The Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford, Connecticut, is seeking a talented and dedicated musician to fill the position of Music Director. This is a pivotal role in leading and elevating our esteemed music program, ensuring its vibrancy and continued tradition of liturgical excellence.
Position Overview
The Music Director will serve as the primary choral conductor, overseeing the Cathedral's choral programs and maintaining the high standard of musical excellence for which the Cathedral is known. This role will be primarily focused on choral direction, with organ accompaniment and support provided by a skilled organist who will work closely with the Director.
Key Responsibilities:
Direct the Cathedral Schola Cantorum:
- Lead the Schola Cantorum at liturgies, sustaining its high level of musicianship. Founded in 1999, the Schola consists of professional vocalists, many of whom are distinguished soloists and music educators.
- The Schola performs every Sunday and for many significant archdiocesan events, including confirmations, the Chrism Mass during Holy Week, Ordinations, Rites of Election, Anniversary Celebrations, Ecumenical Services, and other solemnities.
Establish and Direct Additional Choirs:
- Form and lead a Spanish Choir and a Catholic High Schools Choir to broaden the Cathedral's musical outreach within the Hartford Archdiocese.
Develop Worship Aids:
- Create worship aids for weekend liturgies and funerals to enhance the worship experience for the congregation.
Manage the Music Library:
- Oversee the maintenance and organization of the music library, which includes over a thousand items.
Hire and Schedule Singers and Musicians:
- Recruit and audition singers to ensure the choir's high quality.
Organize and schedule cantors and instrumentalists for consistent and seamless liturgical music.
Collaborate on Event Planning:
- Work alongside the Cathedral's clergy and staff to plan music for all liturgical events, ensuring a cohesive program that aligns with the Cathedral's mission.
Qualifications
- Master's degree in music required, Doctoral degree in music preferred.
- Significant experience in choral conducting, with an understanding of the Catholic Mass and liturgical music.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate individuals, strong communication skills, and excellent organizational skills (written and oral).
- Strong collaborative skills: has the ability to interact and maintain a positive working relationship with parishioners, parish staff, and other musicians.
- Possess a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and in Microsoft Publisher or Adobe lnDesign for worship aid creation.
- Ability to adapt to the Cathedral's evolving musical needs.
The Cathedral Schola Cantorum
The Schola provides music for the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Liturgy and numerous Archdiocesan events, many broadcasted on EWTN, WCCT, and ORTV/WJMJ Catholic Radio Station. The choir's repertoire spans Roman Catholic music, including plainchant, a cappella motets, and music for chorus and orchestra. The Schola also regularly collaborates with the Soli Dea Gloria Orchestra and has performed in concert with the New Haven and Hartford Symphony Orchestras.
Benefits
This full-time position includes comprehensive health and retirement benefits, professional development opportunities, and the chance to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to enhancing the Cathedral's music program.
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and any relevant supporting materials to hr@aohct.org.
In union with the whole Church, the faithful of the Archdiocese of Hartford have a mission by Baptism to be living signs of communion with God, and to be his instruments for the redemption of the world. Nourished by God's Word and by the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we are called to live a holy life, and to bring others into our shared communion with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
