Job Title
Choral Scholar/Section Leader, 2018/19 Choir Season (September 2018 through end of May 2019)
Currently seeking Soprano, Alto, and Bass

Organization
Mater Dei Latin Mass Community

Location
Harrisburg, PA

Job Description
Mater Dei Latin Mass Community (FSSP) is excited to add a new Choral Scholar/Section Leader program! Mater Dei's Choral Scholars are an integral and valued part of our growing Sacred Music program. The Scholars provide leadership to their respective sections, and apply their vocal and musical skills and knowledge to make beautiful Sacred Music to adorn the Mass. As leaders, Choral Scholars help the volunteer singers learn their music and improve their singing ability. As singers, our Choral Scholars participate in singing chants, polyphony, and hymns. At times, the Scholars may sing more challenging works in a trio or quartet. Choral Scholars will be expected to come to rehearsals with music prepared so that rehearsal time can be spent effectively and efficiently on sectionals, and then putting the music together with a focus on phrasing, dynamics, and overall choral blend.

Commitment
• Sunday morning warmup and Mass, 9:00 am - (approx.) 11:30 am, every Sunday from September through May
• Thursday evening rehearsals, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, September through May
• Christmas Midnight Mass, call time 11:00 pm Monday, 12/24/18
• Easter Vigil Mass, call time 9:00 pm Saturday, 4/20/19
• Additional special event appearances may be available

Qualifications/Requirements
Qualified candidates will have excellent vocal skills, and should be competent sight-readers. Much of the repertoire is Renaissance polyphony and chant, so the ability to sing accurately with a well-blending pure tone (no or very limited vibrato) is required. Our Scholars are expected to set a good example to our volunteers, so punctuality and focus are requisite. Good teaching and communication skills are required, as Choral Scholars will teach notes and parts to their sections during sectional rehearsals. Scholars should bring a positive attitude and a genuine interest and love for traditional Sacred Music, and should demonstrate a desire to become a part of our burgeoning musical community. Scholars should also be opening to learning and formation provided by the Music Director and Chaplain with respect to the musical styles and philosophical/theological underpinnings of Catholic Sacred Music. Candidates who are currently studying music, or who have prior experience with Renaissance polyphony are especially encouraged to apply.

Compensation
$30 per appearance, with approximately 80 appearances expected (but not guaranteed) during the choir season. Each Thursday rehearsal is one appearance, and each Mass (including warmup) is one appearance.

To apply, or for more info, contact:

Patrick Torsell
Director of Sacred Music
Mater Dei Latin Mass Community
music@materdeipa.com