Work Location: Cathedral of St Joseph, Hartford

The Cathedral is now recruiting for an Assistant Music Director/Organist will work closely with the current Music Director, to gain comprehensive knowledge and experience of the Cathedral’s music program. This position is designed to ensure the continuation of the Cathedral’s tradition of liturgical excellence as a high-caliber music program. This is a full-time position with paid time off and benefits.

This role comes with direct mentorship and guidance from Dr. Ezequiel Menendez, with a clear path to becoming the Director of Music.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the Cathedral Schola Cantorum, maintaining its high standard of musical excellence. The Schola is comprised of professional singers, many of whom are accomplished vocal soloists.

The Schola performs every Sunday of the year and for many special archdiocesan celebrations.

  • Create and Direct Choirs: Establish and develop a Spanish Choir and a Catholic High Schools Choir to expand musical outreach within the community of the Archdiocese of Hartford.
  • Organ Performance: Play the organ for smaller liturgies. Provides organ accompaniment as needed during the liturgies in conjunction with Music Director.
  • Develop Worship Aids: Create worship aids for weekends and funerals, enhancing the worship experience.
  • Manage the Music Library: Oversee the organization and maintenance of the music library, which currently includes about one thousand items.
  • Confer with the Rector and Music Director to maintain liturgical practices current and within expected norms.
  • Supervisory and scheduling responsibilities of cantors, vocalists, and instrumentalists.
  • Collaborate on Event Planning: Work with the Music Director to plan music for all events, ensuring cohesive and well-curated programs, and ensuring all musicians are properly hired and secured.
  • Oversee the live streaming process.
  • Cultivates and maintain relationships with various stakeholders.

Qualifications:

  • Master’s Degree required.
  • Proven experience in choral conducting and organ performance.
  • Strong understanding of the Catholic Mass and liturgical music.
  • Excellent organizational and management skills.
  • Skilled in Microsoft Publisher or Adobe InDesign.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and adapt to the evolving needs of the music program.

The Cathedral Schola Cantorum

The Schola Cantorum provides music for the 11:00 a.m. Sunday Liturgy and for numerous Archdiocesan events, many of which are broadcast by EWTN, WCCT, and ORTV/WJMJ Catholic Radio Station. The choir’s repertoire encompasses the full range of Roman Catholic music, including plainchant, a cappella motets from the 16th through 20th centuries, music for chorus and orchestra, as well as newly commissioned works. The Schola frequently performs with the Soli Deo Gloria Orchestra and plays an active role in the concert life of the Hartford area, having appeared in concert with the New Haven and Hartford Symphony Orchestras.

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and any relevant supporting materials to hr@aohct.org by October 25, 2024.

For more information or to discuss the role further, please contact  Archdiocese Human Resources at hr@aohct.org or 860-541-6491.