Roman Catholic Musician Accompanist Pianist or Keyboardists - Music Ministry International

The successful candidate for this position will be a 1099 contractor with Music Ministry International and be responsible for the following:

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION.

The purpose of this position is to provide services as necessary to support via instrumental accompaniment the Catholic Music Program at Scott Air Force Base (SAFB). The Catholic

Musician (hereinafter “Musician”) will provide instrumental accompaniment as needed/directed for Catholic Masses on Sundays, Holy Days, and special services. This supports SAFB’s Chapel programs.

1.1. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS.

The Musician must have (and be able to demonstrate) a fluency in at least one musical instrument; the piano strongly preferred. The Musician must have the ability to play solos, congregational pieces, and other accompaniment as needed for Catholic Masses and other special Catholic religious services. The Musician must have the necessary organizational skills to attend and play in all performances throughout the Church calendar year. Also, Musician must be a practicing Roman Catholic, have received the Sacrament of Confirmation, and be in good standing with the Catholic Church.

1.2. OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge: Three years of experience working as a Catholic musician, or equivalent experience is preferred. However, an ability to demonstrate Catholic musical fluency/ability, especially as a pianist, as well as demonstrable ability to be on time to and attend necessary performances, may substitute for lack of formal experience. The Musician must demonstrate the ability to play Catholic Parish music in a way that reflects knowledge regarding a Catholic understanding of Mass and other service requirements. In addition, Musician must have experience with Catholic Liturgical practices since the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, particularly in regards to music, including an understanding of the liturgical seasons and calendar.

Education: A bachelor’s degree in music or demonstrable ability and experience in Catholic Liturgical music, as a substitute for formal education.

1.3. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. The duties include the following:

1.3.1. Be present to provide accompaniment for all Catholic Masses. Also, must be present for and provide accompaniment at special services (i.e., penance services, memorial services, Holy Days and Confirmation celebrations) and for special liturgical seasons (i.e., Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter). More specifically, the Musician will play accompaniment in 52 Sunday Masses and 52 weekly rehearsals, and in up to 10 holy days or special services and 10 special rehearsals. Generally, performances and rehearsals will take place at SAFB Chapel (Bldg. 1620).

Other locations may be approved by the Catholic Priest or Wing Chaplain. The Musician must be present at least 15 minutes prior to the start of performances.

1.3.2. Scheduled rehearsals/performances include any necessary setup and breakdown. The

Musician must return any materials used during rehearsal and performances to their proper

storage area (e.g. songbooks, sheet-music, instruments, etc.).

1.3.3. Support the Catholic Music Coordinator in planning the year’s music and musical calendar, including Holy Day services, and any special services and rehearsals by researching, identifying and staying current on evolving Catholic religious music, and music recommended by the AMS.

1.3.4. Assist in maintaining and organizing all instrumental sheet-music, hymnals, etc. Keep familiar with all music on hand.

1.3.5. Be flexible in accompaniment abilities to provide personal arrangements and compositions to the choir to match their capabilities.

1.3.6. Secure a suitable submusician when necessary. The submusician must meet all the requirements as set forth in this job description (JOB DESCRIPTION). The Catholic Priest will be notified as soon as possible when the musician is unavailable and suitable replacement is necessary during times of sickness, vacation, etc. When scheduling a submusician, appropriate advance notice should be given to the Catholic Priest and the Wing Chaplain (or designee). The submusician must be of equal or greater capability than the musician.

1.3.7. Assist the Music Coordinator in researching to procure music, choir books, and musical accompaniment books required to carry out these duties. SAFB Chapel may fund most or all requests for instruments, equipment, sheet-music, etc. Any government-procured instruments must be appropriately cataloged and protected from harm/misuse. Notify Chapel staff if instruments require repair, replacement, or tuning.

1.3.8. Provide services in accordance with Catholic ecclesiastical, canonical, and liturgical norms and practices as prescribed by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

1.3.9. Assist as needed the Catholic Music Coordinator in selecting specific music for sacraments (i.e. Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation).

Interested Candidates are requested to forward their resume together with three references from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s good work and steadiness.  Candidates who do not possess the specific attributes/qualifications in the Qualifications sections 1.1 and 1.2 above need not apply. This is a part-time position with compensation based on budget and the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.  

Apply directly at: https://music-ministry.jobsoid.com (scroll down to “Scott Air Force Base Chapel”) in order to expedite your application.  Your application requires providing reference information for (3) individuals including one priest or pastor who can attest to your abilities as they relate to this job posting.  References must include: name, title, organization, relationship to you, email address (necessary field) and phone number. Depending on security software, candidates are requested to monitor spam folders for further application communications from MMI.