Organization: St. John Paul II Scioto Catholic Parish
Location: 514 Market Street and 1325 Gallia Street, Portsmouth, OH 45662
Position Title: Choral Scholar/Section Leader (1 opening each: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass)
Position Type: W-2 Employee, Seasonal, Part-Time, Non-Exempt
Position Term: ‘26/27 Choir Season, September 17, 2026 – April 4, 2027
Reports To: Director of Sacred Music
Contact: ptorsell@sciotocatholic.org

Summary
The Choral Scholars/Section Leaders support the Director of Sacred Music in fostering a parish music program of artistic excellence in the service of authentic Catholic liturgy. Working alongside a dedicated 16-24 voice mixed volunteer choir, each Section Leader provides confident vocal leadership and assistance in the preparation and performance of Gregorian chant, Renaissance and other sacred polyphony, traditional hymnody, and other worthy liturgical repertoire for one Sunday Mass each week and the additional liturgies listed below.

Compensation
This is a W-2 employee position. Compensation is paid on a per-call basis:
• $75 per Mass (32 Masses anticipated)
• $40 per rehearsal (28 rehearsals anticipated)
• Total possible (but not guaranteed) season compensation: $3,520

Responsibilities
• Arrive at all calls prepared to rehearse and perform assigned repertoire to a high standard of musical excellence
• Provide leadership and guidance to respective sections during rehearsals, including leading sectional rehearsals when indicated by Director
• Occasionally prepare more challenging repertoire to be sung as a small Section Leader ensemble
• Support Music Director in carrying out the future vision and growth of the choral program at St. John Paul II Scioto Catholic Parish
 
Commitments
• Weekly Thursday evening rehearsals, 7:00pm-8:30pm
• Sunday morning warmup and Mass
• Additional Masses
>>>Christmas Eve Mass, Thursday, 12/24, 4pm at St. Mary’s
>>>Holy Thursday Mass, Thursday, 3/25, 7pm at St. Mary’s
>>>Good Friday liturgy, Friday, 3/26, 3pm at St. Mary’s
>>>Easter Sunday Mass, Sunday, 3/28, 11am at Holy Redeemer
• Attendance at all rehearsals and Masses listed above is expected. However, an occasional absence for prior commitments, illness, or other legitimate reasons can be accommodated with advance communication with the Director. Please note any known schedule conflicts in your letter of interest.

Requirements
• Previous choral singing experience and familiarity with mixed-voice choral music, Renaissance polyphony, and traditional SATB hymnody
• Familiarity with plainchant a plus, but can be taught
• Ability to sing with accurate intonation and blending choral tone
• Sight-reading competency
• Ability to provide leadership to 4-6 additional singers
• Passion for beautiful choral music
• Willingness to respect the guidelines, traditions, and sacred music legislation of the Catholic Church and abide by conduct norms (especially during the liturgy)
• Desire for ongoing growth and learning
• Employment is contingent on successful passing of required background checks and VIRTUS “Protecting God’s Children” course

How to Apply
Email letter of interest, resume, and references to Patrick Torsell, Director of Sacred Music at ptorsell@sciotocatholic.org

Learn more about the parish at https://www.sciotocatholic.org/sacredmusic