MUSICIAN - Cellist

Archdiocese of San Antonio; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 83,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

403b retirement

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

The Archdiocese of San Antonio seeks an accomplished cellist to join the Cathedral Ensemble in providing high quality instrumental support for liturgies, weddings, and special celebrations. The cellist should contribute musically and spiritually while maintaining professionalism, preparation, and collaboration with cantors, choirs, and clergy.

This part-time, event-based role requires flexibility to accommodate weekday services and major Feast days.

Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency on cello with strong sight-reading and ensemble skills.
• Experience performing with vocalists, choirs, ensembles, or orchestras.
• Ability to prepare and perform music independently.
• Ability to follow a conductor, cantor, accompanist, or musical director.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Professional demeanor and ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and other musicians.
• Respect for the Catholic faith and the sacred nature of Cathedral worship.

Responsibilities

• Provide cello accompaniment for scheduled Cathedral liturgies, weddings, quinceañeras, and other special celebrations as assigned.
• Participate in seasonal and major Cathedral celebrations, including but not limited to Christmas, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Holy Week, Easter, and other liturgical events.
• Perform instrumental music, preludes, offertories, communion meditations, postludes, and other selections as appropriate to the liturgy.
• Collaborate with the Cathedral Choir, Cathedral Ensemble, cantors, accompanists, and other musicians.
• Attend scheduled rehearsals and arrive adequately prepared with music and required materials.
• Learn and perform assigned repertoire with appropriate musicality, sensitivity, and attention to liturgical context.
• Follow musical direction provided by the Music Coordinator.
• Be prepared to adjust musical arrangements, keys, tempos, or instrumentation when necessary.
• Maintain professional and respectful conduct appropriate to a Cathedral and sacred worship environment.
• Assist with special concerts, music programs, and other Cathedral-sponsored musical events when requested and available.
• Communicate promptly regarding availability, scheduling conflicts, and any concerns related to assigned services.
• Maintain the instrument in good playing condition and provide necessary accessories and equipment.

Skills

Cello proficiency

Sight-reading

Ensemble experience

Independently prepare music

Follow musical direction

Punctual attendance

Professional demeanor

Respect for Catholic faith

Education

Music degree or formal training

Job description

Employment Status

Part-Time / As Needed

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Reports to

Music Coordinator

SCHEDULING

This is a part-time, event-based position, with services scheduled according to the Cathedral's liturgical and event calendar.

Availability May Be Requested For

• Weekday and special feast-day liturgies
• Weddings
• Quinceañeras
• Christmas and Easter celebrations
• Holy Week
• The Cathedral liturgies and events are scheduled throughout the year; flexibility and advance communication availability are important.

Benefits May Include

• 403b Retirement
• Employee Assistance Program

Summary

The Cellist serves as a musician within the Cathedral Ensemble/Music Ministry, providing high-quality instrumental support for Catholic liturgies, special celebrations and other Cathedral events. The Cellist is expected to contribute musically and spiritually to the worship experience while maintaining a high level of professionalism, preparation, and collaboration.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished Cellist who is comfortable performing in a sacred setting and working collaboratively with cantors, choirs, instrumentalists, clergy, and the Music Coordinator.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide cello accompaniment for scheduled Cathedral liturgies weddings, quinceañeras, and other special celebrations as assigned.
• Participate in seasonal and major Cathedral celebrations, including but not limited; Christmas, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Holy Week, Easter, and other significant liturgical events.
• Perform instrumental music, preludes, offertories, communion meditations, postludes, and other selections as appropriate to the liturgy.
• Collaborate with the Cathedral Choir, Cathedral Ensemble, cantors, accompanists, and other musicians.
• Attend scheduled rehearsals and arrive adequately prepared with music and required materials.
• Learn and perform assigned repertoire with appropriate musicality, sensitivity, and attention to liturgical context.
• Follow musical direction provided by the Music Coordinator.
• Be prepared to adjust musical arrangements, keys, tempos, or instrumentation when necessary.
• Maintain professional and respectful conduct appropriate to a Cathedral and sacred worship environment.
• Assist with special concerts, music programs, and other Cathedral-sponsored musical events when requested and available.
• Communicate promptly regarding availability, scheduling conflicts, and any concerns related to assigned services.
• Maintain the instrument in good playing condition and provide necessary accessories and equipment.

Requirements

Experience

• Advanced proficiency on Cello with strong sight-reading and ensemble skills.
• Experience performing with vocalists, choirs, ensembles, or orchestras.
• Ability to prepare and perform music independently.
• Ability to follow a conductor, cantor, accompanist, or musical director.
• Dependable attendance and punctuality.
• Professional demeanor and ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, volunteers, and other musicians.
• Respect for the Catholic faith and the sacred nature of Cathedral worship.

Preferred Additional

• Experience playing for Catholic liturgies or other Christian worship services.
• Familiarity with Catholic liturgical music and the structure of the Mass.
• Experience with both contemporary and traditional sacred music.
• Ability to improvise or provide appropriate instrumental accompaniment when needed.
• Experience performing in Spanish and/or bilingual liturgical settings.
• Formal musical training or degree in music is preferred but not required.

Physical & Professional Requirements

• Ability to stand and/or sit for extended periods while performing.
• Ability to transport and maintain one's instrument and necessary equipment.
• Ability to perform in a variety of indoor Cathedral and event settings.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance and demeanor appropriate to liturgical celebrations.

SPIRITUAL & MINISTRY EXPECTATION

The Cathedral Music Ministry views musicians as ministers who contribute to the prayer and worship of the Cathedral community. The Cellist should demonstrate respect for Catholic worship, the teachings and traditions of the Church, and the diverse community served by the Cathedral.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise as needed. The Archdiocese of San Antonio is an Equal Opportunity Employer.