St. John the Baptist Episcopal, West Seattle is seeking an accomplished musician to serve as Interim Music Director. The Interim Music Director, in partnership with our rector, the Rev. Kate Wesch, is responsible for creating an inclusive and inspirational music program that enhances liturgy and worship and engages the congregation and community. This individual will lead us in a variety of music; helping us honor our traditional Anglican music while exploring and introducing us to new expressions of music. 

While a volunteer choir and failing organ have been part of St. John’s tradition for many decades, the time has come for this small, dedicated, and weary group of singers, and failing instrument both to take a well-deserved break. Primarily using the grand piano, it is our hope that an Interim Music Director will create fresh expressions of vocal ministry in the congregation, allowing people of all ages and skill levels to participate in a rehearsed anthem on special occasions with the major emphasis being on congregational singing at the 10:15 a.m. service.

About St. John’s 

St. John’s is part of the Episcopal Church, founded in West Seattle in 1893 and continuing as a worshipping community ever since. The congregation has lived through many life cycles in this century plus and is currently in a phase of vibrant growth and renewal. Attendance has increased by 75% in the past couple of years with an average of 142 people attending on Sundays. We have two services; a smaller and more meditative service without music at 8:00 a.m., Adult Formation from 9:15-10:00 a.m., and a more well attended rite II service at 10:15 a.m. with music. The music at this service is a blend of traditional and contemporary, mostly drawing from the 1982 Hymnal.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead St. John’s Music Program during this time of transition and experimentation
• Partner with the Rector to plan and coordinate the overall music schedule for the liturgical year and select all service music. 
• Offer high-quality (piano) music at all principal services of the church including, but not limited to; Sunday 10:15 a.m. worship services, Christmas, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter. Additional compensation provided for weddings and funerals. 
• Plan, schedule and lead rehearsals for an occasional choral anthem (Easter and Pentecost)
• Motivate, guide and challenge music participants of varied skill levels; pursue opportunities to encourage participation by people of all ages. 
• Explore, create and implement new and diverse musical offerings to energize and inspire existing and new congregants, youth and children. 
• Other duties as assigned by the Rector. 
• Administer St. John'’s Music Program 
• Provide music program details electronically for preparation of service bulletins. 
• Hire professional musicians within the parameters of the parish music budget. Secure substitute musicians during the absence of the Interim Music Director. 
• Manage the care, maintenance and tuning of St. John’s pianos.

Preferred Education and Professional Experience: 

Education – Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Arts in Music Experience 

Proficiency playing the piano
Experience in the Episcopal/Anglican liturgical tradition 

Required Skills and Attributes: 

Engaging, personable and highly motivated self-starter
Spiritual leader with a natural ability to direct rehearsals and worship
Excellent communication skills; ability to work well with all members of the parish and staff Team player in a collaborative work environment
Excellent organization, administrative and time management skills 

Instruments used in Liturgy at St. John’s

Choir loft organ: 1949 Estey, op. 3163, II/P, 18 stops, 12 ranks

Nave piano: Kawai 7’ grand

Parish Hall piano: Everett studio upright

Choir Room piano: Kawai 502S studio upright

Handbells: Malmark, 44 bells, C4–G7

Percussion: claves, finger cymbals, maracas, tambourine, triangle, 2 frame drums

Organ owned by AGO Seattle and currently stored at St. John’s

Positive organ: 1999 Marceau, I/P, 3 stops, 3 ranks

The Music Director position is a quarter-time (8-10 hours a week) exempt position. Compensation is based on experience. To apply please send a cover letter and resume to the Rev. Kate E. Wesch at revwesch@sjbwestseattle.org