Organist-Choirmaster

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Inc.; Virginia; On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contribution

Vacation

Continuing education / professional开发

Relocation expenses

Job summary

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Lynchburg seeks an Organist-Choirmaster to lead liturgical music for weekly worship and seasonal services. You will direct the Adult Choir and Handbell Choir, coordinate special events, and support the ELCA mission with collaborative planning with the pastor.

The ideal candidate holds a music degree, demonstrates strong organ and conducting skills, and brings pastoral sensitivity and humor to a vibrant worship setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in music is required; graduate degree or additional certifications are preferred.
• Strong proficiency in organ, choral, and handbell conducting; familiarity with Lutheran liturgy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with clergy, choir, and volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Play and lead two Sunday morning Services of Holy Communion and seasonal services.
• Direct Adult Choir and Handbell Choir, with growth potential for additional ensembles.
• Coordinate the annual Fine Arts Series and guest recitalists.
• Collaborate with pastor and staff to support the church mission and worship planning.

Skills

Organ performance

Choral directing

Handbell directing

Musician leadership

Communication

Pastoral collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in music

Graduate degree or certifications preferred

Tools

Taylor & Boody organ

Klop continuo organ

Baldwin grand piano

Job description

Organist-Choirmaster (Full Time – 40 hours per week)

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lynchburg, Virginia (www.holytrinitylynchburg.org) has a rich tradition of quality worship and music grounded in the Lutheran tradition. It is expected that the Organist-Choirmaster will support the mission of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) by fostering vibrant, well-executed, and theologically-grounded worship in partnership with the Pastor.

Desired Gifts and Skills: exemplary service-playing (liturgy, hymns, psalms) and organ skills to lead the people in worship; choral and handbell directing skills; and, the ability to inspire and encourage musicians of all ages and skill levels (children, volunteer musicians, paid section leaders), as well as instrumentalists for special services and presentations. Strong communication and organizational skills, along with a sense of humor, open heart, pastoral sensitivity, and a collaborative spirit are necessary.

There is currently an Adult Choir and a Handbell Choir, with growth potential for additional ensembles. Instruments include a mechanical action Taylor & Boody organ (Opus 18; 23 stops, expanded in 2024), a Klop continuo organ (5½ ranks with pull down pedal), a Fisk harpsichord, a Baldwin grand piano, and Schulmerich handbells (three octaves). Responsibilities include two Sunday morning Services of Holy Communion, as well as seasonal services (Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, weddings (additional compensation), funerals/memorial services, Matins, Vespers, as arranged). The Organist-Choirmaster also coordinates the annual Fine Arts Series which features guest recitalists and ensembles.

Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in music (required); graduate degree(s), training, or certifications preferred; strong proficiency in organ, choral, and handbell conducting; familiarity with Lutheran liturgy; strong interpersonal skills.

Compensation: This is a salaried position with benefits.

• Health insurance
• Retirement contribution
• Vacation
• Continuing education / professional development
• Assistance with relocation expenses

Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.