Assistant Director of Music and Organist

Reports to: the Director of Music and Organist

Position Vision: 

The assistant director of music and organist shares responsibility, under the director of music and organist’s leadership, for all aspects of the music ministry of the cathedral. In light of the central place that liturgy and music occupy in Trinity’s life and mission, the assistant director serves as a critically important colleague to the dean, clergy, and music staff. He or she will be a leader within an internationally-renowned choral program, and will help oversee the musical and spiritual development of singers of all ages and backgrounds, and nurture the loving, joyful community of our choirs as they continually strive for technical excellence. As the principal accompanist of Trinity’s choirs for three different choral liturgies per Sunday, service playing at the organ will be the particular emphasis of the assistant director of music and organist’s work. 

Key Relationships:

• The dean, who bears ultimate canonical responsibility for the cathedral’s liturgy and music.
• The sub-dean and canon pastor, who serves as the dean’s chief of staff and oversees day-to-day operations.
• The director of music and organist, who is the assistant director of music’s direct supervisor and mentor. 
• The music associate and music administrator, who manages the music ministry office and oversees administrative details, communication with choirs and others, planning for tours and concerts, and generally seeks to ensure that the director and assistant director can focus on liturgy, music, and building relationships with choristers.
• The assistant for music administration, who is responsible for maintaining the music library and choir vestments.
• The associate for liturgy and technology, who produces all printed materials necessary for liturgical and musical offerings, and who maintains essential systems including live streaming cameras, climate control in the cathedral, and the cathedral sound system.
• The canon catechist, who oversees the cathedral’s ministries of Christian formation for all ages, and who seeks to integrate learning opportunities within our larger liturgical life.
• The director of youth ministry, who works to serve the needs of middle and high school youth, and who therefore bears responsibility for building relationships within the Cathedral Choir of Boys and the Cathedral Choir of Girls.
• The director of communications, who oversees all of Trinity’s print and electronic communications.
• The director of finance and human resources, who assists all ministry areas with budgeting and accounting.

Regular Duties:

• Under the director of music’s leadership, ensure that all Trinity liturgies are offered to the glory of God, are conducted according to the customs of the Anglican choral tradition and the rubrics of The Book of Common Prayer, and are, as appropriate, enhanced by sacred music of the highest possible standard.
• Prepare and play hymns, service music, choral accompaniments, Anglican chant, organ voluntaries, continuo parts, and other organ music as assigned by the director of music.
• Play the organ for weddings and funerals in cooperation with the music staff (NB: wedding rehearsals are not expected)
• Practice the organ regularly and often to promote continual growth in service-playing skill.
• Be prepared to rehearse and conduct the Trinity Youth Chorus, the Cathedral Choir of Boys, the Cathedral Choir of Girls, the Cathedral Choir of Adults, and the Cathedral Singers (and any other choirs and ensembles that the director and dean deem prudent to assemble). 
• Instruct choristers in music theory and sight-reading in individual and group settings.
• Assist in recruiting, retaining, and training new choristers of all ages.
• Cultivate a community of love, respect, mutual care, musical excellence, and joy.
• Challenge and support all Trinity musicians in their musical development.
• Participate fully in the common life of the cathedral, engaging parishioners and partnering with staff members serving in other areas to advance our common mission and ministry.
• Other duties as assigned by the director of music, including administrative tasks to be divided among the music staff. 

Occasional Duties:

• Prepare at least one organ recital annually to be played in the Cathedral. Further recital playing outside of Trinity Cathedral and Columbia is encouraged.
• Advise the director of music on needs pertaining to the regular maintenance, tuning, and general proper functioning of all Trinity instruments necessary for services, performances, and rehearsals.
• Assist the director of music and other music staff and volunteers in planning and executing an annual choir camp for new and returning choristers.
• Assist the director of music and other music staff and volunteers in planning and executing occasional domestic or international choir tours and residencies.
• Cultivate relationships with the Friends of Music, a community of Trinity parishioners and community members committed to the long-term financial support of the choirs and music ministry.
• Assist the director of music, parish clergy, and other leaders, in incorporating the choirs’ participation into the Kanuga Parish Weekend.
• Under the leadership of the director of music, assist with the planning and execution of diocesan events hosted at the cathedral, maintaining Trinity’s standards and expectations while graciously welcoming our bishop and other diocesan leaders.

Skills and Requirements:

• Demonstrated excellence in organ service playing, including hymn playing, choral accompaniment, improvisation, and the playing of organ repertoire.
• Skill and interest in leading, teaching and inspiring choristers and other musicians of all ages.
• Four-year college degree. Post-graduate training in organ performance is desirable, alongside choral conducting experience and other training in sacred music. 
• Excellent communication, coordination, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the Episcopal Church and the customs of the Anglican choral tradition.
• Thoroughgoing commitment to all Safe Church protocols established by the diocese.
• Enthusiasm for ministry with and to professional and amateur musicians, including children and their families, imbuing rigorous musical training with a spirit of joy and fun.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive compensation commensurate with the qualifications of the candidate.
• Benefits include employee health coverage, pension contribution, four weeks (including four Sundays) annual leave, and two weeks (including two Sundays) continuing education time.

To Apply:

Candidates are invited to submit: 

1. a résumé
2. a list of three references (including at least one professional reference) with contact details
3. up to five video or audio recordings demonstrating skill in organ performance, service playing, and/or choral conducting.

Review of applications will begin October 1, 2024, and conclude when a candidate has been called. For the right candidate, the start date of the position may be deferred until after graduation in the spring of 2025.

Please submit applications to Director of Music and Organist Paul Thomas at pthomas@trinitysc.org or
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral
Attn: Paul Thomas
1100 Sumter St.
Columbia, SC 29201