Director of Music & Organist/Choral Conductor

Director of Music And Organist/Choral ConductorSt. John United Methodist ChurchAugusta, Georgia 30901Full Time , On-SiteDIRECTOR OF MUSIC AND ORGANIST/CHORAL CONDUCTOR

Salary Range: $60,000-$75,000 (Commensurate with experience) plus Benefits

Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred) in choral conducting, organ performance, church music, or sacred music.

Since 1798, St. John United Methodist Church has been a vibrant and welcoming pillar of spiritual and cultural life in Augusta, Georgia. The Director of Music at St. John United Methodist Church is an artistic leader who understands that church music is fundamentally about worship and ministry. This role requires managing a variety of different collaborating situations– choirs, staff, concerts, other professional musicians, budgets, and volunteers.

Ideal QualificationsMusical ExcellenceExceptional organ performance abilities, including hymn playing, and advanced repertoire.Strong choral conducting skills.Experience developing and leading volunteer choirs assisted by section leaders.Knowledge of traditional sacred music repertoire across historical periods and styles.Understanding of liturgical planning and the role of music in worship.A personal record of progression in musical leadership and reputation.Professional ExperienceDemonstrated success leading music programs at churches or the clear potential to do so.Demonstrated comfort working with choir, staff, volunteers, professional and international musicians.Experience with and commitment to relevant liturgical traditions (United Methodist, Episcopalian/Anglican, Presbyterian or similar).Interpersonal QualificationsArtistic confidence conveyed with a spirit of humility.A collaborative, inviting spirit: a leader with interpersonal gifts to inspire, teach, and build community through music.Emotional intelligence and sensitivity to volunteer dynamics.Pastoral presence that connects music to spiritual formation.A gracious team player who values others’ contributions.Theological & Spiritual GroundingDeep personal faith and commitment to Christian ministry.Understanding of music as theology.Ability to articulate the spiritual purpose of music in worship.Comfort with traditional United Methodist (or similar mainline Protestant) theology and practice.Passion for helping people encounter God through music.Management & Administrative CapabilitiesAttention to detail, strong organizational and communication skills.Ability to recruit, develop and manage multiple choirs, staff, and programs.Scheduling, contracting, and incorporating additional instrumentalists as needed.Maintaining music library; overseeing librarian and section leaders.Recruiting and managing choral scholars.Additional Advantageous ExperienceAdvanced degrees in choral conducting, church music, sacred music, organ performance, or ancillary fields.Experience supporting (if not actually leading) children’s, youth, or handbell choirs as part of a fully dynamic music program.Skills in strategic planning and budgeting.Connections in the church music world.Active involvement in professional organizations (e.g., AAM, AGO, ACDA).The OrganSt. John is home to a Dobson pipe organ, opus 78, installed in 2003. Designed and built for our sanctuary by the Dobson Pipe Organ Builders of Lake City, Iowa, his three-manual, mechanical action instrument has 42 ranks of pipes (2,172 in all).St. John has played host to many world renowned organists such as Olivier Latry, Paul Jacobs, Nathan Laube, Bradley Welch, Ken Cowan, Isabelle Demers, and David Higgs.

The ChoirsChancel Choir:This 30-member volunteer choir (including four section leaders) provides music for worship year-round. The choir has toured internationally, performing in venues including Westminster Abbey (one week residency), St. Giles Cathedral Edinburgh, Bruton Parish Church Williamsburg, and for events like the North Georgia Annual Conference. They have performed under the direction of many prominent guest conductors, including John Rutter, Joseph Flummerfelt, Alice Parker, Mack Wilberg, Andre Thomas, Henry Leck, Eric Nelson, and Amanda Quist.

Junior Choirthis youth ensemble (2 nd grade through high school) participates in leading the worship service at least four times a year.

Cherub Choir:this young ensemble (pre-K through 1 st grade) joins with the Junior Choir, on occasion, during worship.

The MusicWeekly:Sunday morning service and choir rehearsal

Concerts with a Cause:A rich series of concerts featuring guest soloists, choirs, and chamber ensembles from around the world, including at least one concert showcasing the St. John Organ (Dobson opus 78).

Annually:An extensive variety of special services and festivals in addition to music tied to specific days (e.g., Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Easter & Christmas).

Occasions:Weddings and Funerals