Address
Form of workJob Description
Choir & Handbells Director
I. Primary Purpose
We are seeking a Choir and Handbells Director who brings spiritual leadership and technical
excellence to directing our choirs.
VPC has a long history of excellence and creativity in worship and the arts. We are committed
to continuing this tradition while expanding the vision and capacity of our worship to be a
space for deeper participation and collaboration, across a diversity of cultures, styles and
inspiration.
Beyond Sunday morning worship, we have a primary objective to develop an ARTIST
COLLECTIVE AS SOUL SPACE. We want to elevate the arts by cultivating a collective of artists,
artful expression and curated spaces that nurture the souls healing and growth.
We seek a Director of Choir and Handbells to participate in this next step of growth by
nurturing a robust and vibrant music-making community as one part of our commitment to
building a more loving world.
II. Reporting
The Choir and Bells Director reports to the Worship & Arts Curator, collaborating on
programming for worship that encourages participation and deepens spiritual connection
through music. This role works in partnership with the Pastor and other guest musicians and
visiting artists. It also supervises and collaborates with the Organist or Accompanist who
supports the Choir, and soloists / section leads (unless the Director is also able to perform
these functions.)
III. Commitment and hours
This is a 10-15 hour/week position. A minimum of 4 hours each week for Choir and Handbells
rehearsals and 4 hours for Sunday worship service leadership , 2-3 times per month. The
position requires a minimum 9 month (September-May) annual commitment with Summers
optional.
IV. Work Responsibilities
1. Music Programs
Chancel Choir
Recruit, prepare, rehearse, nurture, and direct the Chancel Choir for regular and special
worship services and community events, selecting music pieces that reflect VPCs long
tradition of choral excellence.
Work towards presentation of one or more major choral works each year
Select and supervise four contract paid soloists to be section leads; plan for and
rehearse special solo presentations in worship and special services and source chamber
orchestras, extra singers and instrumentalists for major choral works
Hire (or serve as) accompanist for rehearsals
Availability during the holidays in particular including Christmas Eve and Easter
Handbell Choir:
Recruit members, rehearse, nurture and direct the Handbell Choir for regular and
special worship services.
Plan and implement joint presentations with other groups and instrumentalists, as
appropriate.
Identify musical arrangements to fit the variety of musical talents of volunteer choir
Program development:
Through interactions with church and community members, assess desire, need, and
viability of additional ongoing organized choral music and handbell groups, which may
include children's choirs for various age groups. Ensure quality and appropriateness of
these offerings for regular and special worship services, in partnership with NextGen
Director.
Plan and implement joint presentations with other music groups as appropriate, in
partnership with Worship + Arts Curator.
Collaborate on seasonal productions, as needed, (eg. Christmas Pageant).
General:
Spiritual maturity and a deep commitment to spiritual formation through making music.
Embrace a wide variety of music, cultures and ways of making music.
Establish and maintain musical standards of excellence for Choir and Handbells
programs.
Ensure proper preparation of each group or solo musician.
Evaluate volunteer musicians for talent and preparation with Worship + Arts Curator and
utilize their gifts in appropriate settings.
Collaborate with Worship + Arts Curator to select music to complement theme or
message of the service
Promote broad member participation in worship services through music selections.
Serve as mediator for problems involving music staff, paid or volunteer.
2. General Management duties
Prepare and submit Choir & Bells annual music budget to Worship + Arts Curator for
inclusion in the Music Budget for Finance Committee and Session. Administer music
activities within the music budget.
Choose and order music; maintain music library; keep the computerized database
library system for tracking music current and up to date.
3. Communication
Provide music information to the appropriate person for inclusion in the weekly service
bulletin.
Prepare items for church newsletter to promote existing and/or new music programs.
Maintain correspondence and communications, including office hours, as directed and
needed.
4. Outreach and community activities
Plan, promote and publicize special seasonal musical events, concerts, choir retreats,
workshops and tours.
Participate in professional music organizations and continuing education programs for
professional growth.
IV. Core competencies and skills
1. Musicianship and Music leadership
Broad knowledge of the works of choral music; ability to select pieces based on
appropriateness for the church season, the abilities of the groups presenting, and the
preferences of the congregation.
Professional training in choral conducting and rehearsal techniques, with demonstrated
ability to lead joyful, enthusiastic and productive rehearsals for active groups. Groups
may include members with a wide range of musical capabilities.
Knowledge of Christian church services and church year, and expectations for musical
additions and enhancements to Christian worship services.
Knowledge of and respect for multiple music areas and genres, and ability to co-create
large, blended worship services; Conversant in traditional worship styles and able to
drive participation and communications about different styles.
Ability to read and score music and transpose pieces into different keys for different
voice ranges
Functional knowledge of languages common in global choral works (Latin, German,
Spanish, French, Italian, etc) and ability to teach sung language from other areas of the
world (Africa, Asia, Middle East, etc)
Demonstrated ability to incorporate music from around the world and different time
periods to showcase diversity in music selection
2. Organization
Ability to handle multiple competing priorities
Ability to manage music libraries.
Timely music selection and sharing of worship plan details
3. Communication
Ability to speak to congregation to introduce music, to promote participation in
organized groups, and to make announcements as needed.
Ability to write clear and accurate program notes for major works
Ability to collaborate effectively with church staff and committees.
Timely responses to congregant and staff inquiries
4. Supervisory skills
Ability to manage section leads, volunteer musicians and participants and recommend
changes in staffing, responsibilities, and salaries to Personnel Committee.
I. Primary Purpose
We are seeking a Choir and Handbells Director who brings spiritual leadership and technical
excellence to directing our choirs.
VPC has a long history of excellence and creativity in worship and the arts. We are committed
to continuing this tradition while expanding the vision and capacity of our worship to be a
space for deeper participation and collaboration, across a diversity of cultures, styles and
inspiration.
Beyond Sunday morning worship, we have a primary objective to develop an ARTIST
COLLECTIVE AS SOUL SPACE. We want to elevate the arts by cultivating a collective of artists,
artful expression and curated spaces that nurture the souls healing and growth.
We seek a Director of Choir and Handbells to participate in this next step of growth by
nurturing a robust and vibrant music-making community as one part of our commitment to
building a more loving world.
II. Reporting
The Choir and Bells Director reports to the Worship & Arts Curator, collaborating on
programming for worship that encourages participation and deepens spiritual connection
through music. This role works in partnership with the Pastor and other guest musicians and
visiting artists. It also supervises and collaborates with the Organist or Accompanist who
supports the Choir, and soloists / section leads (unless the Director is also able to perform
these functions.)
III. Commitment and hours
This is a 10-15 hour/week position. A minimum of 4 hours each week for Choir and Handbells
rehearsals and 4 hours for Sunday worship service leadership , 2-3 times per month. The
position requires a minimum 9 month (September-May) annual commitment with Summers
optional.
IV. Work Responsibilities
1. Music Programs
Chancel Choir
Recruit, prepare, rehearse, nurture, and direct the Chancel Choir for regular and special
worship services and community events, selecting music pieces that reflect VPCs long
tradition of choral excellence.
Work towards presentation of one or more major choral works each year
Select and supervise four contract paid soloists to be section leads; plan for and
rehearse special solo presentations in worship and special services and source chamber
orchestras, extra singers and instrumentalists for major choral works
Hire (or serve as) accompanist for rehearsals
Availability during the holidays in particular including Christmas Eve and Easter
Handbell Choir:
Recruit members, rehearse, nurture and direct the Handbell Choir for regular and
special worship services.
Plan and implement joint presentations with other groups and instrumentalists, as
appropriate.
Identify musical arrangements to fit the variety of musical talents of volunteer choir
Program development:
Through interactions with church and community members, assess desire, need, and
viability of additional ongoing organized choral music and handbell groups, which may
include children's choirs for various age groups. Ensure quality and appropriateness of
these offerings for regular and special worship services, in partnership with NextGen
Director.
Plan and implement joint presentations with other music groups as appropriate, in
partnership with Worship + Arts Curator.
Collaborate on seasonal productions, as needed, (eg. Christmas Pageant).
General:
Spiritual maturity and a deep commitment to spiritual formation through making music.
Embrace a wide variety of music, cultures and ways of making music.
Establish and maintain musical standards of excellence for Choir and Handbells
programs.
Ensure proper preparation of each group or solo musician.
Evaluate volunteer musicians for talent and preparation with Worship + Arts Curator and
utilize their gifts in appropriate settings.
Collaborate with Worship + Arts Curator to select music to complement theme or
message of the service
Promote broad member participation in worship services through music selections.
Serve as mediator for problems involving music staff, paid or volunteer.
2. General Management duties
Prepare and submit Choir & Bells annual music budget to Worship + Arts Curator for
inclusion in the Music Budget for Finance Committee and Session. Administer music
activities within the music budget.
Choose and order music; maintain music library; keep the computerized database
library system for tracking music current and up to date.
3. Communication
Provide music information to the appropriate person for inclusion in the weekly service
bulletin.
Prepare items for church newsletter to promote existing and/or new music programs.
Maintain correspondence and communications, including office hours, as directed and
needed.
4. Outreach and community activities
Plan, promote and publicize special seasonal musical events, concerts, choir retreats,
workshops and tours.
Participate in professional music organizations and continuing education programs for
professional growth.
IV. Core competencies and skills
1. Musicianship and Music leadership
Broad knowledge of the works of choral music; ability to select pieces based on
appropriateness for the church season, the abilities of the groups presenting, and the
preferences of the congregation.
Professional training in choral conducting and rehearsal techniques, with demonstrated
ability to lead joyful, enthusiastic and productive rehearsals for active groups. Groups
may include members with a wide range of musical capabilities.
Knowledge of Christian church services and church year, and expectations for musical
additions and enhancements to Christian worship services.
Knowledge of and respect for multiple music areas and genres, and ability to co-create
large, blended worship services; Conversant in traditional worship styles and able to
drive participation and communications about different styles.
Ability to read and score music and transpose pieces into different keys for different
voice ranges
Functional knowledge of languages common in global choral works (Latin, German,
Spanish, French, Italian, etc) and ability to teach sung language from other areas of the
world (Africa, Asia, Middle East, etc)
Demonstrated ability to incorporate music from around the world and different time
periods to showcase diversity in music selection
2. Organization
Ability to handle multiple competing priorities
Ability to manage music libraries.
Timely music selection and sharing of worship plan details
3. Communication
Ability to speak to congregation to introduce music, to promote participation in
organized groups, and to make announcements as needed.
Ability to write clear and accurate program notes for major works
Ability to collaborate effectively with church staff and committees.
Timely responses to congregant and staff inquiries
4. Supervisory skills
Ability to manage section leads, volunteer musicians and participants and recommend
changes in staffing, responsibilities, and salaries to Personnel Committee.
