The Cathedral of SS Simon and Jude in Phoenix, AZ is auditioning for a new section leader. This person will sing alto most Sundays, but will have some flexibility to sing soprano on 1-2 Sundays per month.

Section Leads (9) are paid a stipend for each Mass and rehearsal from September through Corpus Christi. They are expected to spend time on their own studying/learning/rehearsing their parts, are to act professionally while on Cathedral property, care for the music of the Cathedral library, be able to closely follow directions, and be timely and punctual. Vocalists should dress professionally (with modesty) and always follow the dress code (black attire) for Choral Masses. The current time commitment is one rehearsal (Wednesday evening), and two Masses on Sunday (8am call).

Singers should be competent sight-readers, have excellent vocal control (straight tone), have experience reading Gregorian notation (neumes) - or be willing to quickly learn, have experience singing polyphony (4-8 part, 1-3 voices per part), and be able to handle learning a tremendous amount of music over the course of a year.

The Cathedral is especially interested in hiring musicians who are eager to advance the restoration of sacred music - mainly Gregorian chant and sacred polyphony - as well as those who desire to develop and promote the singing of English/Spanish chant.

ABOUT THE CATHEDRAL:
Every Sung Mass at the Cathedral of SS Simon and Jude includes the singing of the propers of the Mass in some form. The Gregorian Kyriale and Missal chants are the only resources used for the ordinary of the Mass. Motets and Masses by Byrd, Palestrina, Victoria, Bruckner, Hassler, Lasso, etc. are employed on a weekly basis. At 9am each Sunday the choir sings for a televised Mass that is watched by ~65,000 people (not including those who listen via radio and watch via the internet). Midnight Mass (Christmas eve) and Good Friday are also televised and are watched by a large television audience. The 11am Solemn Mass on Sundays has a long-standing tradition of singing many of the Gregorian propers from the Graduale Romanum. The clergy (Priests, Deacons, Bishops) of the Cathedral feel strongly about singing the Mass and sing all of the dialogues, prayers, etc. on a regular basis.

Additional income can be earned by cantoring at non-Choral masses (Tuesday and Saturday evenings, and on Holy Days), singing at funeral Masses, weddings, and various Diocesan events.

For more information or to apply, please contact Matthew J. Meloche, Director of Sacred Music:
mmeloche@simonjude.org
602-242-1300 x116