Formerly Otey Memorial Parish

The Parish of St. Mark & St. Paul, Sewanee, Tennessee, seeks a children's choir director to begin work preferably in January 2024. The Children's Choir was successfully re-started this August, with members both from inside and beyond the parish. Specific attention is paid to how gathering to sing forms children as disciples and strengthens relationships with one another and the community around them. In choir, elementary school children participate in leading worship and engage the local community in opportunities for meaning-making and evangelism.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in music; will teach vocal music so that
children grow in singing ability, broader musicianship, and faith; will be familiar with the
Episcopal Church or a similar denomination; will connect well with elementary school children and their parents; will maintain a calm demeanor while managing a group of children; and will work well with colleagues.

The position is approximately 15 hours per month. Duties include:

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• Leading rehearsal once per week when Sewanee Elementary School is in session

• Conducting children’s choir approximately twice per month during the school year, including at the 11am service, the early service on Christmas Eve, and at community events

• Collaborating with the Director of Christian Formation on music for the Christmas pageant and Vacation Bible School and overseeing its performance.

• Planning and publicity to keep Children's Choir participation strong

• Recruiting from the congregation as well as local schools

• Maintaining registration and any necessary parental consent forms for all participants

• Communicating frequently with parents and community organizations

• Arranging sufficient volunteer assistance

• Planning music appropriate to the liturgical season/occasion and the ability of the children in consultation with the Organist/Choir Director

• Meeting monthly with the Organist/Choir Director on scheduling, accompaniment, occasional anthems with the adult choir, resource needs, and other matters

• Purchasing appropriate music and supplies and seeing they are kept in an orderly fashion

• Arranging for vestments to be kept laundered and in good repair
   

Every parish employee must abide by all policies of the Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee
regarding the prevention of sexual misconduct. Employment is contingent on satisfactory
completion of a background check and completion of Safeguarding training. (Anti-racism
training may become required at a later date.)

To apply, send résumé and cover letter to admin@stmarkstpaul.org. Applications that arrive by December 5 will receive first consideration.