Music

MUSIC DIRECTOR POSITION - Applications being accepted now

Introduction to Music at Jamieson United Methodist Church

Music is an essential and joyous component in our church life at Jamieson and the quality of the music program is a source of pleasure and inspiration for many within the congregation and the greater community. JMUMC seeks a Music Director who will lead, develop and implement a total music program that ministers with caring, imagination and grace to the needs of a diverse congregation.

Currently, Jamieson UMC has Sunday services at 9:00 AM and at 11:00 AM. The 9:00 AM service is less formal. The 11:00 AM service is typically more traditional. The senior choir participates in the 11:00 AM service virtually year-round. Led by the Music Director, this is an all-volunteer SATB group of about 14 adults that rehearses weekly from September through June. Rehearsals are approximately 1 ½ hours on Wednesday evenings.

Professional Qualifications

The music director should:

Possess a strong faith in Jesus Christ and the ability to communicate that faith in a manner which makes evident the link between music and spiritually.
Have a strong musical education or commensurate professional experience with proficiency in choral conducting, vocal coaching and keyboard.

Music Program Responsibilities

Plan, lead and conduct rehearsals of the adult choir in preparation for a weekly offering of anthem(s) and service music and direct the presentation of same in the 11:00 AM service.
Plan, schedule and prepare soloists, ensembles or other choral offerings for the 9:00 AM service. This will require coordination with the pastor and worship planning team.
Provide accompaniment at all worship services to include: both weekly worship services; special seasonal presentations and programs; weddings; and funerals. Volunteers, as scheduled by the Music Director and approved by the pastor may be utilized.
Actively participate in the Worship Planning Team which will meet regularly to plan, coordinate and design worship services reflective of pastoral and team vision.
Regularly communicate the musical offerings of JMUMC within the church and local community.
Encourage and invite wider participation in the regular and special musical opportunities from within the congregation and, as appropriate, from the larger community.
Reach out to, and interact with other community musicians.

Administrative Responsibilities

Submit weekly musical selections in a timely manner to the Administrative Assistant for inclusion in the weekly bulletin.
Select and order new music and maintain the choral library.
Attend regular staff and Worship Committee meetings as necessary in order to effectively plan and present the musical programs of the church.
Prepare and manage the annual budget for the music program.
Supervise and direct all paid and volunteer contract musicians when required.
Make efforts to attend educational seminars offered by the United Methodist Church and commercial publishers when they are available and deemed worthwhile.

Time Commitment

The Music Director position is approximately 5 hours per week. During the summer with no midweek rehearsal, the position will require fewer hours. There will be exceptions. When special performances are scheduled, more hours will be required.

Supervision

The Music Director is employed and supervised by the Staff Pastor Parish Relations Committee but routinely functions under the direction and guidance of the pastor.

If interested contact Ken Mink; mink@kerrlake.com for specifics or questions.

Organists

Organists Jean Crowe & Janelle Langford play at the 11:00 services and special events throughout the year.

Choir

The Choir practices each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary and sings each Sunday during the 11:00 service.

Handbells

The Handbells practice each Monday from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, under the direction of Kevin Bagbey. They perform at scheduled services throughout the year.