Part-Time Gospel Director of Music

PART-TIME GOSPEL DIRECTOR OF MUSIC

Currently, we are looking for one (1) PT Gospel Director of Music.

*Position is contingent upon contract award

Location: Ft. Myer, VA 22211

Work Hours/Days: Approximately 10-12 hours per week

Must be a US Citizen and able to pass Standard Background Check

Position Description:

• The PT Gospel Director of Music will support the Gospel Congregation weekly.
• Must provide a resume and letter of commitment.
• Five years of experience leading church music and ensembles
• Master’s Degree in Church Music, Musical Performance, or related field
• Experience in Gospel, Contemporary, Catholic, Pentecostal, traditional, hymnic, choral, contemporary Christian, and liturgical musical trends
• The Music Director shall possess experience as a music director in religious
  worship settings, with at least five years of experience playing piano or musical instruments appropriate at public worship services, working with and directing small musical ensembles and choirs.
• This requirement is waivable by the COR upon senior installation Chaplain’s review.

Auditions

• Auditions of the candidate whose resume is provided will be required.
• Auditions will be held at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (JBM-HH) Memorial Chapel and will be recorded.
• Appointments will be made for auditions. Prepared audition pieces shall be prepared for piano or organ and should be approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
• Piano and organ will be provided.
• You must be prepared to sight-read for the performance of an undisclosed hymn with 10 minutes of preparation time.
• You should review the attached musical criteria the panel will use to judge musical skills and abilities.
• The applicant will have 15 minutes with the Memorial Chapel organ and piano to familiarize his or herself with the instruments.
• You must:
  1) Transition. Bring four musical pieces for a short prelude, “passing of the peace” (congregational meet and greet), offertory, and short postlude, which the applicant feels would be appropriate during a worship service to bring the congregation closer to God. Two pieces will be played on the piano or the organ. The pieces will be of his or her choosing. Total performance time should not be longer than 3-4 minutes for each of the four pieces.
  2) Improvisation. Improvise in a way suitable for a potential transition time in service of about 3 minutes. Improvisation must be completed on the piano and organ.
  3) Sight-reading. The applicant will be given two hymns to read at sight. Play two stanzas only. Please show sensitivity to the text, suitability, and congregational participation for a service. The pieces are to be split between the organ and the piano.
  4) Complexity. Play “When I Think About the Lord” by James Huey or “We Are Not Ashamed” by Geron Davis. The pieces must be played on the piano. The applicant must use the arrangement provided. Playing either of those arrangements is required.
  5) Technique and command. Play two pieces you choose, showing advanced technique and command of the piano and organ’s resources – suitable for an upbeat postlude or recital. The length can range from 4 to 8 minutes for each piece. As with the organ (to include length), play a piece of your choosing on the piano for an upbeat worship song.
  Organist / Pianist Musical Audition Evaluation: While educational background may be demonstrated on paper, performing musicians can only be evaluated through a live audition and live performance. Below are some of the parameters that need to be demonstrated and evaluated to develop an understanding of current achievements and future potential. The evaluation must be conducted by professional peers with an understanding of the details that make up an outstanding technical and musical performance.
  
  
• FACTOR: MUSICIANSHIP
  Sub-factors:
  Expression: Use of dynamics and range of color for appropriate tone.
  2. Style Understanding/Idiomatic Interpretation: demonstrated knowledge of historical and cultural
  differences in performance style (contemporary, gospel, liturgical, traditional, and Pentecostal)
  3. Phrasing/Articulation: Shaping sound by various means of touch (legato, staccato, etc.)
  4. Communication: Ability to connect with and move the listener through the performance
  5. Interpretation: Ability to perform with the fluidity of expression, style, and phrasing.
   
  

• FACTOR: TECHNIQUE
  Sub-factors:
  Rhythmic Control: use of proper and consistent tempo and rhythm for the music.
  2. Accuracy: Playing in the correct key, correct notes, chords, etc.
  3. Appropriate registration/use of pistons, etc.: using the organ properly for the style of music being
  performed.
  4. Fluid pedal technique: Appropriate understanding of the use of feet for organ performance.
  5. Sight-Reading: Accurate and convincing performance of a hymn with 10 min. preparation time.
  6. Complexity: Mastery of reading difficult pieces and performing with expression and creativity.
  Demonstrated technique through additional piano or repertoire will be important.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Shall provide a resume that identifies your professional and spiritual understanding of church music, determined by a history of working specifically in development of musical worship plans.
• The resume must demonstrate experience in contemporary, Catholic, Pentecostal, traditional, hymnic, choral, and liturgical musical trends, and demonstrate a repertoire from these genres that are consistent with orthodox Christian doctrine.
• Shall be fully qualified to perform the required services without any supervision or direction by Government Personnel.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR SUBMISSION:

• Résumé – signed and dated.
• At least three references.
• Any documentation to substantiate personal qualifications. Any credentials pertaining to this position, training, and experience.