Organist and Associate Director of Music

August 2020

Continuing our 164 year history of bold music-making, First Presbyterian Church of Dallas is seeking a
dynamic and innovative Organist and Associate Director of Music who will engage, enliven, and enhance
our downtown worshipping community. The ideal candidate for this position will be comfortable taking
risks in worship, leading repertoire from varied times and traditions, and working with church members
of all musical abilities.

HOURS
• ​Part-time:​ This position is a part-time exempt position averaging 15–20 hours a week, including
regular Wednesday evening rehearsals with the Chancel Choir (7–8:30PM), Sunday morning services
(8:30AM, 11:00AM), personal rehearsal time, staff meetings, and planning.

• During high holy seasons (particularly Advent, Christmas, Holy Week, Easter), additional services,
music events, or extended rehearsals will be required. Additionally, other music events throughout the
year may include choir concerts, recitals and other community events.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Work with the Director of Music to provide musical support for all worship services, memorials,
weddings, and other church or community events:

• Lead congregational song from the organ or piano during Sunday morning services; enhance worship
through music during the services including preludes, offertories, postludes and accompaniment of
hymns and choral anthems.

• Accompany the Chancel Choir during Wednesday evening choir rehearsals, Sunday morning
rehearsals, worship services, concerts, and all rehearsals for worship or concert preparation.
• Work with the Director of Music in selecting appropriate music for worship services; regularly select
music for the prelude and postlude at regular services in alignment with the scripture, liturgical
calendar, and tone of worship services.
• Attend regular planning meetings with the Director of Music and other FPC staff.
• Plan and execute creative, meaningful worship experiences with other musicians, soloists, and
ensembles in the church (Handbell Choir, Children and Youth Choirs, soloists/cantors, alternative
ensembles).
• Serve as the primary organist or pianist for memorial services, funerals, and weddings (compensation
for weddings is in addition to salary).
• Establish personal rehearsal time at the organ/piano and schedule sanctuary or chapel for organ
usage.
• Oversee the care and maintenance of the sanctuary and chapel organ and pianos.
• Secure a qualified substitute for all absences.

EXPECTATIONS
Character: ​maintains a strong sense of humility, a heart for the city of Dallas, a pastoral identity, and an
inclination towards inclusive and expansive theologies.

Organization:​ ​has a desire to work collaboratively with the Director of Music, clergy, and other staff
members; has strong communication and organizational skills.

Musicality:​ ​extensive organ music repertoire, ranging from early church music to modern compositions;
ability and desire to play in a multitude of genres and styles.

Education: ​minimum of Bachelor’s degree in organ performance, sacred music, or other keyboard
concentration with a strong organ emphasis.

ORGANS
Kate Frierson Memorial Organ​, built by Robert Sipe in 1977, refurbished by Schudi in 2020
W. Neill Stewart, Jr. Organ,​ built by Dan Jaeckel in 1988
More information including stop lists can be found here: ​https://fpcdallas.org/organ

COMPENSATION
Compensation will be offered based on education and experience, including paid time off.
Compensation for weddings is in addition to base salary.

HEALTH & SAFETY

All church programming in our church building was suspended as of March 13, 2020, including in-person
worship. The reopening of our building for worship and/or music activities is TBD: this decision will be
made by the COVID-19 Taskforce in accordance with CDC guidelines and the recommendations of our
local government authorities. While our building is closed to the public, staff members will continue to
pre-record worship services on weekdays to be published on Sunday mornings. Recorded musical
content for worship currently includes small, socially-distant vocal ensembles and soloists for
congregational song, postludes, and responsive singing during prayers. The safety of our staff and
congregants is our greatest concern: anyone entering the building to record for worship must follow the
health and safety guidelines established by the COVID-19 Task Forces and operations department.

CONTACT
If you are interested in applying for this position, please email a PDF resume and cover letter to Zach
Light-Wells, Director of Music at ​zachL@fpcdallas.org