Tenor Section Leader (Staff Singer)

Catholic; California, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 58,000; Part time

Job summary

Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church in La Jolla, CA invites applications for the Tenor Section Leader. The ideal candidate will demonstrate high-level sight-reading, blend in the section, and commit to musical excellence within a collaborative, respectful team.

The role is part-time with variable hours, including attendance at a weekly Sunday Mass and Tuesday rehearsals; compensation starts at $36+ per hour and may include additional pay for weddings or special services.

Qualifications

• Strong sight-reading abilities.
• Ability to blend within the section.
• Reliable with attendance at rehearsals and services.
• Knowledge of Catholic liturgical traditions.
• Background check and Safe Environment training required.

Responsibilities

• Lead vocal at the 10:30am Choral Mass weekly.
• Attend Tuesday rehearsals 6:00–8:00 PM (2 hrs/wk).
• Lead warm-ups and sectionals with the Music Director.
• Participate in Christmas and Holy Week celebrations.
• Occasionally sing for weddings and other services (extra pay).

Skills

Sight-reading

Vocal blending

Reliability

Team collaboration

Education

Formal vocal training

Degree in Music

Job description

Description

Parish Name: Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Parish

Location: 7669 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Supervised By: Pastor and Music Director

Hours: Part-time (variable hours, typically ~4 hours per week during Fall, Winter, and Spring; flexible hours in the Summer)

Salary: Pay commensurate with experience, starting at $36+/hour.

Join us in creating a vibrant and fulfilling musical ministry at Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church!

Position Summary

Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church invites talented singers to apply for the position of Tenor Section Leader. The ideal candidate will demonstrate high-level sight-reading skills, the ability to blend within their section, a commitment to musical excellence, and a collaborative, respectful work ethic.

Responsibilities

Sunday Masses

• Provide vocal leadership at the 10:30am Choral Mass every Sunday, plus occasional 9am and/or 12pm Masses (2+ hours a week).

Rehearsals

• Attend Tuesday evening rehearsals from 6:00–8:00 PM, Fall-Spring (2 hours/week).

Seasonal Commitments

• Participate in essential liturgical celebrations, including Christmas and Holy Week.

Leadership Opportunities

• Lead choral warm-ups and sectionals as needed, in coordination with the Music Director.

Additional Services

• Occasionally sing for weddings and other services (additional compensation applies).

Requirements

• Strong sight-reading and musical abilities.
• Reliability and commitment to attend all required rehearsals and services.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Music Director and volunteer choir members.
• Familiarity with and respect for Catholic liturgical traditions.
• Compliance with diocesan safe environment requirements, including background check, fingerprinting, and required training (e.g., CMGConnect Safe Environment).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience as a section leader, cantor, or professional/collegiate choral singer.
• Formal vocal training or degree in music

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be present in the parish. The employee is required to be mobile to, from, and within the choir area/section, as well as maneuver throughout the parish facility to attend practice, meetings, briefings, and other work-related events. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, as part of the Catholic Diocese of San Diego, is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status.