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Interim Direction of Music Ministry (part-time)


St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is seeking candidates for interim direction of music ministry for a period of at least three months. The interim period will extend through the pandemic response of physical distancing and reduced collective vocal music as outlined by the CDC and other medical and epidemiological organizations, by the Episcopal Church and the regional Diocese of Spokane, and by the American Choral Directors Association. This interim period demands an adaptive set of skills and practices of music ministry and leadership.

During this interim period, we seek adept, creative musical leadership to provide music for both online and limited in-person worship, and for prayerful meditation and learning offered online. Candidates who can frame a vision for music ministry during this time, which requires us to limit singing to 1-3 voices at most in in-person worship (and limit congregational singing to online at-home worshipers) but still makes the most of available resources in order to facilitate prayer and worship, will be given serious consideration.
Please submit a resume or CV, a cover letter, and answers the following questions in less than 500 words:
  • What would you like to see emerge and develop in music ministry at St. Luke’s during this unique and challenging time?
  • Why do you want to join us in ministry and leadership at St. Luke’s?
Background. Musical resources at St. Luke’s include an Allen 3-manual organ, a Roland digital piano, several other keyboards, a 3-octave set of bells and tubular bells, a 13-member choir and 11-member bell choir, and several good pianists and singers throughout the congregation. There is a growing community of families with school-age and preschool children who are learning hymns and songs in our blended 9am Sunday School and worship service. Choral and congregational music have been significant to worship in our 10:30am service, and some congregational singing has begun at our early 8am service.
During the “Stay at Home” period of pandemic response, St. Luke’s has adapted by holding online Zoom gatherings for worship. Music has been quite limited, and the choirs have ceased all rehearsals. The church will continue for several weeks to offer the same worship gatherings. The Allen and Roland instruments are equipped to record. St. Luke’s has also offered pre-recorded worship services online, uploaded to our website.
In the coming months, the following will be realities for our worship and gatherings:
  1. In-person gatherings will be limited and will be simultaneously streamed for online access
  2. Choral singing will be suspended, and singing may only be done by 1-3 people in any gathering or
    recorded / streamed worship. The same applies to any wind instruments.
  3. Congregational singing is suspended for in-person gatherings. Singing in homes with recorded / streamed worship is strongly encouraged.
Qualifications. We seek candidates with the following qualities and skills:
  • Faith in God and joy in bringing glory to God through music
  • Ability to help people embrace and express prayer and praise through music
  • Proficient and adept skill in keyboard instruments (piano, organ)
  • Ability to accompany and lead musically at the same time
  • Strength in singing and in leading vocally, and experience in vocal teaching and small ensemble work
  • Working knowledge and quick learning potential for use of technology and online resources
  • Joy in collaborative, creative, and adaptive approaches to music ministry
  • Self-motivated and organized in meeting schedules
  • Experience and familiarity with music in church settings, with knowledge and appreciation of the full range Episcopal/Anglican music and worship
  • Passion for music as an act of worship and prayer more than as performance
  • Interest in building partnerships with other institutions to expand musical offerings
Advanced (undergraduate or graduate) study of music is desirable, but not as necessary as demonstrable experience and skill in the areas outlined above. We recognize that people whose careers and education have been in other fields may also have deep musical passion and ability.
We seek candidates who have strong abilities in both keyboard and in voice. We will also give serious consideration to creating split positions for candidates who are strong in either keyboard or in vocal and choral leadership. Comprehensive background checks are conducted for any candidates we seriously consider, and any final candidate(s) will be required upon hire to complete Safeguarding God’s People as an expected training for all any employed or volunteer leader in the Episcopal Church.
 
Expectations.
Participating in Monthly staff meetings
Developing strong consultative and collaborative relationship with the Rector, staff, and other leaders and teams in the congregation
Collaboratively selecting and offering music for Sunday worship services that is in accord with the liturgical season and weekly scriptural readings, and that fits the unique challenges of physical distance and online and hybrid offering of worship
Selecting music and organizing musical offerings for major holy days (All Saints, Christmas, Ash Wednesday, etc.)
Accompanying and leading music through keyboard accompaniment and vocal leadership, providing preludes and postludes, and conducting where appropriate, for Sunday services
Managing any recording, software, and online technology needed for providing music in online and in hybrid online/in-person worship
Providing ongoing nurture and support for choral members during this period when there is no choir
Scheduling and directing a limited weekly number of singers and musicians (rehearsal and worship), planning repertoire for Fall, inviting singers and musicians in the church into creative opportunities to offer their gifts
Fostering collaborative relationships with NIC music department and other schools and music organizations
Offering midweek music online for enrichment and learning for congregation members ranging across ages
Providing music for funerals, weddings, and other special services (above and beyond the 10-12 weekly hours, additionally compensated)
 
 
Total Music Ministry hours for this interim period are 10-12 hours per week.
 
The selected interim(s) for direction of music ministry may be considered for the permanent position.
 
Please submit resume or CV, cover letter, and 500-word response to questions to
Fr. David Gortner, Rector – priest@stlukescda.org
St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 501 E. Wallace Ave., Coeur d’Alene, ID  83814
208-664-5533 (church office)                      www.stlukescda.org

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