First, a little history. (Stick with this, it’ll be worth it, I promise.)

In the thread regarding a job posting in Port Clinton OH, I posted the following:

“The question of whether a job posting should be an open topic for discussion aside, some of the job postings I've seen both here and at the "Jobs" section have made me curious. I have read them, and in some cases visited their websites to get a better impression of the parish. It's my own prejudice perhaps, but I have to wonder out loud why a church would post a position that includes a contemporary ensemble among the responsibilities of the job, on a website that holds as one of its basic philosophies the notion that contemporary music is antithetical to the liturgy.

I know that because of my past (and even current) experiences and difficulties in parishes with a contemporary music component, any future job search will by definition exclude from consideration any listing where words such as, "vibrant", "dynamic", "diverse" or phrases like "firmly rooted in the reforms of Vatican II" or "candidate will be well-versed in both traditional and contemporary music of the church" appear.”

Another member of the forum, identified as “Jan”, responded:

“I do not think each job posting should have it's own thread for open discussion. A blogger's personal opinion should not be confused with the goals of this organization. Case in point: the comments above.”

I replied:

“While my comment regarding contemporary ensembles "in the mix" of a job may not be applicable for the position at this particular church, I think the question is worth broader discussion and consideration, for both sides of the equation, i.e., those who post job openings, and those who consider applying for a position.
And, my comments can hardly be confused with "the goals of this organization," which can be easily found by clicking on the "Join the CMAA" tab on the main page:
"The Church Music Association of America is an association of Catholic musicians, and those who have a special interest in music and liturgy, active in advancing Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony, and other forms of sacred music, including new composition, for liturgical use.The CMAA’s purpose is the advancement of musica sacra in keeping with the norms established by competent ecclesiastical authority."

Jan replied:

“I agree with you. Glad you are able to make my suggestion clearer.

As you said 'comment(s) regarding (issues) of a job may not be applicable for the position at (that) particular church.' I am sure we all wish to encourage potential employers to post as many jobs as possible on our website.

There are many members of this organization who are able to work in complicated work environments and effect change in the direction which reflects the goals of this organization (albeit not without difficulty).

The issues you bring up r/t discouraging job environments is certainly 'worth broader discussion and consideration.'

Suggestion: We have a new thread where job-related issues may be thoroughly discussed & followed by all.

Thanks again david andrew for helping me clarify my last comment.”


So, based on “Jan’s” recommendation, I’ve decided to start this thread.

Let me respond to “Jan” first: You’ve missed the point, and you’ve changed the subject. My point was not to clarify your comment. The core values of this organization are pretty clear from the statement I quoted. So, I ask again, why would a church with a contemporary ensemble among the responsibilities of the job, post an open position on a website whose membership is, on the face of it, dedicated to the use of Gregorian chant, Renaissance polyphony and new compositions (in the realm of high art)? A parallel: would a non-denominational mega-church with a praise band at the core of its ministry post a music director’s position with the AGO? Similarly, would a church where the Novus Ordo (in Latin) and orchestral Masses by Haydn and Mozart are a part of its culture post an open position with the NPM? I’d bet dollars to draughts that the answer is “no.” I could be wrong, but I rather doubt it.

While I don’t doubt the truth of it, it’s not germane to this conversation that “there are many members of this organization who are able to work in complicated work environments and effect change in the direction which reflects the goals of this organization.” It is certainly important that there are people with the patience and forbearance to do that kind of work. However, I’m not so sure that “we all wish to encourage potential employers to post as many jobs as possible on our website.” The NPM Hotline is cram-full of job descriptions just like the Port Clinton position, from nearly every state in the Union. It seems to me that the people who visit this forum would be more likely to seek employment at a church where a serious “reform of the reform” mentality was in evidence. That, at least, is what I look for here.

So, the question to the forum membership is: what do you look for in a job description? What is your instinct regarding a position with a contemporary ensemble as part of the responsibilities? Are there buzzwords or catchphrases that tend to make you question whether or not a position is worth applying for?

Let me be clear. I’m looking for an intellectually honest conversation about this subject. We’re at a watershed in the history of liturgical music and culture in the Church, and I would hope that we can engage in a frank discussion about these issues without personal rancor or invective. I’m not interested in being “flamed” for opening this line of discussion. The conversation needs to be had, and I welcome the wide variety of well-reasoned and insightful opinions on the subject.