Choir
Search for a New Music Director
Job Posting
The North Universalist Chapel Society (NUCS) of Woodstock, VT is hiring a part-time Music Director to begin September 1, 2025. The Music Director accompanies the choir on piano or organ and performs music from multiple genres as part of our Sunday worship services.
NUCS, also known as North Chapel, is a Unitarian Universalist congregation of 180 members that welcomes all to build a loving community to support each person’s spiritual journey. We have a thriving ministry including worship and music, pastoral care, spiritual exploration, and social and environmental justice.
The Music Director job responsibilities include the following:
Plans a program of choral/keyboard music for worship services year-round including Christmas Eve, with eight Sundays of vacation.
Directs and accompanies the choir during rehearsals (90 minutes one evening per week, 45 minutes Sunday morning, reduced schedule mid-June – August) and worship services.
Accompanies hymns and provides a prelude and postlude for each service.
Furnishes the church office with the titles of choral/keyboard pieces to be used each week for the Order of Service.
Confers with the minister regarding the music program of the church.
Attends monthly worship/music committee meetings and annual meeting every January.
Orders, files, and maintains sheet music, working within the music budget.
Communicates with choir members and seeks out new members regularly.
Arranges for special music (often local guest musicians) during non-choir Sundays. Arranges for special & service music when absent on the eight vacation Sundays.
Works with guest musicians if needed and when possible.
Facilitates maintenance of the piano (tunings, humidifier).
Will spend approximately 10 hours weekly performing above duties.
It is understood that when marriage and funeral services are held in the church and organ music is desired, the Music Director will be invited to play at these services, unless arrangements are made with him/her for the use of another qualified organist/musician.
Performance reviews for the Music Director will be conducted annually by the Board. For new hires, a performance review will be held after the first 60 days of employment. Although the main purpose of the performance review is to give the Music Director helpful feedback, the Board will jointly decide on yearly reappointment based on this review.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Skills/Knowledge
Skilled and fluent in piano performance in a wide variety of both classical and popular musical styles.
Demonstrated competence and experience accompanying and collaborating with other musicians.
Strong sight-reading ability.
Experience
Some Choir Directing Experience is required.
Some experience playing a pipe organ, or an eagerness to learn.
COMPENSATION
Total annual compensation of $14,000 commensurate with experience (based on hourly rate of up to $35 hour for 10 hrs/wk for 10 months).
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send the following items to NUCS administrative assistant, Joanne Boyle jm.boyle57@gmail.com with the subject “Music Director.”
A cover letter explaining your motivation to apply, interest in the position, and relevant skills and experience
Resume
Digital file or link to performance recordings
Two professional, and two personal references
Applications are due by close of business on Monday, June 30th and will be accepted until the position is filled.
The North Universalist Chapel Society is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from people of all genders, people of color and other members of underrepresented groups who will contribute to the diversity of our staff.
North Chapel is located at 7 Church Street, Woodstock, VT 05091 - www.northchapelvt.org
All Singers Welcome!
The North Chapel has a very vibrant choir that provides music for most Sundays . The group is fun and caring, and all experience levels are welcome with no audition.
We sing a variety of styles, from Shape Note to Classical to Gospel, some a cappella, some with piano accompaniment.
We have between 15 and 25 singers meeting each week. Attendance at every rehearsal is NOT required, and singers come and go according to their schedules. We are always excited about new additions to our group.
Choir Rehearsals at North Chapel
We have changed the day/time of rehearsals! We will meet on Thursdays from 4:00-5:30 in the church parlors to sing with singing masks (required for now).
Please email or text/call Diane Mellinger with any questions or concerns.
