Cantor and Song Leader Roles

Paid professional cantors to lead and inspire congregational singing, proclaim the psalm, gospel acclamation, meditative solo songs, harmonize with music director, minimally 3 Eucharistic celebrations in a given weekend, as well as on important holy days. This will provide a higher level of consistency in terms of musicality and leadership. These cantors will provide singing for all parish weddings, many of which include the unchurched, requiring a high level of expertise to engage the congregation in full participation. Cantors, as a part of their ministry, will volunteer their musical services at various liturgical celebrations and/or musical activities. (ex. singing in the special occasion choir or small special occasion select group, workshop training for leaders of song, assisting with special choral rehearsals as section leaders, volunteering for a mass other than their scheduled, paid masses, etc.)

• demonstrate a high level of musical proficiency–background including formal training, professional experience or commensurate experience

• be well prepared musically

• will demonstrate an attitude of calm, competent, assured leadership and encouragement for the congregation

• have an understanding of liturgy and the role of music in the liturgy

• set a high standard of musicianship for the congregation–model healthy, technically accurate, in tune singing

• have a broad background and repertoire of liturgical music from which to draw

• be able to prepare for liturgies independently

• schedule at least one Sunday per *schedule cycle to cantor at 9:00. 11:00, 12:45 Sunday liturgies (1 voluntary, 2 paid)

• will volunteer for Holy Day liturgies (Christmas, Holy Week, etc.)

• will attend choir rehearsal prior to designated Holy Day, when applicable

• be available as paid soloist for parish weddings/funerals

Voluntary leaders of song to assist music director in leading the ordinary parts of the mass as well as congregational hymns at the Saturday 4:30 and Sunday 6:00 liturgies.

• Music director sings psalm, Gospel acclamation, meditation hymns.)

Leaders of song will be scheduled at masses in which a cantor is not present. Cantors and Leaders of Song are appointed by audition.  For more information or to set up an audition, contact music coordinator Jennifer Sokira at jsokira.stjamesparish@gmail.com or Music director, Barbara Mariconda at barjmar2@aol.com.

 St. James Parish

Song Leadership Schedule 2/7-5/31/09

* Holy Week/Easter Schedule TBD