Background

Per US Navy Regulations (SECNAV INST 1730.7D, SECNAV INST 1730.7E, and OPNAV INST 1730), Commanding Officers are required to maintain a Command Religious Program (CRP) that accommodates the religious needs and rights of assigned military personnel, eligible family members, and other authorized users.

Position Overview

The Director of Music/Accompanist (DMA) will provide inspirational music in support of the Command Religious Program and offer professional recommendations for the musical program to the presiding chaplain or Civilian Religious Ministry Provider (CRMP).

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

• Assist the Command Chaplain in support of the Commander's Religious Program
• Seek program direction and guidance from the Command Chaplain as necessary
• Provide leadership, direction, and administration for Catholic and Protestant musical programs
• Coordinate and consult with the officiating chaplain or CRMP on selection of choral selections, choruses, hymns, and worship music

Professional Standards

• Maintain neat, clean, well-groomed appearance in professional attire when providing services
• Become acquainted with and obey all pertinent Command, DON, and DOD instructions
• Perform duties in a manner that prevents waste of government resources
• Do not use government equipment for personal business
• Register all motor vehicles with base security and operate according to applicable directives
• Comply with Executive Order 13989 of January 20, 2021 (Ethics Commitments by Executive Branch Personnel)

Administrative Duties

• Accomplish administrative requirements in a timely fashion
• Submit information for worship service programs/bulletins to the CRP Leading Petty Officer
• Assist the RMT with planning musical support, including written requests for equipment, musical scores, supplies, and materials to the chapel office

Specific Tasks

Equipment Maintenance

• Notify the Command Chaplain and CRP Leading Petty Officer of any required repairs and improvements to government-owned pianos, keyboards, and related equipment

Substitute Coverage

• Upon consultation with the Command Chaplain, provide a qualified substitute accompanist when the primary DMA is unavailable
• Substitute must be approved prior to implementation
• All compensation for substitute accompanists is the responsibility of the contractor

Installation Access & Compliance

• Maintain credentials for installation access
• Comply with all installation and government policies regarding identification badges, parking, and professional decorum

Physical Requirements

The position involves primarily sedentary work. Some walking, standing, carrying of light items, and cleaning of immediate work area is required.

Service Schedule

The DMA shall deliver the following services for each performance period:

Minimum Qualifications

Musical Expertise

• Skilled Musician: Ability to lead religious worship services with vocal and instrumental skills, performer management, and sound board operations
• Instrumental Skills: Proficiency in piano and guitar (minimum requirement)
• Music Reading: Ability to perform as conductor and guide musicians and vocalists in four-part musical scores
• Education: Professional training via secondary education or collegiate degree in music or entertainment arts

Background & Character

• Must submit to and satisfy a criminal background check performed by installation security
• No classified security clearance required
• Understanding of Navy organization and pluralistic ministry requirements affecting chapel facilities and staff
• Positive personality and pleasant demeanor when interfacing with chapel staff, visitors, military personnel, parishioners, and others

Audition Requirement

Candidates must perform an audition of three musical selections for the Command Chaplain:

1. One classical composition suitable for Prelude or Postlude
2. One hymn of the musician's own choosing
3. One hymn selected by the committee (sight-read), demonstrating ability to vocally lead congregational singing

Position Overview

The Catholic Director of Music will provide comprehensive Musician Services (Pianist/Keyboardist, Organist, Guitar Player, Drummer, Vocalist or Vocal Soloist) in support of military religious and worship activities for the Ft Johnson Religious Support Office, Ft Johnson Main Post Chapel.

Minimum Qualifications & Requirements

Documentation Requirements

• Provide resume and documentation to substantiate personal qualifications
• Although a specific degree is not mandatory, any credentials pertaining to this position, training and experience will be considered in the award
• Letters of recommendation from two Roman Catholic pastors or priests testifying to the candidate's performance and moral character are required

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience playing specific musical instruments appropriate for public worship services
• This requirement is waiverable by the COR upon senior installation Chaplain's review and approval
• Any waiver request must address how the candidate's knowledge, skills, education, or training prepared them to perform satisfactorily without the two years of relevant experience

Leadership & Collaboration Skills

• Demonstrate knowledge of planning and collaboration with liturgical musicians
• Communicate effectively with singers and choir members
• Select and present appropriate liturgical music in keeping with the Sacred Liturgy
• Function as a team member in a pluralistic environment with chaplains, staff, contractors and volunteers
• Possess the skills to synchronize music with choir and/or congregation

General Responsibilities

Performance Duties

• Function as First Cantor and Accompanist, leading the singing of the Goodfellow Catholic community at all weekend and Holy Day liturgical celebrations
• Incorporate songs and hymns into the music program when requested by the Catholic Chaplain or Auxiliary Priest
• Consult with the Catholic Chaplain or Auxiliary Priest for all questions concerning the celebration of the Sacred Liturgy

Choir Leadership

• Conduct, recruit, organize, train, and lead the choir
• Minimum of two weekly rehearsals:
  • One rehearsal on Sunday morning
  • One evening rehearsal during the week to accommodate students' schedules
• Direct the choir, recruit musicians, and provide choral responses, anthems and special music to enhance liturgical celebrations
• Continually recruit new choir members

Compliance & Professional Standards

• Comply with all Federal, State, Local Laws, Air Force Instructions, and Chapel Operating Instructions
• Follow all requirements including funds requests supporting the Catholic music program
• Maintain harmonious relationships with choir members and chapel staff
• Dress in a modest and professional manner appropriate for an office and/or worship environment
• Operate within Christian Copyright License International (CCLI) guidelines and CCLI Terms of Agreement

Specific Service Requirements

Weekly Worship Services

• Attend, participate and perform at worship services
• Services held weekly on Sunday at 9:00am CST (coordinated with Staff Chaplain)
• Attend one-hour weekly rehearsals at location and time determined by Staff Chaplain
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to scheduled service
• Remain 5 minutes following the benediction

Special Services Support

Provide worship support including prelude and postlude music for Special Services, which may include but are not limited to:

• Holy Days of Obligation
• Ash Wednesday
• Holy Thursday
• Good Friday service
• Easter Vigil
• Christmas
• Confirmations
• First Holy Communion
• Memorial or Commemorative Services

Additional Duties

• Direct the choir, recruit musicians, and provide choral responses, anthems and special music to enhance liturgical celebrations
• Continually recruit new choir members

Administrative Requirements

Tax & Financial Responsibilities

The Contractor is accountable for paying:

• Social Security payments
• Federal or Local Income Taxes
• State Unemployment Insurance premiums for themselves
• All payments for any individual employed or subcontracted by them to provide services under this contract

Substitute Services

• The Contractor will personally perform the services described or coordinate performance by a substitute of equal or higher qualifications
• Substitute must be approved as suitable by the lead faith Chaplain
• Submit names and qualifications of proposed subcontractors to the Catholic Parish Coordinator at least 14 days prior to proposed absence
• Subcontractors must meet all requirements for the position as outlined in this requisition

Youth Protection

In coordination with the Catholic Parish Coordinator, ensure all volunteers working with youth below 18 years of age complete a background check as described in DoDI 1402.5.

Criminal History Background Checks