Chorister, Bass (NE), Archdiocese of Baltimore, Hagerstown, MD
Archdiocese of Baltimore -
Hagerstown, MD,
US
Chorister, Bass (NE)
Date Posted: 2024-06-01
Job description
The Chorister - Bass position is designed to assist the Director of Sacred Music (DSM) in the pursuit of achieving and maintaining artistic and musical excellence within a Catholic, religious and prayerful environment. Choristers provide the opportunity for the choir to sing more challenging choral music and help to maintain stability within each section of the choir in the event of a member's absence. The chorister reports directly to the DSM and is an employee of the parish.
Essential Functions:
Position Qualifications:
Audition Procedure
Schedule & Compensation
Essential Functions:
- Provide stability for a choral section, through reliable and punctual attendance.
- Run a sectional rehearsal as needed.
- Take detailed notes at rehearsal, such as breathing, phrasing, diction etc., in the event you lead a sectional or a singer in your section needs the markings.
- Attend all scheduled rehearsals during the normal choir year from August to the end of June (day/time TBD).
- Attend all 11:30 Sunday Masses from August through June, as well as special Masses as needed, especially around Christmas and Holy Week.
- Sing solos as requested by the DSM. For example, you might be requested to sing the verse of a lengthy Gregorian chant proper or serve as cantor for the Psalm.
- Complete bi-weekly timesheet with hours/services worked for timekeeping purposes.
- Complete necessary paperwork/processes for a parish employee, including background checks, fingerprinting, safe environment training, etc.
Position Qualifications:
- Practicing Catholic, preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in music, preferably vocal emphasis, preferred.
- Ability to read music well and a commitment to and capability of practicing independently. Piano skills are useful in achieving this end but are not required.
- Strong vocal production with good pitch and rhythmic sense and both a strong ensemble singer and soloist as needed.
- Vocal Flexibility in a variety of musical styles including Gregorian chant and Early Music.
- Willingness to sing challenging music alongside volunteers who, though competent, possess various levels of ability.
- Possess good interpersonal and communication skills and is willing to help foster a positive, energetic and prayerful working environment.
- Punctuality.
- While preference will be given to practicing Catholics, the positions are also open to those who share the same Christian values. They should adhere to the catholic traditions, participate fully in worship while serving in their professional capacity, and live a lifestyle that is in conformity with Catholic teaching.
- Adherence to dress code: Attire such as button-down shirt paired with a tie, pullover shirt with a collar (such as a polo shirt), neat and clean pants, suit coat or sweater are permitted. Sleeveless shirts, shorts, flip flops or sandals and outfits with large logos or distracting messages are not permitted.
Audition Procedure
- Prepare two pieces:one Gregorian chant proper and one from other sacred music
- Sightreading
- Vocal range testing/demonstration
Schedule & Compensation
- Sundays from 10:45 - 12:45.
- Weekly 1-hour rehearsal.Day and time TBD.