The Church of the Holy Spirit, a Roman Catholic parish in Louisville, Kentucky, has an opening for a full-time Director of Music. Holy Spirit, a suburban parish with a thriving school, worships with a primarily organ and choir driven repertoire, but parishioners do appreciate the use of other instrumentation and liturgical styles. Nevertheless, emphasis will remain on the Church’s traditional sacred music. The Covid-19 pandemic took a toll on the parish’s music program, and its ramifications continue. As a result, the rebuilding now required presents an exciting opportunity for the energetic candidate.

The Church of the Holy Spirit has significant musical assets. Its choir loft boasts a three-manual, 34-rank Schantz pipe organ, Opus 1947. (Specific information about the organ can be found on the database of the Organ Historical Society.) Other parish instruments include a grand piano, a Yamaha keyboard, four octaves of handbells, and several percussion instruments. The parish maintains a large music library, and the music budget affords the opportunity to hire cantors, section leaders, and instrumentalists.

The successful candidate will likely possess a master or doctoral degree in music. The candidate must be an accomplished organist plus have demonstrated conducting skill. The ability to conduct chant, a capella literature, and accompanied literature (from the organ bench) is required.

The position offers a competitive salary accompanied by a full benefit package including medical insurance and a matching 401K. Funds for continuing education are available.

Please submit a curriculum vitae and references to searchcommittee@hspirit.org. The search committee would also be pleased to receive links to relevant performances available on social media.


Areas of Responsibility

Music
1. Plays organ/piano for liturgies, holy days, prayer services and other events
2. Schedules appropriate rehearsal time for self
3. Provides musical support for school liturgies working in collaboration with the school music teacher
4. Provides musical services for funerals
5. Provides musical services for weddings (added compensation comes from bridal couple)
6. Provides musical services at morning Masses on key feasts occurring during the week
7. Conducts weekly choir rehearsals (in season)

Administration
1. Schedules the services of cantors, section leaders, and outside musicians
2. Requests payments due to cantors, section leaders, and outside musicians
3. Plans music for holy days, Sundays, and funerals. More important feast days should be planned in consultation with the pastor
4. Works with the parish communications specialist in preparing worship aids for funerals, events, and important feast days. This assistance includes use of Finale software
5. Oversees the music library
6. Schedules and chairs appropriate liturgy planning sessions
7. Develops and administers parish music budget

Maintenance
1. Holds responsibility for the condition, maintenance, and upkeep of the organ, pianos, microphones, and other music-related equipment, coordinating with the Facilities Director when appropriate
2. Reports general maintenance needs to the Facilities Director

Other
1. Represents parish at archdiocesan workshops
2. Attends music and professional workshops and conferences
3. Special projects, as required