Catholic Mass Music Director Pianist and Vocalist

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

Catholic Music Director

GENERAL DUTIES OUTLINE:

Direct 52 choir rehearsals, 104 performances for the Saturday and Sunday Catholic Masses, potentially 26 special services and four (4) funerals per year at Chapel 1, Maxwell AFB AL, or other location, and any Catholic Priest approved special services/activities.

1. PURPOSE: Catholic Music Director (Saturday Vigil Mass - 1700/Sunday Mass - 0900.

2. SCOPE:

2.1. Required to direct choir members at weekly rehearsals and weekly performances for the Masses and for any approved special service/activity. Performances shall include a thirty (30) minute warm-up session before each service. Rehearsals must be at least one (1) hour, but not more than two (2) hours.

2.2. Required to give solo vocal performances with accompaniment for both Masses and for any special services/activities.

2.3. Arrive at all rehearsals NLT 10 minutes prior to start time and 30 minutes prior to the beginning of each service or special service/activity.

2.4. Provide a substitute(s) of equal or higher proficiency in his/her absence.

2.5. Possess and demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with chapel staff, volunteers, and members of other faith groups for ecumenical and interfaith activities.

2.6. Responsible for unlocking the chapel before rehearsals/services and for securing the chapel afterwards. Ensure that all music stands, microphones, microphone stands, microphone chords and choir risers are set-up for all services and rehearsals and made orderly following. Ensure the chapel and choir room, or other places of rehearsal are left in a clean and orderly manner after all services and rehearsals.

2.7. Responsible for turning on the sound system and ensuring that the settings for the sound system are set at appropriate levels. Ensure that the sound system is turned off when rehearsals or services are finished, unless another service follows.

2.8. Responsible for ensuring the piano/keyboard is returned to its closed position and covered if there is no keyboardist.

2.9. Responsible for arranging, maintaining, coordinating, selecting all literature, music and equipment, as well as coordinating with other musicians and choir directors. Be familiar with the Catholic Liturgical Calendar and be able to select music appropriate to the season and conduct the choir in the performance of seasonal music. Coordinate in advance with the Catholic Priest on music selected for Masses/special services. Submit a Purchase Request, AF Form 4356, to the Catholic Priest for any musical needs that are deemed necessary for service success.

2.10. Complete a Chapel Facility Request, Maxwell AFB Form 35, to schedule rehearsals and other activities that will be held in chapel facilities and submit it to the Catholic Priest.

2.11. Responsible for recruiting, training and directing all choir members and musicians for the Masses and any special services/activities.

2.12. Serve as the point of contact concerning music for the Mass and any special services/activities.

2.13. Be able to provide transportation to place(s) of performance.

2.14. In accordance with local security policies, be able to pass security check required by the Air Force for access to the Base and to work with children.

2.15. Occasionally assist the Catholic Priest or his alternate with matters related to weekend worship.

2.16. Provide a monthly written report to the Maxwell Chapel Catholic Pastoral Council summarizing activities within the Music Ministry. Written reports will be submitted electronically to the Pastoral Council Secretary. Attendance at a minimum of nine (9) Pastoral Council meetings is required.

2.17. Be neatly attired, well-groomed and act in a professional manner.

2.18. Be able to fluently speak, read, write & understand the English language.

3. PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

3.1. Mandatory.

3.1.1. Have a minimum of five (5) years experience as a choir director for Catholic Masses. Be familiar with all hymns in the Missal, Music Issue, and Glory and Praise.

3.1.2. Maintain the ability to direct a choir in the performance of this liturgical music. Be able to conduct a wide variety of different music styles.

3.1.3. Be able to regularly lift up to 40 pounds.

3.1.4. Be willing to work flexible hours due to possible variances for Masses or special service/activity times.

3.1.5. Be familiar with the Catholic Liturgical Calendar and be able to select music appropriate to the season.

3.1.6. Be able to pass interview/evaluation for qualification and submit performance tape proving ability to perform Catholic liturgical music for Advent, Lent, and Ordinary Time, if requested.

3.1.7. Be able to pass background check required as military musician and be able to gain access to base.

3.1.7.1. In accordance with local security policies, be able to pass appropriate background check required by the Air Force to work around children.

3.2. Desirable.

3.2.1. Have a minimum five (5) years’ experience playing an instrument or cantoring for Catholic Masses.

3.2.2. Be able to conduct choir while playing an instrument.

3.2.3. Have the ability to play an instrument by ear and by sight reading music.

3.2.4. Have the ability to improvise while playing the instrument or accompanying a soloist.

3.2.5. Have a Bachelor's degree in Music, Catholic Liturgy or Religious Studies, or a comparable area, is desirable.

3.2.6. Be able to attend music training and related workshops as opportunity arises. CTOF funds maybe authorized/utilized.

3.2.7. Have experience in a military chapel community, either as a member or in one or more chapel ministries.

3.2.8. Be a practicing Roman Catholic in good standing.

4. PERIOD AND PLACE OF PERFORMANCE:

4.1. This contract is for a one year period of performance, 22 Sep 2026 through 21 Sep 2027.

4.1.1. Up to four additional one-year options may be exercised

4.1.2. Upon award of the basic contract, and any subsequent option years (if awarded), there will be a required pre-performance conference to be conducted no later than the day prior to initiation of the period of performance.

4.1.3. The pre-performance conference may be conducted via telephone or in person, at a mutually agreed to time and place.

4.2. The primary place of performance will be Chapel 1, Bldg 3, Maxwell AFB AL.

4.2.1. Alternate locations may include a local mortuary or cemetery (within 75 miles of Maxwell AFB) or at an alternate site that might be necessary for Masses or special services/activities.

4.2.2. Attendance at music or liturgy workshops, which have been authorized and approved in advance, will constitute an alternate location for place of performance.

5. TRAVEL

5.1. Travel is not anticipated to be required except for attendance at music or liturgy workshops, which have been authorized and approved in advance. In these cases, travel, workshop, accommodation, and related expenses may be paid from CTOF. Receipts must be provided.

6. WORK SCHEDULE

6.1. Normal work schedule is as follows. Actual hours may be adjusted with prior coordination to accommodate liturgical requirements:

6.1.1. Weekly Choir Rehearsals (Wednesdays): 1830-2000.

6.1.2. Saturday Evening Mass: 1630-1830

6.1.3. Sunday Morning Mass: 0830-1030

6.1.4. Rehearsal and performances for special liturgical services (i.e. First Communion, Confirmation, Advent, Lent, Holy Days, etc) will be planned and coordinated in advance.

6.2. Performance and rehearsals are expected to not exceed 250 hours, based on the following forecast:

6.2.1. Note 1: These special Liturgical Services are expected to occur each year and will be scheduled in accordance with specific needs for these liturgies

6.2.2. Note 2: Funeral services and other special liturgies will occur as required based on circumstances. This support will be performed in coordination with the Maxwell AFB Catholic Priest. This will also include any support provided to the Religious Education (RE) Coordinator for any special RE Liturgies.

6.3. In the event of attendance at music or liturgical workshops, no additional hours will be authorized. Compensation will be limited to workshop cost plus gasoline for travel and overnight accommodations.

Interested Candidates are requested to forward their resume together with three references from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s good work and steadiness. Candidates who do not possess the specific attributes/qualifications in "PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS" above need not apply. This is a part-time position with compensation based on budget and the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications.

Apply directly at: (scroll down to “Maxwell”) in order to expedite your application. Your application requires providing reference information for (3) individuals including one 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. Depending on security software, candidates are requested to monitor spam folders for further application communications from MMI