Bell Choir Director

We are seeking a Bell Choir Director to provide high-quality inspirational music and establish a positive environment to enhance the music ministry of the church.

Expected time commitment:  Approximately 6 - 8 hours per week

Hourly rate:  $20+

Supervisor:  Director of Music

Seasonal:  Approximately September 1 - Pentecost

To Apply:  Please begin the process by sending your resume to our Church Administrator. Hit the Apply Now button. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibility:  Facilitate Worship

1. 1:  Provide handbell choir music during 10:30 a.m. worship services about once a month.
2. 2:  Provide additional handbell choir music for worship services as suggested (i.e., hymn or choir accompaniment).
3. 3:  Provide handbell choir music for special worship services during the Advent and Easter seasons.
4. 4:  Work with the Pastor, Music Director, and other worship staff to plan worship services.

Responsibility:  Support Other Music Ministries

1. 1:  Work with other music ministry leaders to determine performance schedules and roles.
2. 2:  Recognize shared use of space, time, and resources, and plan fair use accordingly.
3. 3:  Give handbell choir schedules to ministry support staff for timely inclusion in calendars, bulletins, etc.

Responsibility:  Recruit and Train Volunteer Handbell Choir Members

1. 1.  Hold weekly handbell choir rehearsals, preferably Tuesdays from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m., beginning and ending rehearsals on time.
2. 2.  Give sufficient notice and reminders for special rehearsals and performances.
3. 3.  Be available to set bells up and take them down for rehearsals and worship services, recruiting volunteers for assistance. Bell tables remain in the sanctuary.
4. 4.  Support bell choir members requiring individual assistance (i.e., by marking music, teaching handbell techniques, or rehearsing individual parts).  
5. 5.  Locate, contact, and schedule substitute ringers as needed.
6. 6.  Maintain membership in the Handbell Musicians of America organization and keep current with their Overtones magazine publication, as well as the periodic catalogs from handbell music publishing houses.
7. 7.  Select music that is both valuable in worship and engaging to the ringers.
8. 8.  Manage the handbell budget.

Responsibility: Manage Instruments

1. 1.  Maintain all instruments and equipment.
2. 2.  Clean handbells with polishing cloths after each rehearsal and polish them yearly with Simichrome polishing paste.
3. 3.  Inventory parts needing replacement, obtain them, and make repairs in-house when possible.

Responsibility: Manage Equipment

1. 1.  Inventory and maintain the supply of auxiliary equipment (tables, foam pads, table covers, binders, stands, lights, gloves, mallets, dowels, music, etc.).
2. 2.  Maintain organized storage for all equipment.
3. 3.  Keep the handbell table area organized and tidy to present a clean look during worship services when not in use.
4. 4.  Order, catalog, and file handbell music.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic requirements are as follows:

• •  Musical knowledge and skill in directing and teaching handbell choirs
• •  Knowledge of music regarding appropriateness for liturgical seasons while considering the skill level of handbell choir members
• •  Ability to work well with others
• •  Good communication skills, including written, verbal, and electronic
• •  Good organizational and follow-through skills