Delaware
American
Guild of
Organists
Positions Available in our area
Organist–Choral Conductor
The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew
The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew in downtown Wilmington, Delaware seeks a part-time Organist/Choral Conductor for Sunday worship, choir rehearsals, special feast days, choral services, and special services (i.e. funerals, etc). The successful candidate will be a strategic partner with the Director of Music and Community Engagement and the Rector to create transformational worship experiences, grow SsAM’s community of choral volunteers and staff singers, and ensure consistent maintenance of the organ and piano.
POSITION DESCRIPTION Position Title: Organist/Choral Conductor
Reports To: Director of Music and Community
Engagement Status: Part-time, non-exempt
POSITION SUMMARY We seek a part-time Organist/Choral Conductor for Sunday worship, choir rehearsals, special feast days, choral services, and special services (i.e. funerals, etc). The successful candidate will be a strategic partner with the Director of Music and Community Engagement and the Rector to create transformational worship experiences, grow SsAM’s community of choral volunteers and staff singers, and ensure consistent maintenance of the organ and piano.
ABOUT THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF SAINTS ANDREW AND MATTHEW
The Episcopal Church of Saints Andrew and Matthew (SsAM) is a dynamic, engaged, multi-racial congregation formed from the consolidation of two historic downtown churches. We are a nurturing faith community intentionally welcoming all people as we seek to embody the fullness of God's kingdom in Wilmington and beyond. SsAM’s has a rich and diverse music ministry that reflects the mission and vision of the parish as well as the personality of the congregation. Although strongly rooted in the Anglican tradition, music at SsAM frequently includes Negro Spirituals, World Music, Chant, Gospel, Drumming and the full spectrum of classical music from Renaissance to Contemporary.
At SsAM, we view the primary musical ensemble as the congregation! Many who visit are impressed by the enthusiasm and beauty of the SsAM congregation's singing. On most Sundays, being in the congregation is like being in the midst of a choir. Their commitment to musical excellence is demonstrated by the fact that since the beginning of the parish in 1996, the main parish liturgy has been led by a professional-caliber choir of highly skilled volunteer singers with a core octet of professional staff singers. The SsAM choir can be heard most Sundays at the 10:30 a.m. service, on special feast days, and at choral services throughout the year.
ORGANIST DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Serve as organist for all services at SsAM, including Sunday services, special feast days, and special services.
● Provide liturgical organ/piano music that is well-prepared and creatively executed for the following:
- Congregational accompaniment: hymns, chants & service music
- Choral accompaniment
- Preludes, postludes and voluntaries within the context of liturgy
● Demonstrate (or develop) the ability to play in a variety of styles other than traditional classical music such as Negro Spirituals and Gospel music, and include as appropriate for any given service or concert.
● Provide improvisations within the context of liturgy that are well-crafted and intentionally executed.
● Continue developing keyboard skills through a variety of means. For example:
- Attending workshops and seminars
- Taking courses as needed
- Private study
● Advise on the tuning and maintenance needs of all keyboard instruments.
CHORAL CONDUCTOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
● In partnership with the Director of Music and Community Engagement and the rector choose anthems, psalm settings, service music, and other choral pieces, being mindful of
- Liturgical seasons
- Appropriate degree of difficulty for the choir and congregation
- The lectionary
- What will be enjoyed, understood, and appropriate for the SsAM congregation
● Seek out music that represents diverse cultures, particularly music from the African American culture, and maintain an appropriate and intentional balance of styles. Perform these styles in a manner that is sensitive to each individual style and incorporates appropriate performance practices.
● Demonstrate (or develop) the ability to rehearse and conduct in a variety of styles including music traditionally a part of the Anglican tradition, Negro Spirituals, and Gospel music.
● Rehearse, direct, a Rehearse, direct, and expand the Parish Adult Choir and Choral Scholars
- Compile practice materials for the choir
- Recruit choral scholars with the support of the Director of Music
and Community Engagement
- Audition and hire section leaders (choral scholars)
- Recruit and assess new volunteer choir members
● Meet with the Director of Music and Community Engagement on a regular basis. ● Continue developing musical and technical skills through a variety of means. For example:
- Attending workshops and seminars
- Taking courses as needed
- Private study
COMPENSATION
● Part-time Salary range of $33,000 to $40,000 per year.
● Ninety-Eight (72) Services per year. With four paid vacation days. Additional services will be paid at a mutually agreed upon rate to be set in conversation with the rector and the Director of Music and Community Engagement.
● This position will have the right of first refusal for all funerals and weddings where a staff organist is requested. These special services will be paid at a mutually
agreed upon rate to be set in conversation with the rector and the Director of Music and Community Engagement.
● This position will have a professional development budget for use towards conference attendance, workshops, private lessons, etc.
How to Apply Interested candidates should submit:
● A cover letter describing your sense of calling to this work
● Resume/CV
● Three References
All materials should be sent to Jonathan W. Whitney, Director of Music and Community Engagement: jwhitney@ssam.org 7.12.26
Delaware Choral Society
Artistic Director
The Delaware Choral Society (DCS) is seeking a new Artistic Director for placement
starting September 1, 2026. This paid position with DCS is comparable to that of other choral organizations with responsibilities including but not limited to: conducting all rehearsals, repertoire selection, solo and ensemble auditioning, and with assistance from the DCS Board participate in rehearsal scheduling, concert preparation, and public relations.
DCS performs a minimum of two concerts per year with rehearsals on Tuesday
evenings (7:00-9:00pm). Music is prepared during two performance seasons:
September to December and January to April or early May, with a concert as the
culmination of each season. Rehearsals take place in Dover, DE, with concerts
performed mainly in Dover, but occasionally elsewhere throughout Delaware.
The DCS is a non-auditioned community choral ensemble with approximately
80-100 members per semester. Singers range in age from teenagers to late-80s. Vocal skills of the singers range from virtually novice to professionals.
Base annual salary range would be $6500-$10,000, based on level of education and years of choral conducting experience.
If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please send a letter of interest, a resume, two letters of recommendation, and an audio file illustrating your work as a conductor to the DCS Search Committee by email to dprimosch@delawarechoralsociety.org by June 30, 2026.
Responsibilities and Expectations:
1. Provides overall artistic leadership, direction, and vision to the Delaware Choral
Society (DCS).
2. Works with the DCS Board of Directors (Board) to adopt strategies to widen the appeal of the DCS to our diverse community, while retaining audience members and singers.
3. Assists the Board in the overall goals for the organization, and provides timely
communication to the Board, choir, and concert preparation committee.
4. Conducts all rehearsals for DCS or makes provisions for a substitute conductor.
5. Presents proposed music repertoire, and associated costs, at least two (2) years
in advance of a performance season to the Board for final approval.
a. Estimates fees for guest instrumentalists and soloists required for
performance(s), which will be included in the proposal submitted to the Board.
b. Procures guest musicians for concerts within the price range approved by the
Board. If adjustments are needed, Board approval will be required.
c. In conjunction with the Board, arranges for transportation of instruments to and
from the concert venue, as needed.
d. Schedules rehearsal with the musicians as needed.
e. Secures musicians’ biographical information as appropriate.
f. Communicates to the accompanist all information for proper preparation for
rehearsal and performance purposes.
6. Auditions soloists for participation in concert performance, if selecting from within the DCS organization.
7. Notifies members via weekly email sent by DCS of what music to practice for the
upcoming rehearsal.
8. Arranges with DCS librarian for music to be ordered. Orders for new music will be
made solely by the DCS librarian.
9. Assists DCS in maintaining the highest professional standards in all interactions,
correspondence, partnerships, and relationships with which it is associated.
5.15.26
Director of Traditional Music Ministries and Organist
Asbury United Methodist Church
Salisbury MD
Position Summary
The Director of Music Ministries & Organist will collaborate with the Senior Pastor and other music ministries to lead worship and community outreach for a church that follows the liturgical calendar. They need to exhibit a high degree of competence on the organ and piano, choral direction, as well as the ability to accompany groups and individuals.
The Director of Music Ministries reports to the Senior Pastor.
Keep the schedule of hours as established by the Senior Pastor and Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC). This position is 30 hours per week with flexible hours.
Duties and Responsibilities
● Collaborate with the Senior Pastor on all traditional worship services and develop an annual plan for Church music, including special events.
● Provide weekly organ and piano accompaniment for two Sunday morning traditional services. ○ September- May: 8 a.m. primarily piano, 11 a.m. primarily organ
- June-August: One traditional service at 10 a.m.
- Secure a substitute organist and/or pianist when necessary (3 weeks’ notice required).
● Rehearse, conduct, and lead the adult chancel choir.
- Recruit prospective choir members.
● Schedule special recitals, programs, and guest musicians.
● Collaborate with the Director of Children and Care Ministries to coordinate, schedule, and promote children’s music.
- Provide weekly accompaniment for up to two children’s choirs, one youth choir.
● Act as curator of the Casavant pipe organ, Steinway piano, hand bells, chimes, and other designated instruments.
- Arrange preventive maintenance, control, and use of all designated musical instruments.
- Act as a resource to the Trustees, recommending and coordinating insurance coverage, and projecting needs and issues related to designated instruments.
● Recruit and encourage volunteers to develop and lead various areas of the music ministry, including the handbell ministry.
● Secure music and supplies per budget.
● Provide music for all weddings and funerals, collaborating with couples and families. (Appropriate compensation will be provided by the couple, the funeral director, and/or the bereaved).
● Additional duties as assigned.
Administrative and Organizational Responsibilities
● Attend weekly scheduled staff meetings
● Attend one monthly Leadership Team meeting.
● Contribute pertinent communications with choirs and the congregation through the Asburian newsletter, Sunday Bulletin, Church social media, and mailings.
● Prepare an annual budget for the traditional music department to be submitted to the Leadership Team.
● Participate in an annual evaluation regarding progress and achievement, which will be conducted by the Senior Pastor as guided by the SPRC.
● Participate in continuing education opportunities in Church music, including seminars and workshops when offered.
● Oversee the choir library.
Job Qualifications
Required:
● Bachelor's in Music, training in sacred music, or equivalent experience.
● Accompanying experience and the ability to accompany and direct the choir from the organ and piano as needed.
● Choral conducting experience.
● A demonstrated understanding of music ministry and the role it plays in the life and mission of the church. As well as supporting the principles and values of a progressive Christian faith.
Preferred:
● Master's Degree in Music
● 3 – 5 years of experience in Church music
● Participation in the AGO and American Choral Directors Association is encouraged but not required
Compensation- $64,150
● $50,000 salary
● Medical, Vision, and Dental plan- fully covered with $1,750 deposited yearly into HSA for deductible costs ($10,850 value)
● Enrollment in Pension Plan with up to 5% matching ($2,500/year)
● 2 weeks paid vacation, including 2 Sundays for the first year of service, accrued beginning after 90 days of employment.
● $750 professional expense budget
● Sick leave accrued at 4 hours/month beginning on hire date.
● 11 paid holidays
● Sam’s Club Membership ($50 value)
● All Asbury instruments are available for the Director of Traditional Music to give private lessons
How to Apply:
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To receive full consideration, please send the following to Pastor Chelsea Spyres at chelsea@asburyweb.org:
● Letter of introduction
● Resume
● Videos and/or audio URL links of the following:
- Worship appropriate organ piece (e.g, Prelude, Offering, Postlude)
- Hymn/Service playing
- Choral accompanying
5.8.26