Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass Professional Choral Section Leader Positions Available

Holy Family Catholic Church, Parma, OH

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, improving 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 and Masses during the normal choir year from September to the beginning of June
• To attend all worship services where choral music is required for both Cathedral parish and diocesan functions (Masses, Paschal Triduum, Christmas, Easter, 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

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
•Excellent Sight Reading Skills
• Vocal flexibility in a variety of musical styles including Gregorian chant and Early Music, or a willingness to learn
• 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

Compensation
• Singers are paid on a per-service basis.

Schedule
• 2 Sundays a Month (Possible additional due to particular Solemnities) Rehearsal 8:45-9:15 am, Mass 9:30-10:30 am (Sunday after Labor Day through beginning of June-the choir is usually off the Sunday after Christmas and Easter.)
• Christmas Eve Masses (9:00PM) and liturgies of the Easter Triduum: Holy Thursday (7:00 pm), Good Friday (3:00 pm), Holy Saturday Easter Vigil (evening at nightfall).
• Monday evening rehearsals weekly during school year, 5:45-7:00PM (as scheduled)
• Events as scheduled (schedule communicated at beginning of season)

Audition Procedure
• Contact Mary Rose Beauman, Director of Music to share a virtual audition by emailing at: mbeauman@holyfamparma.org.
• Share why this would be a good fit for you & Prepare two contrasting pieces (one sacred: preferably one from a hymn, chant, or sacred work)
• Sightreading skills
• Vocal range