Altos and Basses Needed – Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Posted on 22.10.2019 by Darden

Holy Spirit Catholic Church (Annandale, VA) has immediate openings for bass and alto section leaders/cantors (baritones and mezzos are welcome to apply). The successful candidate will have strong sight-reading abilities (both standard and plainchant notation) and excellent musicianship skills, and be able to work as a team player and leader for their section. Responsibilities include participation in weekly rehearsals (Thursdays from 7-9 PM) and a weekly choral Mass (Sundays at 10:30 AM), plus opportunities for additional calls for Saturday evening/Sunday morning Masses with cantor and organ (regular position for coverage of Saturday Masses is currently available for those applicants who would desire it). Opportunities for additional compensation include singing for weddings and funerals. The position also requires participation for Christmas and Holy Week liturgies and rehearsals, as well as occasional weekday Holy Day liturgies throughout the year. Pay is $50 for Thursday rehearsal (7-9 PM) and $75 for Sunday Mass (10:30-11:30 AM), with additional pay for longer services. Guaranteed minimum income of $125/week during most weeks of the choral season (or $200 with the Saturday evening Mass).

 The choir is comprised of a team of dedicated volunteers and professionals; as such, the ability to work with and guide volunteer singers is crucial. Repertory eras range from medieval plainchant/Renaissance polyphony up to modern compositions written in a classical idiom.

Educational requirement: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Music or Bachelor of Music (BM) in any discipline (vocal performance preferred). Undergraduate students currently completing a course of study in music are welcome to apply so long as they can guarantee routine availability for all choir calls, including Christmas and Holy Week/Easter.

Audition requirements: (1) Prepare Verse 1 of “Glorious Things of Thee Are Spoken” in Eb major; (2) a prepared solo selection; (3) sight reading of plainchant excerpt; (4) sight reading of a segment from a polyphonic work (singer’s own voice part).

To arrange an audition, please send a résumé to Alberto González, Director of Music, at agonzalez@holyspiritchurch.us.

Alberto González

Director of Music
Holy Spirit Catholic Church