and the ability to work with a friendly and hard-working parish staff.

Salary is dependent on qualifications and experience. Archdiocesan benefits are provided.

The position is available July 12th (negotiable). A full job description is available upon request. Please submit resume and bio to adam@starofthesea.net by July 1st.