The Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick, Maine is seeking to hire a Director of Music. As described below, this position includes conducting and providing piano accompaniment for the choir, as well as working with other leaders to coordinate the musical aspects of our weekly worship services.
Until such time as this position is filled, we are seeking a Pianist to accompany the choir and to provide special music as part of weekly services.
Interested applicants should contact the Church Administrator, Shirley Bernier:
Director of Music
Position Description
The Director of Music for UUCB will create and maintain a lively presence of music in worship and religious education at UUCB in accordance with the congregation’s mission and the principles of Unitarian Universalism. The Director of Music must recognize and appreciate the importance of music in the spiritual life and creation of community in this congregation. We will begin transitioning from on-line recorded services to in-person services in the church sanctuary, but anticipate that some recording/streaming of services will continue. This is a 20 hour/week salaried position.
Specific Responsibilities:
Sunday Worship
- Provide instrumental accompaniment for Sunday worship services, including, but not limited to the prelude, hymns, offertory, and special music.
- Facilitate and encourage congregational singing by teaching and leading hymns as appropriate
- Work with Minister or other worship leaders to coordinate music with service themes, etc.
- Recruit volunteers and/or hire professional musicians to provide special music or to substitute in the absence of the Director of Music.
Church Choir
- Recruit choir members in a welcoming manner that encourages diversity and participation by people with all levels of musical experience
- Direct and provide instrumental accompaniment to choir for rehearsals and worship services
- Conduct weekly choir rehearsals in a manner that is inclusive, enjoyable, and compelling
- Choose and purchase choir music from a variety of musical genres and maintain the music library
- Work with Minister to schedule and coordinate choir participation in worship services
Other Responsibilities/Relationships
- Direct choir and provide instrumental accompaniment for Christmas Eve services and other special services during the church year
- Attend church Staff meetings as required by Minister
- Manage Music budget in conjunction with Minister and Finance Committee
- Participate on Worship Committee as an ex officio member
- Work with other church committees (such as Concert Committee) to assist in their mission as appropriate
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in music or equivalent skill and experience
- Excellent keyboard skills to accompany choir and provide music in worship services
- Possess an understanding of and be committed to the principles of Unitarian Universalism and the mission and vision of UUCB Ability to relate to a diverse congregation (age, interests, etc.) in a welcoming and inclusive way
- Understand the importance and function of music in worship and other church activities Knowledge of and respect for fair use and copyright regulations
- Knowledge and skill in a variety of musical genres and styles
- Skill in using computers and audio-visual equipment
Supervision: The Music Director works under the supervision of the Minister
Temporary Pianist Position
Duties include:
- Play for 3-4 Sunday services per month. (You will have one Sunday off each month)
– Accompany the hymns ( 3-4 hymns weekly)
– Provide short, uplifting interludes for Prelude, Offertory, and Postlude
- Play for two Christmas Eve services. (Approximately a 4 hour commitment)
- Accompany the UUCB Choir for
– 1 ½-hour rehearsals on Thursday evenings
– 1 to 2 services per month