JOB OPENINGS
Organist and Director of Music
The Church of the Heavenly Rest, an Episcopal parish in Abilene, Texas, is seeking a full-time Organist & Director of Music.
Founded in 1883, Heavenly Rest is a dynamic, growing parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Northwest Texas. Thanks to the creativity and dedication of Heavenly Rest’s musicians, the music program has weathered the challenges of the pandemic and is well-positioned for growth and renewal. The music program at Heavenly Rest presently consists of the Parish Choir, the Canterbury Handbell Choir, a growing Children’s Choir, and the Alleluia Choir from the parish’s 1:00 Swahili-speaking congregation. The parish also has a well-regarded Chamber Music Concert Series, which has featured performers from throughout the country and around the world. Heavenly Rest is currently in the process of renovating and expanding its 1960 Aeolian-Skinner Organ (op. 1416). The Director of Music will have the opportunity to offer perspective and expertise as this process continues.
The Director of Music will be responsible for directing the Parish Choir, which consists of volunteer singers from the parish and several choral scholars from the community. He or she will also be responsible for coordinating the Bell Choir and Children’s Choir, with the assistance of a part-time Children’s Music Assistant. The Director will serve as the parish organist, playing for the church’s principal Sunday morning service, services for holidays and major feasts, and weddings and funerals as needed. The Director will hire musicians for special services, recruit Choral Scholars, and supervise all musical activities at Heavenly Rest. Additionally, the Director will work collaboratively with clergy, staff, and lay volunteers to select and offer music that supports and enhances the liturgy.
The Director should be familiar with the liturgies and traditions of the Episcopal Church. The Director should also demonstrate a knowledge of and the ability to express the full range of the Anglican musical tradition.
The ideal candidate for this position will be passionate about working with singers of all ages and abilities. He or she should be a skilled and creative recruiter of volunteer musicians. The Director should be a patient teacher, with a keen interest in sharing his or her musical expertise with the choirs and the broader congregation. The Director should also understand the pastoral dimensions of his or her role and respond accordingly when interacting with choir members, musicians, and others. Most importantly, the best candidate for this position will understand that his or her role is to lead and encourage the worship of God.
Position Requirements:
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Bachelor’s Degree in Sacred Music and/or Organ Performance (advanced musical degrees preferred)
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Demonstrated experience providing church music leadership and choral direction
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Experienced organist proficient in service playing (hymnody, psalmody, and a wide range of liturgical repertoire)
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Working knowledge of basic computer programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe, etc.)
Compensation and benefits commensurate with experience. Salary guidelines from the Anglican Association of Musicians will be considered.
Organ Specifications:
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Aeolian-Skinner Organ Co., Inc., Opus 1416 (1960)
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3 Manuals, 37 Stops, 38 Ranks, 2,226 Pipes
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Major restoration and expansion currently in progress, guided in part by Stephen L. Emery, Inc. of Pennsylvania
Please send a letter of interest with resume and references, along with any audio or video files, to:
The Reverend David F. Romanik
dromanik@heavenlyrestabilene.org
(325) 677-2091