Position Description:

Organist and Director of Music for the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins Glen

Purpose: 
Coordinate and plan the entire music program of the First Presbyterian Church of Watkins Glen

Accountability: 
Accountable to the Pastor and the Worship and Music Committee

Responsibilities:

1. To consult with the Pastor regarding the theme of all services of worship, special programs, selection of hymns and choral music.

2. To act as resource person for and attend meetings of the Worship and Music Committee of the Session.

3. To assist in the development of Christian music and the music needs of the general congregation.

4. To direct the church choir(s) in rehearsal and presentation of selected music.

5. To train choir(s) in choral techniques, appreciation of sacred music, and leadership and participation in worship.

6. To direct, organize and supervise recruitment of members for choir(s), such as adult, youth, children, handbells, etc.

7. To work with the Worship and Music Committee to organize and develop a music library for the church.

8. To supervise maintenance and inventory of the church's instruments on a regular basis.

9. To arrange for a substitute when not able to be present.

10. To coordinate special music for summer worship services when the adult choir is not singing.

11. The Director of Music has the right of first refusal for providing music at weddings, funerals or other special occasions approved by the Session.

12. To provide worship music information to the Church Administrative Assistant at least one week before the worship service.

13. Other duties as assigned by the Pastor and/or Session, and at the request of the Worship and Music Committee.

Personnel Policies:

1. Vacation shall be 4 Sundays per year. Vacation time must be pre-approved by the Pastor and must be used within the calendar year that it's earned. No banking or reimbursement of vacation days not used. 

2. New employees will be evaluated at the completion of 6 months of employment and annually thereafter. A satisfactory evaluation is necessary for continued employment.

3. Unsatisfactory performance issues will be discussed and documented by the Pastor and the Personnel Committee, with a follow-up review in 3 months.

4. Resignations require at least a four week written notice.

Salary:

1. The salary is to be paid on the 15th and the last day of each month.

2. The Director of Music will be responsible for paying for substitutes if he or she has already taken the 4 vacation Sundays provided.

Qualifications:

1. Familiarity/facility with organ and/or piano, as well as choral music/directing.

2. Leadership experience is preferred.

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Church Demographics: 110 members – 62% women, 37% 70 years or older

Church History: Founded in 1818

Website: wgpres.org (here)

Telephone: 607-535-2377 (Office hours listed on our church calendar)

Location: Centrally located in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State, 25 miles from Corning, Ithaca, and Elmira, NY

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