Section Leaders: Holy Family Parish

Diocese of Cleveland; Parma (OH); On-site; USD 60 - 120; Part time

Job summary

Holy Family Parish – Parma is seeking professional choral section leaders for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass. The role supports the Director of Sacred Music in achieving musical excellence within a Catholic setting, including providing solo work and cantoring as needed.

Responsibilities include leading sections, attending rehearsals and Masses from September to June, and arranging substitutes when unavailable. Preference for practicing Catholics, but open to all faiths.

Qualifications

• Skilled musician with strong music-reading ability.
• Excellent sight-reading skills.
• Vocal flexibility across a variety of styles incl. Gregorian chant.
• Willingness to learn Early Music styles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the assigned choral section with musical leadership.
• Take detailed rehearsal notes on breathing, phrasing, diction, and other elements.
• Attend all scheduled rehearsals and Masses from Sep through early June.
• Sing solos as requested by the Director of Sacred Music.
• Arrange for an approved substitute when unable to attend.
• Cantor when assigned.
• Communicate absences in advance and obtain pre-approval.

Skills

Music reading

Sight-reading

Vocal skills

Pitch accuracy

Interpersonal skills

Tools

Piano skills

Job description

Contract Holy Family Parish – Parma Parma, OHProfessional Choral Section LeaderHoly Family Catholic Church | Parma, OhioPositions Available: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and BassCompensation: Paid on a per-service basisSchedule: Part-Time / SeasonalPosition SummaryHoly Family Catholic Church is seeking professional choral section leaders in Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass.The Section Leader assists the Director of Sacred Music in achieving and maintaining artistic and musical excellence within a Catholic, religious, and prayerful environment. Section leaders enable the choir to perform more challenging, high-quality choral music while helping volunteer singers develop their musical skills and confidence.Essential ResponsibilitiesProvide musical leadership for the assigned choral section.Take detailed rehearsal notes regarding breathing, phrasing, diction, and other musical elements so markings can be provided during sectionals or to individual singers as needed.Attend all scheduled rehearsals and Masses during the normal choir season from September through early June.Attend worship services requiring choral music for parish and diocesan functions, including Masses, the Paschal Triduum, Christmas, Easter, and other special concerts.Sing solos as requested by the Director of Sacred Music, particularly when selections are beyond the scope of most amateur or volunteer singers.Arrange for an approved substitute when unable to attend a rehearsal or performance.Communicate absences well in advance and obtain pre-approval from the Director, except in cases of illness or other emergencies.Serve as cantor when assigned.Desired Qualifications & SkillsSkilled musician with strong music-reading ability.Piano skills are not required but are useful.Strong vocal production and pitch sense.Ability to function effectively as both an ensemble singer and soloist.Excellent sight-reading skills.Vocal flexibility across a variety of musical styles, including Gregorian chant and Early Music, or willingness to learn these styles.Strong interpersonal and communication skills.Willingness to foster a positive, energetic, and prayerful working environment.Dependable and punctual.Preference will be given to practicing Catholics; however, the position is also open to individuals of other faith traditions.CompensationSingers are compensated on a per-service basis.ScheduleSunday Choir ScheduleTwo Sundays per month, with possible additional services for particular solemnities.Rehearsal: 8:45–9:15 AMMass: 9:30–10:30 AMRegular season: Sunday after Labor Day through the beginning of June.The choir is usually off the Sunday after Christmas and Easter.Major Liturgical ServicesChristmas Eve Mass: 9:00 PMHoly Thursday: 7:00 PMGood Friday: 3:00 PMHoly Saturday Easter Vigil: Evening at nightfallRehearsalsMonday evening rehearsals during the school year, 5:45–7:00 PM, as scheduled.Additional events and performances as scheduled, with the schedule communicated at the beginning of the season.Audition ProcedureInterested candidates should contact Mary Rose Beauman, Director of Music, to arrange a virtual audition.Email: [e-mail] audition process includes:Sharing why the position would be a good fit.Preparing two contrasting pieces, including one sacred selection, preferably a hymn, chant, or sacred work.Demonstrating sight-reading skills.Demonstrating vocal*Range10 — 20