Musician

Archdiocese of St. Louis•Cottleville, MO

78d•Onsite

About The Position

St. Joseph Parish is a vibrant Catholic community committed to excellence in sacred music. We are seeking a skilled accompanist to support our Traditional Choir. The Traditional Choir leads music for the 8:45 a.m. Sunday Mass each week from September through Pentecost Sunday, as well as selected holy days and other parish celebrations throughout the year. Our repertoire spans from the Middle Ages to the present day, with a particular emphasis on classical choral literature. Representative composers include Tallis, Byrd, Bach, Mozart, Franck, Stainer, Chesnokov, Darke, Dawson, Manz, Rutter, and Marrolli, along with selections from major works including Fauré's Requiem, Handel's Messiah, and Vivaldi's Gloria. As the ministry continues to grow, musicians will have opportunities to participate in concerts of sacred music.

Requirements

Proficiency in piano accompaniment, with the ability to support choral literature of moderate difficulty across a variety of styles
Musical sensitivity in interpretation including phrasing, dynamics, and articulation
Responsiveness to the director’s musical leadership, including tempo and expressive direction
Excellent sight-reading skills and the ability to prepare repertoire independently
Proficiency in accompanying congregational singing with steady tempo, clear phrasing, and confident introductions
Ability to accompany chant, including antiphons and responsorial psalmody
Experience collaborating with cantors and soloists in rehearsal and performance settings
Familiarity with the structure of the Roman Catholic liturgy

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in music performance (piano or organ) or equivalent level of training and experience preferred

Responsibilities

Weekly rehearsals, typically Thursdays from 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Sunday warm-up rehearsal at 8:15 a.m. and Mass at 8:45 a.m.
Participation in major liturgical celebrations, including: Immaculate Conception (December 8); Christmas Eve (11:00 p.m. Lessons and Carols, Midnight Mass); Solemnity of St. Joseph (March 19); Holy Thursday; Good Friday; Easter Vigil; Easter Sunday; Pentecost
Additional services and rehearsals as announced
Participation in up to two sacred music concerts annually
Experience in leading vocal warmups before rehearsal or Mass
Skilled in leading sectional rehearsals as needed
Experience leading full rehearsals in the absence of the choir director
Occasional opportunities to conduct the choir and/or instrumental ensembles (for qualified candidates)
Strong collaborative skills in working with the Director of Liturgy and Music, Co Director of the Traditional Choir, choir members, cantors, and instrumentalists
Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills
Punctuality, reliability, and consistent professional behavior
Commitment to the full liturgical and rehearsal schedule, including major feast days and solemnities