Catholic Music Director Pianist or Organist - Music Ministry International

The successful candidate for this position will be a 1099 contractor with Music Ministry International and be responsible for the following:

1.1. SCOPE OF WORK: Non-Personal service for Chapel Music Services. Provides choir and musicians for Catholic worship, liturgy, and rites. Music Director will assist the Wing Chaplain, Senior Faith group chaplains or individual appointed by the Wing Chaplain in planning and executing religious music in support of commander-provided free-exercise of religion opportunities at Ellsworth AFB, SD.

1.2. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS: The Music Director shall have demonstrated ability and experience of leading proper liturgical musical support for Catholic Worship. Music Director shall have available resources to provide music for a variety musical styles. Music Director personnel shall be able to work in a religiously pluralistic environment and have a willingness to work with people of diverse faith expressions. Music Director personnel shall be able to clearly communicate in English and conduct administrative requirements in verbal and written clarity as necessary. Music Director personnel must preserve any confidential issues seen or heard within the Chapel staff or facilities, and be able to have a professional working relationship with Chapel staff, the faith communities, and other personnel to accomplish required duties. Music Director cannot have a record of recent unsatisfactory contractual performance as documented in the Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS). Music Director will demonstrate that they have a working knowledge and ability to provide a suitable liturgical choir as well as all musical instruments and sound equipment in support of Catholic worship.

1.3. MUSIC DIRECTOR SPECIFIC TASKS:

1.3.1 Coordinate with the Wing Chaplain and Senior Faith Group leaders to provide musical support to worship, liturgies, and rites for Ellsworth AFB Chapel Services at Black Hills Chapel, 1192 Foulis Ave, Ellsworth AFB, SD 57706.

1.3.2 Music Director provides choir and musical support for one (1) regular Catholic Mass which is currently scheduled on Sundays at 0930. Additionally, the Music Director is to provide support during an estimated 20 special Catholic Masses/Services/Funerals/Memorials/collaborated chapel music events for a total estimated amount of 67 services per year. Duration of each performance is approximately two (2) hours. The Music Director is responsible for all necessary preparations prior to each service (approximately 30 minutes for familiarization with the music material).

1.3.3 Music Director will organize, rehearse and lead a choir for Catholic Mass.

1.3.4 Funeral and Memorial Services and Rehearsals: The Music Director is responsible for the choir and musical support for memorial/funeral services, when requested by the Wing Chaplain. Duration of each performance is approximately two (2) hours. The Music Director is responsible for all necessary preparation prior to each service (approximately 30 minutes for familiarization with the music material). Rehearsal will be coordinated with the presiding Chaplain or individual appointed by the Wing Chaplain.

1.3.5 The Music Director is responsible for providing a musician and choir director (2 personnel required) who will assist in the selection of the appropriate music for the Catholic Mass/service in collaboration with the Wing Chaplain or individual appointed by the Wing Chaplain. All proposed music and instrumentation will be provided in writing to the Wing Chaplain, Senior Faith Group Chaplain or individual appointed by the Wing Chaplain no later than seven (7) duty days, prior to the date of service. The Wing Chaplain or individual appointed by the Wing Chaplain shall approve/disapprove selections within two (2) business days of submission.

1.3.6 Based on the Wing Chaplain approval, the Chaplain/Priest in charge of the service or individual appointed by the Wing Chaplain will determine the suitability of the music, musicians, singers, and instruments for that service. He/she will give the approval/disapproval for the music and instrument selection. If one of the personnel listed above disapproves he/she will be required to provide the music services coordinator a recommendation. The Music Director will not use music, instruments, singers or musicians the Wing Chaplain or individual appointed by the Wing Chaplain has evaluated as not suitable.

1.3.7 Catholic Masses are currently scheduled for Sunday at 0930hrs, but subject to change. Choir rehearsals will be coordinated and conducted weekly with the Wing Chaplain or individual appointed by the Wing Chaplain for approval.

1.3.8 Advise the Wing Chaplain or individual appointed by the Wing Chaplain on musical equipment and supplies needed for the chapel music programs.

1.3.9 Schedule all facility usage with chapel staff for music needs.

1.3.10 Secure all facilities used, to include all doors and windows, following the conclusion of all music activities that take place in chapel facilities when chapel personnel are not present.

1.3.11 The Music Director and all provided musicians must present themselves in a professional and modest manner at all times. Attire and general hygiene shall be clean, neat, and not distracting from the worship service or event. The

Music Director and musicians shall maintain professional standards of conduct and public decorum consistent with religious services being led. The Music Director and all musicians provided must have a professional working relationship with Chapel staff, the faith communities and other personnel to accomplish required duties and help foster a positive work environment conducive with USAF Chaplain Corps values.

1.3.12 Be prepared and in place no less than 30 minutes prior to the start of the worship/special service.

1.3.13 Music Director personnel must not disclose confidential conversations/issues seen or heard within Chapel facilities. Additionally, the Music Director must complete Privileged Communication training within 30 days of contract award and annually throughout the duration of the contract.

1.3.14 Asset Control: The Music Director shall return any and all government owned keys musical sheets, equipment, and assets obtained during the performance of this contract to NCOIC, Chapel Operations or individual appointed by the Wing Chaplain a day before the completion of this contract.

1.3.15 Absences: The Music Director is responsible for 100% coverage for all Masses/services, rehearsals, special Masses/services. If the Music Director is unable to perform for any particular requirement a qualified substitute must be provided. All qualified substitutes under this contract must meet the minimum qualifications established in section 1.2 and the entirety of this document. This shall be coordinated through the Wing Chaplain or the individual appointed by the Wing Chaplain at least (7) duty days in advance before the substitute will begin performing.

1.3.16 Comply with all laws and requirements at the Federal, State, and Local level, to include Air Force Instructions and policies.

1.3.17 Copyrighted Materials: The Music Director shall not engage in any unauthorized duplication of copyrighted materials by photocopying or any other means that would expose the government to liability for penalties under existing or future copyright laws.

1.3.18 Music Director will verify that all musical instruments and necessary sound equipment is functioning properly and is ready for worship service no later than three (3) days prior to the service. Equipment will include but will not be limited to: sound boards, microphones, all musical instruments, speakers, and computers. Government owned instruments and sound equipment shall not be removed from the Chapel facility without the written permission of the Wing Chaplain or individual appointed by the Wing Chaplain. If the equipment required to perform job/service under this contract is not in serviceable condition, the Music Director must notify a chapel staff member no later than the next business day. The government will provide for the proper care for this equipment.

1.3.19 Provide technical advisement to chapel staff on repairs needed to restore any musical instruments or sound equipment needed for services. This is to include research needed to determine the source of technical malfunctions or equipment breakdowns.

1.3.20 Music Director will receive training on sound equipment needed to fulfill the music and train all volunteers or Music Directors in order to perform sound technician responsibilities.

1.3.21 Ensure all volunteers working with youth below 18 years of age receive a government performed background check as described in DoD 1402.5, which will be performed by Government personnel.

1.4. MUSIC DIRECTOR PERSONNEL

1.5. Music Director personnel shall be neatly attired and well groomed. Shirts must have collars and worn as designed. Cut-offs, shorts, halter-tops, and similar attire are not acceptable. Any hair length, beards, or mustaches are acceptable, provided it is neat, clean, and properly trimmed.

1.5.1. Personal Appearance: Music Director is expected to dress in professional and conservative business attire during Mass, special services and funeral services. Additionally, Music Director will maintain dress and appearance standards according to the Wing Chaplains Dress and Appearance Policy Letter or memorandum.

Interested Candidates are requested to forward their resume together with three references from individuals who can attest to the candidate’s good work and steadiness.  Candidates who do not possess the specific attributes/qualifications in "1.2. SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS" above need not apply. This is a part-time position with compensation based on budget and the successful candidate’s experience and qualifications..   

Apply online at this job board or you may apply directly at: https://music-ministry.jobsoid.com (scroll down to “Ellsworth”).  Your application must include three (3) references including one priest or pastor who can attest to your abilities as they relate to this job posting.  References must include: name, title, organization, relationship to you, email address (necessary field) and phone number.