Roman Catholic Musician Pianist or Organist

The successful candidate for this position will be a 1099 contractor with Music Ministry International and be responsible for the following:

1. Title.  Catholic Music Director for the Seymour Johnson AFB Catholic Service herein called “Music Director.” Consults and coordinates with the Chaplain/Catholic Priest assigned to the installation herein called “Chaplain.”

2. Scope of Responsibilities.

Serves as the Catholic Music Director providing and leading the music activities for the Seymour Johnson AFB Community. The Music Director shall provide labor and management to support the responsibilities outlined within this PWS. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, playing musical instruments, conducting, accompanying, and musically leading the choir during scheduled rehearsals and liturgies. Coordinate musical program requirements with the Catholic Chaplain.

2.1 This is a non-personal service contract to perform duties as a Catholic Music Director. The US Government shall neither supervise nor control the method by which the Music Director performs required tasks herein. It shall be the responsibility of the Music Director to guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services or give the perception of personal services.

2.2 The Catholic Music Director/ shall provide Direction and Accompaniment required for rehearsals, services, and special services.

2.2.1 Special services include but are not limited to: Memorial services, Funeral services, combined services, special liturgical seasons (e.g., Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter), and support for special events.

3. Education and Experience. The Catholic Music Director shall:

3.1. Have a Bachelor’s Degree in music (or related field) and/or five (5) or more years of experience in church music ministry, or equivalent academic credentials in a chapel/church setting.

3.2. Skillfully play the piano/keyboard, executing written music accurately with the correct notes and at the appropriate tempo required for professional accompaniment.

3.3. Sight read, arrange, improve, play, and score music applicable to the instrument they are playing.

3.4. Conduct, accompany, and musically lead the choir during scheduled rehearsals and liturgies. Coordinate musical program requirements with the Catholic Chaplain.

3.5. Play music in keeping with a Catholic style and service. The Music Director shall possess the required skill level to fully and fluidly play the core, integral components of the Catholic liturgy (e.g., the Responsorial Psalm, the Gloria, the Sanctus, and the Lamb of God).

3.6. The music director must possess the ability to read, write, and speak English to effectively communicate program requirements, coordinate with chapel staff, and perform all tasks outlined in this PWS. The music director shall perform all duties in a professional manner, respecting the pluralistic, interfaith nature of the military chapel environment

3.7. Prior to assigning the role of Catholic Music Director, the music director will provide references validating favorable past performance in music ministry or direction of that particular individual as well as qualify through demonstration (see Paragraph 3.8.

3.8. Technical Evaluation Requirement: To be considered technically acceptable for this contract, the musician shall be required to pass a live or recorded technical evaluation (audition) satisfactory to the assigned Chaplain(s). This evaluation shall require the musician to successfully demonstrate their ability to accurately play standard parts of the Catholic Mass—specifically the Gloria, Sanctus, Responsorial Psalm, and Lamb of God —at the correct tempo, without interrupting the simulated flow of the liturgy, while simultaneously demonstrating basic choir direction skills.

4. General Responsibilities. Music Director shall:

4.1. Lead worship through directing the Catholic music program and providing musical support for a minimum of one (1) rehearsal and one (1) worship service each week.

4.2 Arrive at least fifty (50) minutes prior to the worship service in order to meet with the Chaplain in charge to review the order of worship, lead the choir during warm-up, set up and take down equipment, and ensure any other musical needs are met (including a sound check of microphones).

4.3. Direct music rehearsals. Rehearsals will be at least one (1) hour in duration but no more than three (3) hours.

4.4. Encourage active participation and support among current congregation members to sustain the Catholic choir program.

4.5. Select, sequence, and rehearse the music with the choir and cantors for special seasonal presentations, such as Christmas and Easter programs or services outside the normal Sunday Service.

4.6. Coordinate all support requirements with the Chaplain/Catholic Priest or his designated representative, ensuring compliance with all applicable Air Force Instructions (52 series) and Wing Chapel Operating Instructions,

4.7. Provide chapel staff with days’ advance notice of activities for publication and community awareness. Ensure the Facility Request Form is filled out at least seven (7) calendar days in advance for all programs and activities.

4.8. Request in writing all necessary chapel and equipment support needed at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to an event to the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge (NCOIC) of Chapel Operations or appointee. Any facility, equipment, or supply needed will be submitted in written form using established chapel procedures (e.g., AF IMT 1297, Temporary Issue Receipt).

4.9. Assist the Catholic Chaplain in developing the annual calendar of events, Chapel Tithes and Offerings Fund (CTOF) budget, Appropriated Fund (APF) budget, and core volunteer training requirements. The music director shall provide recommendations specific to the music program, including equipment needs and musical selections for the liturgical year. The Music Director shall utilize the Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) membership for music copyright compliance.

4.10. As required and upon request by the Wing Chaplain, play piano/lead music for memorial services of fallen Department of War (DoW) music directors, civilians, active duty, or retired service members.

4.11. Provide a replacement director/accompanist as necessary to ensure 100% coverage for all responsibilities. The replacement shall meet or exceed the qualifications of the previous Music Director. This shall be coordinated with the Chaplain and Contracting Officer and approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at least fourteen (14) days prior to the start of performance.

5. Specific Responsibilities. Music Director shall:

5.1. Provide musical program recommendations and status updates to the Parish Advisory Council as requested by the Catholic Chaplain

5.2. Lead all worship songs and hymns for congregational singing and lead the choir during the worship service.

5.3. Play instrumentals and the Mass parts as needed during the liturgy. Play assigned music from a religious music, ecclesiastical, or suitable type publication resource consistent with the nature of the Catholic Services. The music must serve the liturgy and not detract from it; the Music Director shall not interrupt the flow of the mass but must maintain the appropriate musical pacing and structure of the sacred rite.

5.4. Arrange, improve upon, and score such music as appropriate for compatibility with the type of worship service or other functions of the Chaplain’s program. This includes the ability to adapt and arrange pre-written music to match the abilities of the choir.

5.5. Coordinate with the Catholic Chaplain for special or seasonal music selections.

5.6. Be accountable for the security and cleanliness of all facilities utilized in conjunction with Music Director programs. Ensure chapel facilities are secure, clean, and religiously neutral after use. Ensure all music equipment is properly maintained, stowed, and accounted for after use.

5.7. Maintain a professional attitude and environment to include hygiene and appearance. Attend any meetings identified by the or his or her designee.

6. Criminal History Background Check.

6.1. Upon engagement the music director shall submit a completed background check application.

7. Duty Hours.

7.1. The Music Director shall be required to be present for all rehearsals, services, and special events. Schedule requirements will vary per season/month and will be established by the Chaplain/Catholic Priest.

7.2. Estimated Hours: 

Requirements will vary per season/month and will be established by the Chaplain/Catholic Priest. The estimated number of events over the course of 12 months is 240, to include a minimum on [1] rehearsals and [1] services per week.

7.3. For any anticipated absences, the music director shall provide a replacement as necessary to ensure 100% coverage. Absences due to illness or family emergency require immediate notification to the Chaplain. Replacements provided by the music director will follow the guidance in PWS section 4.11.

7.4. Rehearsals shall be held at a scheduled time coordinated with and approved by the Chaplain to allow for maximum participation of the chapel community. Pre-performance rehearsals/warm-ups shall be held at least fifty (50) minutes prior to the beginning of worship services and special services.

Interested Candidates are requested to forward their resume together with the Parish Priest's recommendation letter which will attest to the candidate’s good work and steadiness. Candidates who do not possess the specific attributes/qualifications in " Education and Experience " above need not apply. This is a part-time position with compensation based on budget and the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications. 

Apply online at this job board or you may apply directly at: (scroll down to “Seymour Johnson”). Your application must include one letter from your priest or pastor who can attest to your abilities as they relate to this job posting. References must include: name, title, organization, relationship to you, email address (necessary field) and phone number. Candidates are encouraged to monitor their email spam folder for initial communication from MMI and to add MMI's reply address to their address book.