ALCM to host several events for planning and leading worship

The Association of Lutheran Church Musicians is sponsoring a number of events for those who plan and lead worship (not necessary to be an ALCM member to attend). There is a one-day event being held on Saturday, September 15th at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mission, KS. See the link and attached pdf for more information. Topics to be covered include the role of the church musician, clergy-musician cooperation, resources, choral repertoire and rehearsal techniques, hymn playing at the organ, and children's participation in worship. Note that volunteers are needed to play for the hymn-playing masterclass, taught by Dr. John Ferguson along with Lara West. Volunteers should contact Linda Martin as noted in the booklet.

A similar event is taking place in Lindsborg, KS, on Sept. 29, in case that date or location is more convenient.

You can find more info at https://alcm.org/kansas-events/.

First Lutheran (Mission Hills) seeking Director of Music

First Lutheran Church Welcome Statement

Our Lord Jesus Christ calls us to welcome all people, and indeed First Lutheran Church has a long history and cherished identity as a welcoming congregation. We welcome all who are seeking spiritual growth and enrichment. We offer Christian worship in the Lutheran tradition with the goals of making worship meaningful and readily accessible for the participant. Communion is open to all who are drawn to the table. We welcome children and embrace our role as extended family. We offer a place of worship where children are seen, heard, and respected and accepted for who they are, as they are, and guided in their faith development. We welcome the diversity of families present in our society. We are committed to ministry with persons in a variety of family configurations. We welcome people of all gender identities and sexual orientations as participants and members in our congregation. We welcome persons of color and persons whose primary language is not English. We are eager to nurture exchange among all cultures. We welcome persons with varying disabilities, including physical, mental and emotional. Our building is handicap accessible, and we strive to provide other accommodations as needed. We welcome people of all economic backgrounds. YOU ARE WELCOME to learn of Jesus Christ and to share fellowship, time and treasure to His greater glory.

Overview:

The Director of Music is a part time position. The Director of Music is responsible for the development of interests, abilities and uses of music in the worship life of the congregation.

Guidelines for Position of Director of Music:

The Director of Music is responsible for the whole musical life of the Church in concert with the Pastor. At regular staff meetings, subject to the schedule of all involved, the director of music will work with the Pastor, other staff, and volunteers both to contribute creatively and to ensure thorough planning of rehearsals, practices, and all other music related activities.

            Of special concern will be:

-    ensuring seasonal variety and appropriateness of music

-    challenging and utilizing the gifts of the choirs

-    communicating necessary information to the parish assistant in a timely manner

-    communicating with choir members effectively

-    acting as a liaison for information between the Worship and Music team and the rest of the staff                    

Duties and Responsibilities:

•   Direct, manage, and recruit for the existing Adult Chancel and Hand Bell choirs.

-    Teach fundamentals of vocal and hand bell performance.

•   Attend and participate in Worship and Music Committee meetings, worship planning groups and staff meetings. 

-    Work with the Worship and Music Committee when fundraising events are planned benefiting the music program.

-    Submit annual budget requests through the Worship and Music Committee

•   Help plan worship services 8:15 and 10:30 and special services within established guidelines.

•   Bring strong conducting expertise and enthusiasm to the program.

•   Maintain the music library

-    Select and purchase music and choral supplies within the budgetary limits of the Worship and Music Committee.

•   Arrange, supervise, and work with paid singers and instrumentalists. Arrange payment within budgetary guidelines of the Worship and Music Committee.

-    Arrange and supervise additional solo/ensemble music for corporate worship as needed.

•   Supervise and support the position of Organist

•   Coordinate with the Christian Education staff in providing music for the weekly openings of the Sunday Church School program.

-    Look for opportunities to develop new musical groups giving particular attention to the youth of the congregation.

•   Cultivate positive team relationships with the staff, remain flexible and adapt to changing environment, maintain sensitivity to the diverse and dynamic needs of volunteer choirs, maintain a sense of humor and have fun. 

Required Knowledge & Skills:

•   2-3 years of combined experience in the following areas:

-    Director of Music

-    Choir Director

-    Choral Leader

-    Vocal Teacher and/or Vocal Performer

Supervision:

•   The Director of Music if supervised by the Pastor and the Worship and Music Committee, who are responsible for ensuring and annual review.

Overview of Benefits:

•   Compensation

-    Compensation shall be at the rate stipulated in the annual Church budget. The compensation package shall include vacation time and approved by the congregation in adopting its budget.

•   Vacation

-    Vacation time of 28 days per year, including 4 Sundays

-    Vacations shall be scheduled and taken on the basis of the employee’s normal work week.

-    Vacation pay may be drawn in advance by the employee immediately prior to taking vacation time.

-    Vacations are discouraged during the seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent and Easter

To apply for the position, please send introductory letter and resume, including 3 references to:

Pastor Phil Vickers

6400 State Line Road

Mission Hills, KS  66208

OR email to

fathervickers@gmail.com

Questions, please call 913.362.4150

Wichita church seeks choir director

Church Choir Director Position

Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church, 655 S. Lorraine, Wichita, Kansas

The choir has weekly Wednesday rehearsals and sings three Sunday services per month.  The church has both pipe organ and piano accompanists. 

Send resume by July 7 to:

Roger Kaufman, Chair of the Music Committee, rkaufman@cox.net

Start date: September 5, 2018

Hays seeking vocal music teacher

Hays Unified School District 489 is seeking a vocal music teacher for grades 6-12, with potential for related supplemental positions.

All applicants must have or be able to obtain a Kansas teaching certificate/license with an endorsement in the proper area. For more information regarding this position, please contact
Martin Straub, HHS Principal, mstraub@usd489.com (785) 623-2600.

Hays School District has about 3,000 students that are enrolled in a high school, a middle school, four elementary schools, and an alternative school. The staff of Unified School District No. 489 are recognized throughout Kansas and across the nation as leaders in educational excellence.
Hays Public Schools offer programs like all-day, every day kindergarten, small class sizes in the state for districts our size, and a longer school year. An extensive special education program serves children with special needs. A variety of early childhood programs serve children and their families in a three-county area from before-birth to age six.

Application Deadline: Open Until Filled

Beginning Date: August 2018

Salary and Benefits: The district’s current salary schedule has 12 categories, with salaries ranging from $36,170 to $57,820. Staff members employed by the school system for the first time can be granted credit for as much as 6 years of experience. A fringe benefit package includes single medical insurance coverage and term life insurance.

To Make Application, Apply online:
https://alioas.usd489.com:7443/ap/applicant/login.php

To learn more about our schools visit us at www.usd489.com

USD 489, Ellis County, Kansas, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, or handicap in admission or access to or employment in its programs and activities. If you have questions regarding the above, please contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504 Coordinator in the office of the Superintendent of Schools, 323 W. 12th Street, Hays, KS 67601, (785) 623-2400.

Wichita Chamber Chorale announces upcoming concert

The Wichita Chamber Chorale announces their Chorale Classics Concert as they continue the celebration of their 40^th Anniversary Year.  The Chorale will present the prize-winning composition of the 2017 Kansas Choral Composition Prize “I Am the Lord” by Lyle Stutzman.  This bi-annual competition, co-sponsored by Wichita Chamber Chorale and Senseney Music, awards a prize of $1,000.

In “Solid Ground” the Wichita Chamber Chorale gives voice to the experience of crisis, homelessness, resilience, loneliness, security and community.  Health, shelter, employment, and the basics of life can easily be taken for granted, and one or two setbacks can turn a manageable life upside down. Along with Stutzman’s composition, the concert will include works by Eric Whitacre, Arvo Pärt, Tarik O’Regan and Wichita native Kirke Mechem.

The Wichita Chamber Chorale is pleased to share the stage with the 70-voice Wichita Community Children’s Choir under the direction of Karen Sims, in an afternoon that raises awareness, and shares a universal message of hope and inspiration through music.

And finally, Family Promise of Wichita, a non-profit organization will provide a presentation to bring awareness of the need in Wichita, and inform of their compassionate support to homeless families for achieving independence.

CHORAL CLASSICS: SOLID GROUND

General: $20. Senior (60+): $15 

College/University Students: $5

Elementary, Middle, and High School Students: Free 

Tickets are available online www.wichitachorale.com, in person at Senseney Music, 2300 E Lincoln, Wichita; by mail to the WCC, PO Box 20744, Wichita 67208; or at the door.