Director of Music Ministry

Zion Lutheran Church, a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America located in Wooster, OH, seeks applicants for the position of Director of Music Ministry. In support of our mission – Be Disciples, Make Disciples – we seek a music director who can capably lead and enhance our congregation’s worship life, encourage discipleship, and seek outreach opportunities in a congregation that is creative, welcoming, engaged, and musically adept with interest in a variety of musical styles, including traditional and contemporary. Although we focus on the liturgies and hymnody of the Evangelical Lutheran Worship Hymnal, we seek a candidate who is open to and familiar with a wide range of music styles, representing the historical and geographical scope of Christian music. Skills in organ and piano, as well as choral and instrumental direction are required. A bachelor’s degree in Music, Church Music, or Performance is required; experience accompanying and leading liturgical services is preferred.

Zion is an active and engaged congregation located in Wayne County, near Ohio’s Amish country and in the small, thriving city of Wooster, home to The College of Wooster, a nationally recognized liberal arts college with a rich schedule of musical, cultural, academic, and athletic events open to the public. Additionally, Wooster is home to Ohio State University’s agricultural campus (CFAES), which offers an arboretum, walking trails, and various cultural activities in its outdoor amphitheater. Historically, our congregation has placed a high value on the musical aspects of worship; we are seeking a music director who can capably lead and enhance the worship experience in a variety of styles and with potential for growth, especially in the inclusion of youth participation in music and worship.

The following is meant to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position but is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Worship

–  Provide organization and strategic planning for the music ministries at Zion in conjunction with the Pastor and the Worship Team

–  Provide a diverse repertoire of organ, piano, and other music at all worship services (presently two weekly services – one traditional and one blended contemporary) and seasonal services such as Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter

–  Provide music for weddings and funerals involving members of the congregation, including the right of first refusal

–  Facilitate special music to include all ages from children through adults

–  Secure a substitute organist and/or accompanist as needed

Ensembles

–  Senior Choir (weekly rehearsals & choral offerings during worship, September-May)

–  Senior Handbell Choir (weekly rehearsals & monthly musical offerings during worship, September-May)

–  Youth Handbell Choir (weekly rehearsals & monthly musical offerings during worship, September-May)

–  Contemporary Worship Ensemble (weekly throughout the year)

Musical Leadership

–  Select literature and conduct rehearsals for Senior Choir and Handbell Choirs, and work with the Contemporary Worship Team

–  Hire & rehearse guest musicians as desired for special occasions

–  Maintain professional competency through practicing, performing, attending workshops and seminars, and reading professional journals

–  Provide leadership, support, and encouragement for weekly contemporary and traditional services as well as seasonal services throughout the year

–  Oversee growth of music programs for children and youth, including but not limited to establishing an after school music exploration program for school-aged children

Technical and Administrative Duties

–  Oversee maintenance, tuning, and operation of all musical instruments and other music-related resources

–  Work with the AV technician to implement technology and maintain equipment

–  Maintain and expand music libraries

–  Provide an annual report of the music ministry to church leadership and congregation

–  Engage with Pastor, Council, and church staff for strategic planning and decision-making

–  Prepare and oversee music budget

–  Attend regular staff meetings

–  Work with volunteer worship coordinators to procure lectors, greeters, communion stewards, etc.

Qualifications

–  Minimum of an undergraduate degree in music

–  Demonstrated proficiency in organ and piano playing expected

–  Additional demonstrated proficiency in keyboard, guitar, drum set, etc. welcomed

–  Flexibility to adapt to various musical styles and genres to meet the needs of the congregation

–  Knowledge of and experience with sacred music, including hymns, choral music, handbell repertoire, and contemporary worship music helpful

–  Interpersonal and communication skills to work with volunteers, church members, staff, and clergy

–  Strong organizational and leadership skills needed to manage rehearsals, personnel, schedules, and resources

–  Experience in leading and directing choirs, vocalists, instrumentalists, and other musical ensembles

–  Understanding of and appreciation for Lutheran theology and liturgy helpful

–  Ability to work alone and as part of a team in an inspirational environment

–  Employment contingent on completion of a successful background check

Instruments Owned by Zion Lutheran Church

(The musician will have the ability to use church instruments for private lessons if desired.)

Pipe Organ – Schantz Organ

– Originally built in 1951; rebuilt in 1995; 3 manuals & pedal; 47 ranks; includes a control system with all of the usual playing aids, including 99 memory levels and record/playback

Pianos & Keyboards

– Boston Grand (sanctuary); Ivers & Pond Grand (contemporary worship space); Mason & Hamlin Studio (choir room), Baldwin Acrosonic (chapel)

– Yamaha Clavinova (handbell rehearsal room); Yamaha Digital Portable Keyboard (music office)

Bells & Chimes

– Schulmerich Handbells – 5 octaves

– Malmark Choir Chimes – 3 octaves

Percussion

– Timpani – Set of 4 Ludwig Symphony Model (23”, 26”, 29”, 32”)

– Drum Set – Yamaha 5 piece with hardware

– Miscellaneous Percussion – Bongos (2 sets); Congos (1 pair); Wind Chimes; Tambourine; Cabasas (2); Triangles (2); Hand Drums (2 small, 1 large); Shakers; Finger Cymbals

Orff Instruments

– Xylophones – 1 soprano, 2 alto, 1 bass

– Metallophones – 1 soprano, 1 alto, 1 bass

– Bells – 1 soprano, 2 alto

– Miscellaneous mallets & instrument stands

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time position, with days and hours to be determined in conjunction with the Pastor. Compensation is commensurate with the musician’s education level, experience, and skill.

Salary, vacation time, and benefits are negotiable and will be based on education, experience, and guidelines from the Association of Lutheran Church Musicians.

Application Materials

–  Letter of interest

–  Resume

–  Contact information for 3-5 references, with minimum of two musical and one pastoral

–  MP3 files or links to the following:

Prelude and Postlude

Two-three contrasting hymns

Contemporary service example, if available

Ensemble conducting, if available