Choir Director
Job Description


The Mission of the College:
Northeast Catholic College seeks to serve her students, their families, the Church, and society by providing a premier Catholic, great books, liberal arts education that is faithful to the magisterium and rooted in a vibrant liturgical and sacramental culture, calling all within her collegiate community to a life of intellectual excellence, service, and faithful discipleship.

Our Liturgical Life as a Collegiate Community
https://www.northeastcatholic.edu/spiritual-life/liturgy-and-prayer/
(In sum: Latin and English chant, polyphony, hymns, ad orientem, altar rails, OF daily, EF weekly and high feasts)

Job Summary
The Choir Director is responsible for continuing the musical traditions at the college. The Choir Director organizes, rehearses and directs the all-college choir, polyphony choir, and chant schola. The Choir Director oversees the music at Mass, including the development of cantors, psalmists, and organists, ensuring the music is appropriate and approved by the Chaplain.


Essential Functions

• Rehearses the all-college choir to prepare to sing at Masses and other special events. Music includes chant, sacred polyphony, and hymns.
• Oversees the selection of music for both Sunday and daily Masses. Ensures that the type and quality of music is appropriate and approved by the Chaplain.
• Selects, trains and coaches student cantors and psalmists.
• Maintains the college’s traditions and practices in relation to sacred music.
• Communicates the teachings of the church regarding sacred music.
• Rehearses the Chant Schola, preparing it to sing at several Extraordinary Form and Ordinary Form Masses throughout the year.
• Rehearses the Polyphony Choir, preparing it to sing at several Masses and events throughout the year, including a New England tour in early December.
• Directs the choir, or a volunteer schola, at several events throughout the year including, but not limited to, Holy Week and Easter, singing at nursing homes, singing at the opening to the 40 Days for Life in New Hampshire, caroling in downtown Warner and singing in local parishes.
• Maintains the music library.
• Manages choir work-study students.
• Oversees the care of the college’s pianos and organ.


Minimum Education, Skills, and Ability

• Bachelor’s degree in music;
• Demonstrated musical ability;
• Demonstrated keyboard skills for use in rehearsals;
• Strong background in vocal pedagogy;
• Experience conducting a choir;
• Knowledge of the tradition of sacred music in the Catholic Church;
• Commitment to promoting beautiful liturgies;
• Flexibility to direct the choir at Mass on Sundays and at special events as required;
• Strong organizational skills.


Preferred Education, Skills, and Abilities

• Master’s degree in music;
• Experience directing a choir at the high school or collegiate level;
• Extensive knowledge of sacred music and the teachings of the church regarding music in the liturgy.



Special Requirements

• Ability to meet a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and/or weekends;
• Ability to travel for Polyphony Tour and/or to participate in meetings, conferences, and other related activities;
• Subject to a criminal background check prior to employment; and
• Willingness to take the Oath of Fidelity described above, if Catholic, and respect the Catholicity of the college and its mission, if not.


Unity of Mission and Collegiate Culture
Applicants for this position should review carefully the content found here:
https://www.northeastcatholic.edu/mission-
https://www.northeastcatholic.edu/catholic
http://www.ncregister.com/blog/twehner/finding-god-on-the-quad
When applying for this position, the applicant should indicate in his or her cover letter that he or she has read and understood the content found on these pages.

Candidates should submit a cover letter, c.v., three references, and, if possible, sample recordings to:
Deborah Harne
dharne@northeastcatholic.edu
Please give "Choir Director Applicant" in the subject line of the message.