Contemporary Ensemble Director

St. John Church of Little Canada
Published
July 17, 2025
Expires
August 16, 2025
Category
Music  
Job Type
Organizational Name
St. John the Evangelist Church of Little Canada
Organizational City
Little Canada
Position Contact Name
Noelle Notermann
Position Contact Title
Director of Music and Liturgy Coordinator
Position Contact Email
nnotermann@sjolc.org
How many employees are serving at your location?
30 or less

Description

Part-time, approximately 10 hours per week during Ensemble season. Schedule is September through early June. Direct Ensemble approximately 30 Masses per year which includes two Masses per month and scheduled Holy Days.

2.5 hours per week for rehearsals as scheduled

5 hours of Admin/Prep work each rehearsal week

2 hours per Mass

Not benefit eligible

PURPOSE OF POSITION

Plan, rehearse, and conduct the contemporary ensemble at scheduled Masses and special liturgies in accordance with the liturgical requirements of the Catholic Church. Minister and play contemporary ensemble as needed music that accompanies parish liturgies and encourages participation of the congregation in accordance with the Pastor’s vision of liturgical music as reflected in the Parish Mission Statement.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

* Employment in and by the Catholic Church is substantially different from secular employment.  It is the expectation that all employees of Saint John’s Church of Little Canada support the mission and teachings of the Catholic Church.  Therefore, all employees of Saint John’s Church of Little Canada must publicly conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the teachings, mission, and purpose of the Catholic Church.  The employee’s public behavior must never violate the faith, teachings, or laws of the Catholic Church.  If an employee does not adhere to these requirements, he or she may be subject to discipline up to and including termination of employment.

To be considered for this position, the applicant must be a fully practicing Catholic.  It is expected that all employees of Saint John’s Church of Little Canada respect Catholic doctrine and religious practices as set forth in this job description and our employee handbook.

Archdiocese, such that it can embarrass the church or give rise to scandal.  It is required that this employee be an active, participating Roman Catholic.

REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Be present and ready to work as needed to meet responsibilities as needed. This includes:
  • Recognize when additional time or effort is required and seek approval accordingly.
  • Completing responsibilities in a timely and professional manner.
  • Model punctuality, consistency and commitment.
  • Ensure all musical and liturgical preparations are completed prior to each liturgy or rehearsal.
  • Treat all clergy, staff, volunteers and parishioners with respect, kindness and professionalism, fostering a spirit of collaboration and Christian charity.
  • Meet with supervisor on a regular basis using a variety of communication methods including in-person, phone or video conferencing.

CONTEMPORARY ENSEMBLE RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Play, plan, rehearse, and schedule music for parish contemporary ensemble Masses as requested.
  • Store all Parish music planning documents on approved parish platforms (e.g., Google Drive).
  • Review ensemble liturgy plans with Director of Music on a quarterly basis.
  • Ensure all selected music aligns with Catholic Church doctrine and the parish’s music vision.
  • Recruit, train, support and manage volunteer musicians and other ensemble volunteers.
  • Schedule projection and audiovisual volunteers as needed.
  • Ensure music is liturgically appropriate and stylistically suited to the contemporary ensemble.
  • Arrange and compose authentically Catholic music when required.
  • Prepare and distribute music and necessary materials for vocalists, instrumentalists, and projectionists.
  • Collaborate with the Director of Music to develop and implement ongoing liturgical formation and musical training for ensemble members.
  • Serve as ensemble director and accompanist and recruit, train and empower all musicians and volunteers.
  • Direct the ensemble at scheduled Masses and special liturgies.
  • Assist in maintaining the physical and digital music library, including scores, recordings and reference materials.
  • Ensure that all purchased scores (digital or pint) are catalogued and stored at the parish and that all purchases are through parish accounts only.
  • Assist in the preparation of worship aids and seasonal music booklets.
  • Maintain and manage parish’s OneLicense account for copyright compliance.
  • Support, encourage and appreciate music ministry volunteers.
  • Maintain and organize music scores, including choral scores, accompaniment books, instrumental music and sound system components.
  • Assist in the care and upkeep of parish acoustic pianos and music/sound equipment.
  • Foster full, active and conscious participation of the congregation in liturgical music in accordance with directives from the bishops and prioritize hymnal resources and existing materials.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Maintain professional competence through regular music practice.
  • Respect and follow Roman Catholic Doctrine and religious practices.
  • Collaborate with all staff to meet the goals and objectives of the parish.
  • Remain current in music through reading and ongoing educational opportunities and professional development.

 

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in music or related field, masters preferred

Demonstrated music skills

5+ years of music experience in a Catholic Church

Demonstrated knowledge of role of music in Catholic liturgy

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Roman Missal

Desire to participate in and continue creating a strong faith community

Proficiently operate musical instruments, including the organ and piano

Pass Archdiocesan background checks and complete VIRTUS

 

Application Instructions

Please send cover letter and resume to Noelle Notermann at nnotermann@sjolc.org

Position open until filled.

Complete job description available upon request.

 

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