Staff Singer – Alto Section Leader
Disclaimer: The principal duty of all employees is to assist in the mission of the Church in the Diocese of Fort Worth. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
General Position Summary:
St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, Flower Mound, TX is seeking an Alto section leader to support the volunteer adult choir. Section leaders are paid choir members who demonstrate a high level of musical skill and technique, enhance the quality of the ensemble sound, and assist the volunteer choristers in learning their music. They are called to sing at rehearsals and Masses as scheduled as well as serve individually as solo Cantor.
This position will require an audition.
Principal Accountabilities:
- 3 required weekly ensemble calls: Sunday 9:00am Mass and 11:00am Mass, Thursday 7:00pm rehearsal.
- Additional solo calls depending on availability, including other weekend Masses in rotation with the other solo Cantors.
- Additional paid singing opportunities for weddings and/or funerals may be offered.
Expectations
- Arrive punctually for all calls and participate fully in each.
- Maintain a professional and cooperative attitude.
- Set a good example for the volunteer singers in conduct and technique.
- Be aware of one’s tone projection and intonation, paying special attention to blend.
- Learn and prepare music, once received, by the time of the next rehearsal.
- Help the volunteers in the section learn their notes and rhythms in rehearsal.
- Demonstrate a high level of musical preparation and execution, especially as a solo Cantor.
- Responsible for all other projects, tasks, etc., as assigned.
Typical Decisions and/or Recommendations Made in This Position:
- Exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.
Supervision Given and/or Received:
- Moderate supervision given to volunteer singers
- Moderate supervision received
Internal Contacts:
- Pastor, Director of Music, Assistant Organist, Staff Singers and volunteer singers
External Contacts:
- Choir Members, Instrumentalists, Parishioners
Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:
- Ability to stand and sing for lengthy periods of time during rehearsals and liturgies.
- Will require night, weekend, and holiday activity
- At-home (off-clock) music practice and preparation is expected
Travel Requirements:
- Limited travel to other Diocese locations possible
Education and Experience Preferred:
- Bachelor’s degree in voice (performance or education), either complete or in progress
- Previous choral experience in a liturgical or classical setting
Knowledge and Skills Preferred:
- Strong sight-reading skills
- Experience or proficiency in singing music of Roman Catholic patrimony, namely Renaissance polyphony and Gregorian Chant
- Experience working with amateur and professional musicians
- Practicing Catholic is preferred but not required.
FLSA Designation: Non-Exempt (Occasional)
Skills Required
- Ability to attend three weekly ensemble calls (Sunday 9:00am Mass, Sunday 11:00am Mass, Thursday 7:00pm rehearsal)
- Be available for additional solo calls, weekend Mass rotation, weddings and funerals as offered
- Audition required
- Ability to stand and sing for lengthy periods during rehearsals and liturgies
- Willingness to work nights, weekends, and holidays
- At-home music practice and preparation
- Previous choral experience in a liturgical or classical setting
- Bachelor's degree in voice (performance or education) complete or in progress
- Strong sight-reading skills
- Experience or proficiency in Renaissance polyphony and Gregorian Chant
- Experience working with amateur and professional musicians
- Practicing Catholic preferred
What We Do
In full communion with the Pope, the Catholic Diocese of Fort Worth is comprised of 92 parishes, 17 schools, and an estimated 1,200,000 Catholics across 28 counties. As Bishop, Most Reverend Michael F. Olson, S.T.D., M.A., guides and fosters the spiritual growth of the Catholic community in North Texas.

