Purpose: The section leader is designed to assist the Director of Sacred Music in the pursuit of achieving and maintaining artistic and musical excellence within a Catholic, religious and prayerful environment. The section leaders provide the opportunity for the choir to sing more challenging and quality choral music, at the same time, improve upon the musical skills and overall confidence of the volunteer singer exponentially.

Duties & Responsibilities
• Provide musical leadership for choral section
• Take detailed notes at rehearsal, such as breathing, phrasing, diction etc., in the
event you lead a sectional or a singer in your section needs the markings.
• Attend all scheduled rehearsals during the normal choir year from September to the beginning of June
• To attend all worship services where choral music is required for both parish and diocesan functions (Masses, Vespers, Rite of Election, Ordinations, Paschal Triduum, Chrism Mass, Christmas, Lessons and Carols, including other special concerts.)
• Sing solos as requested by the director as needs dictates. Many solos are beyond the scope of most amateurs/volunteers.
• Arrange for a substitute if there is a need to be absent from a rehearsal or performance (absences must be communicated well in advance and pre-approved by the director, except for illnesses or other emergencies)
• Serve as cantor, when assigned (additional income possible for cantoring non-choral Masses)
Desired Qualifications/Skills
• A skilled musician able to read music well (piano skills not required but useful)
• Strong vocal production with good pitch sense and both a strong ensemble singer
and soloist as needed
• Vocal flexibility in a variety of musical styles including Gregorian chant and Early Music
• Possess good interpersonal and communication skills and is willing to help foster a positive, energetic and prayerful working environment
• Punctuality
• While preference will be given to practicing Catholics, the position is also open to
those of other faith traditions
Audition Procedure
• Contact John Sittard, Director of Sacred Music to set up an audition by emailing at: john.sittard@madisondiocese.org or john.sittard@sbmsn.org
• Prepare two contrasting pieces (one sacred: preferably one from an Oratorio)
• Sightreading
• Vocal range
Compensation
• Singers are paid on a per-service basis. (parish-$65 Mass/$50 rehearsal, $110 per week; diocese-$75 per call, usually 2 per event)
Schedule
Parish
• Every Sunday 10:00AM Mass, 9:00AM call (from September through the beginning of June)
• Rehearsal: Thursday evenings 7:00-9:00PM
Diocese
• Tuesday evening rehearsal (s) prior to an event, 7:00-9:00PM (as scheduled)
• Events as scheduled (schedule communicated at beginning of season)

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