Junior Choir Director
Summary and Purpose of Position: The Junior Choir Director leads and organizes the music for the Junior Choir to sing in worship services. The Junior Choir Director’s primary objectives are to teach, lead, and direct the youth in rehearsals and services to support the worship of the Church through music.
Qualifications
- An accomplished choral director with experience leading youth and children
- Ability to read music, and proficient keyboard skills
- Knowledge of and demonstrated competency in youth repertoire selection
- Enthusiasm for reinforcing music literacy
- Proficiency in teaching voice parts
- Flexibility, planning and organizational skills
- The ability to lead, delegate and work with volunteers
- The ability to communicate with parents and staff members
- Strong collaborative spirit
- Spanish language skills preferred, but not required
Primary Responsibilities
A. Administration: The Junior Choir Director will:
- Meet monthly with the Minister of Music to report planning and scheduling and to advance teamwork.
- Assist the Minister of Music and the Ministers to Children and Youth and Families in planning, preparing for, and leading music in youth-led services.
- Provide information for bulletins, including title and composer, program notes, and lyrics and translations as necessary, by established deadlines.
- Send weekly reminders about rehearsals and performances to parents and guardians in a timely and professional manner.
- Secure an appropriate substitute for rehearsals when the Junior Choir Director is not available, communicating this arrangement to the Minister of Music in advance.
- Meet all Safe Church and Racial Equity requirements.
B. Worship: The Junior Choir Director will select music of appropriate style, length, and skill level for the available musical collaborators, ensuring that the music is engaging and suitable for worship.
- Music choices will be based primarily on the students’ abilities and the service’s purpose, bearing in mind theological themes of the liturgical season and supporting the congregation’s worship experience.
C. Leader and Teacher: The Junior Choir Director will:
- Organize and lead one hour-long rehearsal per week, (40 minutes for most students and 20 extra minutes for advanced students), and conduct the youth in approximately 10 worship services during the program year for approximately 28 weeks (August through May).
- Communicate rehearsal plans with the Junior Choir accompanist in advance of each rehearsal.
- Create rehearsal calendars and select choral music for the Junior choir in alignment with the liturgical season and the ensemble’s abilities.
- Lead the choir during soundcheck and worship services on Sundays when they are providing music.
- Engage with youth during Sunday school programs as a means of recruitment.
- Welcome new singers, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
- Find or create arrangements of songs as needed to suit the ensemble’s size and skill level.
- Teach vocal technique, reinforce music literacy, and encourage healthy vocal practices.
- Provide musical leadership that supports the mission of the church.
D. Working Relationships: The Junior Choir Director reports directly to the Minister of Music and works closely with the Ministers to Children and Youth and Families.
E. Accountability, Evaluation, and Review: The Junior Choir Director is accountable directly to the Minister of Music. This position is governed by UCCH’s Personnel Policy. The Minister of Music will evaluate the Junior Choir Director’s performance annually, with input from the Music Committee and other program stakeholders.
F. HR Status & Work Schedule: This is a part-time position and is compensated at an hourly rate. The Junior Choir Director will work an average of 5 hours per week during the program year, including personal prep and practice time, and will receive compensation of $25 per hour. UCCH values work-life balance and fair pay, and expects the Junior Choir Director to manage their workload to avoid overtime.
Cover letter and resume and/or questions about the position may be sent to childrensmusic@unitedchurch.org
Children’s Musical Director
Summary and Purpose of Position: The Children’s Musical Director serves as a project manager and mentor for the Children’s Musical, working closely with youth choreographers, directors and leaders to provide guidance, support, and advice. The Children’s Musical Director’s primary objectives are to coach, oversee, and assist the youth in planning and executing rehearsals, ensuring a safe and efficient collaborative process.
Qualifications
- An accomplished theater director with experience leading youth and children.
- Passion for empowering youth leaders in rehearsal and performance.
- Experience in the technical and performance aspects of theater, dance, and music.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Proficiency in leading musical, acting, and choreography rehearsals.
- The ability to lead, delegate, and collaborate effectively with youth and adult volunteers.
- Excellent communication skills with parents, youth leaders, and staff.
- Commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.
Primary Responsibilities
A. Administration: The Children’s Musical Director will:
- Assist youth leaders in organizing rehearsals and managing props, sets, costumes, and lighting.
- Meet monthly with the Minister of Music and the Ministers to Children and Youth and Families to evaluate the progress of rehearsals.
- Send weekly reminders about rehearsals to parents and guardians, ensuring clear communication.
- Meet all Safe Church and Racial Equity requirements.
B. Leader and Teacher: The Children’s Musical Director will:
- Oversee rehearsals and guide student directors during rehearsals and performance, ensuring smooth execution and positive learning experiences.
- Recruit and welcome new youth leaders and performers.
- Advise and help create musical arrangements, line adaptations, choreography, and staging as needed.
C. Working Relationships: The Children’s Musical Director reports directly to the Minister of Music and works closely with the Junior Choir Director and the Ministers to Children and Youth and Families.
D. Accountability, Evaluation and Review: The Children’s Musical Director is accountable directly to the Minister of Music. This position is governed by UCCH’s Personnel Policy. The Minister of Music will evaluate the Children’s Musical Director’s performance annually. The Minister of Music will report on the evaluation, and may choose to make related recommendations to the Senior Pastor and the Personnel Committee, who will in turn report to the Church Council.
E. HR Status & Work Schedule: This is a part-time, short-term, annual hire position (August through October) with variable hours. The Children’s Musical Director will work approximately 10 hours per week, including personal preparation, leading rehearsals, and practice time, and will receive a flat rate of $2,500 for the term.
Cover letter and resume and/or questions about the position may be sent to childrensmusic@unitedchurch.org