Choir Director

Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral (OCA) in Boston, MA seeks a Choir Director committed to leading its choir, recruiting and supporting new singers, and working with Cathedral clergy to nurture its life of worship.  Our regular schedule includes Vigil on Saturday, the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, and daily Vespers on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  For each Feast Day, both Vigil and the Divine Liturgy are celebrated, and we offer a full cycle of services during Lent and Holy Week.  Additionally, the Choir Director must be available for rehearsals, weddings, and funerals as the need arises.

Outside of Nativity, Great Lent, Holy Week, a typical week is 12-15 hours.

Duties and Responsibilities

The HTOC Choir Director is responsible for the following:

  • Ensures appropriate musical elements are provided at all services:
    • Acquires, prepares and maintains materials for use by singers and readers;
    • Consults with the rector, selects, and prepares the choir music and responses;
    • Coordinates with celebrant, deacon(s) and other clergy prior to each service to promote seamless, prayerful services;
    • Directs the choir, chanting, and reading during services; recruits and assigns readers in advance of services;
    • Serves as cantor in the absence of a full choir;
    • Is available to direct the choir for services outside the standard schedule, such as weddings and funerals;
  • Recruits, develops and sustains an active choir:
    • Sets aside meeting time on a quarterly basis so that the director, singers, and clergy can review the music program in a spirit of mutual support;
    • Engages potential singers; helps educate prospective singers in the role of the choir and the singer and encourages participation of qualified singers;
    • Is able to work with youth to develop their skills and competency to sing with the choir;
    • Fosters a welcoming atmosphere for singers while maintaining the quality of the choral sound;
    • Conducts rehearsals as needed to prepare for services;
    • Coaches readers in the elements of chant;
    • Works to ensure a spirit of growth and renewal by seeking and introducing new arrangements of routine and festal hymns when possible.
  • Actively participates in the outreach activities of the Cathedral:
    • Helps to showcase the musical life of the Cathedral;
    • Looks for opportunities to use music as a means of community outreach.

Skills and Experience:

Past experience in successfully leading a group of volunteer singers is required.  Familiarity with Orthodox worship, liturgical cycles, and basic rubrics is also required.  Experience in leading an Orthodox choir and working with clergy is ideal, but not required.

Compensation:

The anticipated pay for the position is $35,000 - $40,000 annually, with 3 weeks of paid vacation time.

How To Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and resume to Father Theophan Whitfield, Cathedral Dean, at fr.theophan.whitfield@gmail.com.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Posted by

Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral

165 Park DriveBoston, MA 02215

Web: https://www.holytrinityorthodox.org/
Email: fr.theophan.whitfield@gmail.com
Phone: 978-530-6010

Posted on: October 24, 2023