First Presbyterian Church, Ithaca, NY
Revised: June 2015
Director of Children’s Music
Purpose
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To provide direction and coordination for a music program that is appropriate for
elementary and middle school students, consistent with the worship and educational goals
of First Presbyterian Church (FPC).
To enhance FPC’s community connection through music – specifically, in the 2015-2016
school year, work with the pastoral staff and others to create a pilot program to invite
children/youth from the downtown area to join the Sunday choir rehearsals. This will be
the only Ithaca choir that does not have a fee or try-out requirement for local children and
youth (K-middle school).
Hours and Calendar: 10 hours per week from August 15 – June 15
Responsibilities
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Rehearse with the Children’s Choirs to prepare students to sing in worship on a regular
basis. There are typically 4 Sunday rehearsals per month. Rehearsals are after worship
time from approximately 11:30am-12:30pm.
Prepare for rehearsals by selecting and ordering music, arranging parts (if needed), and
communicating with parents, volunteers, and church staff.
Maintain a seasonal calendar of choir rehearsals. In addition to weekly activities and
preparation, be involved in such events as:
1. working with older children to prepare vocal or instrumental music to enhance the
worship life at FPC; and
2. performing at community events as the vision develops.
Regularly (about once a week) communicate with parents/ guardians/ sponsors/ children
via email, phone, and other media about rehearsal schedules, agenda, music, goals, and
calendar.
Communicate news about music programs through Good News articles, bulletin
announcements, and other forms of publicity.
Attend the following meetings only when deemed necessary and as time allows: Church
School Committee, Worship & Music Committee.
Work with pastoral staff and other church leadership on a broader vision for the program.
Experience and Skills Desired
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Experience and demonstrated skills directing music ministry for K-8th graders.
Experience working with multiple age groups at once.
Experience overseeing a music program with minimal staff.
Experience recruiting and working with volunteers.
Knowledge of how to play the piano and/or the guitar.
Knowledge of how to direct older children to accompany children’s choir.
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Experience working with English as a Second Language students and parents a plus.
Flexibility of spirit.
Highly organized.
Excellent communication skills.
A motivated and inspirational teacher.
Relationships
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The music and pastoral staff coordinate the entire music program. The Worship & Music
Committee has general oversight of the music program and the music staff may meet
with them occasionally.
The Director of Children’s Music will work closely with the Associate Pastor for
Education and Mission.
Accountability
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The Associate Pastor for Education and Mission supervises the Director of Children’s
Music. Ultimately, the session, through its Personnel Committee, is responsible for all
church staff. The Personnel Committee will assign the Director a Personnel liaison from
its midst.
Evaluation
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Performance and compensation reviews will be conducted annually by the pastoral staff
and the Personnel Committee with input from the Worship and Music Committee. The
employee may elect to have the liaison present for the meeting, if the employee chooses.