Music Director/Organist
St. Katharine Drexel Parish – New Britain, CT
Announced: April 17, 2019

The Music Director/Organist is a key member of the pastoral ministry team having responsibility for leading the musical expression of worship and developing the congregation’s active, spiritual participation. The Music Director/Organist is the principal musician, organist and vocal director, adhering to the highest professional standards established by his/her profession.

The Music Director/Organist will play the organ, and at times the piano, lead choral singing, and may also cantor at the regular parish liturgical celebrations including, but not limited to; Weekend Masses, Holy Days, Confirmation, First Holy Communion, weddings, and funerals.

Other duties will include the recruitment, training and direction to cantors; directing the existing adult choir; overseeing the establishment of a choral group for children/youth; conducting liturgical planning with the oversight and collaboration of the pastor; leading the congregation in introduction of new repertoire that includes traditional and contemporary music; providing musical and liturgical education to the congregation, when appropriate; seeking input and feedback through regular consultation with parish council and/or advisory committee with the pastor’s oversight; obtaining suitable alternate musicians when unable to be present for regular parish liturgies; and, overseeing the maintenance and proper functioning of the organ, pianos, sound system, and electronic carillon.

Qualified candidates must possess extensive knowledge of the organ and piano, and liturgical music that coincides with the church calendar, and choral directions. 

This position requires positive interpersonal relations with adults and children, availability on Saturday evenings, Sundays, and throughout the week on an as-needed basis, and requires planning and choir rehearsals.  Working knowledge of a music budget, copyright fees, and other financial requirements related to the position will be helpful. 

Educational requirements include, but are not limited to, a minimum of a BA in Music and/or a vast experience in parish liturgical music programs. 

Qualified candidates are asked to submit a cover letter and resume via email to:
office@stkdrexelct.org.



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JOB DESCRIPTION
MUSIC DIRECTOR/ORGANIST

St. Katharine Drexel Parish
Rev. John Granato
1010 Slater Road, New Britain, CT 06053
860-224-2411

As stated in the constitution on Sacred Liturgy of the Second Vatican Council, the combination of sacred music and words forms a necessary and integral part of the solemn liturgy. The Director of Liturgical Music facilitates this important liturgical function by serving the parish as principal musician, organist and choir director according to the highest professional standards established by his profession.

Essential Functions:

• At the director of the pastor, assist the pastor in the selection and preparation of music for all parish masses and liturgies
• Provides service by playing for the regular parish liturgical celebrations including weddings and funerals
◦ Recruits, trains, directs and supervises choir, instrumental ensembles and cantors
◦ Prepares assembly for liturgies though rehearsals prior to liturgies, rehearsals with students in religious education program
• Provides for liturgical updating and education of the parish
◦ Communicates through parish bulletin or newsletter
• Maintains and develops personal and professional skills
◦ Attends in-service training opportunities
◦ Sharpens skills through personal practice, lessons or master classes
• Ability to work within budget provided
• Performs other duties and assumes other responsibilities as mutually agreed upon


Skills, Knowledge and/or Abilities:

• Must have a knowledge and appreciation of the Catholic Church’s liturgical tradition as well as current liturgical practices
• Must have a high degree of proficiency in the use of the organ as attested to by formal credentials and a personal performance audition
• Should have a working knowledge of other instruments which may be used
• Must have skill as an effective choral conductor as demonstrated by formal credentials and/or a choral audition (rehearsal)
• Must have the ability and desire to lead and sustain a program of quality singing
• Must have a good knowledge of quality repertoire available for liturgical music programs for adult and children’s choirs, organ and congregation; this also includes a familiarity with organ literature both classical and contemporary, for preludes, postludes and interludes.
• Ability to adapt to changes in routine or schedule
• Excellent communication skills both written and oral
• Must have a good working relationship and accompaniment for the cantors and soloists


Educational Requirements:

• A Master’s Degree in music is preferred; Bachelor’s Degree in Music is required

Responsibility for Quantifiable Measures:

• Purchase of music, payment of additional musical personnel, copyright fees and programs.