POSITION OVERVIEW
Position Title: Children’s School Choir Director & Section Leader / Staff Singer – Soprano
Job Type: Part-Time (Season: October – May)
Posting Date: September 2, 2026
Application Deadline: October 1, 2026
Openings: 1 (Soprano)
On-Site Time Commitment: Approximately 3.5–4 hours per week (~20–25 hours/month total), consisting of a 45-minute Wednesday choir class (1:55 PM – 2:40 PM), a weekly ensemble rehearsal (~1.5 hours), and assigned Sunday Mass services.
Work Locations: St. Maria Goretti Catholic School and Divine Mercy Parish – Madison, WI
Base Guaranteed Compensation: $867.00 / month flat rate ($700/month parish + $167/month annualized school seasonal stipend) + Additional paid services.
WHY THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY
This position combines the stability of a guaranteed monthly stipend for a focused time commitment with a high-value mentorship and professional development opportunity. Working alongside experienced, high-level musicians, you will gain hands-on expertise in Sacred Polyphony, Gregorian Chant, Historically Informed Performance (HIP), and Youth Choir Leadership, making it an ideal environment to build your skills and elevate your professional portfolio.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
St. Maria Goretti Catholic School and Divine Mercy Parish are seeking a qualified Soprano for the part-time position of Children’s School Choir Director & Section Leader / Staff Singer. This role bridges weekly school music instruction with a leadership presence in the parish’s Sacred Music Ministry. As Children’s Choir Director, the candidate will lead a weekly 45-minute elective choir class for 5th–8th grade students (Wednesdays, 1:55 PM – 2:40 PM), focusing on vocal development, ensemble singing, and preparing a final performance. You will benefit from direct, ongoing pedagogical and organizational mentorship from the Director of Sacred Music, ensuring you are fully supported in repertoire selection, rehearsal planning, and classroom management. As Section Leader / Staff Singer (Soprano), the candidate will provide vocal leadership for the soprano section during weekly rehearsals, Sunday liturgies, and major parish Solemnities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Children’s School Choir Director
- Weekly Instruction: Lead the 45-minute elective choir class for 5th–8th graders (Wednesdays, 1:55 PM – 2:40 PM).
- Vocal & Musical Development: Foster fundamental skills including pitch accuracy, rhythm, diction, healthy vocal technique, and choral blend.
- Repertoire & Performance: Select age-appropriate repertoire in consultation with the Director of Sacred Music and prepare students for an end-of-season showcase.
- Educational Environment: Maintain a positive, well-organized, and encouraging learning environment that instills a love for singing.
2. Section Leader / Staff Singer
- Sectional Leadership: Support and guide the soprano section, ensuring musical accuracy, tone blend, and phrasing.
- Rehearsals & Liturgies: Attend weekly ensemble rehearsals (~1.5 hours) and assigned Sunday Mass services (call time 45 minutes prior to service).
- Cantor & Small Ensembles: Serve as parish cantor or perform in small vocal ensembles (quartets, trios) as scheduled.
- Artistic Collaboration: Work closely with the Director of Sacred Music and fellow staff singers in delivering high-caliber sacred music.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Guaranteed Base Stipend: $867.00 per month (October through May).
Additional Paid Opportunities: Separate per-service pay for special events, concerts, and extra rehearsals outside the standard schedule.
Scheduling Flexibility: The Letter of Agreement is crafted with built-in flexibility and generous allowances for planned absences during the season, making it easy to balance with university coursework, private teaching, or other artistic gigs.
QUALIFICATIONS
Choral & Vocal Background: Solid, healthy vocal technique (Soprano), general ensemble/choral singing experience, and strong sight-reading skills.
Enthusiasm for Growth: Openness and desire to learn classical and sacred choral repertoire under professional guidance.
Teaching Aptitude: Positive demeanor, patience, and a genuine enthusiasm for working with children and youth.
Early-Career Friendly: Early-career singers, graduate students, and undergraduate music majors (vocal performance or music education) seeking practical mentorship are strongly encouraged to apply.
Piano proficiency: Basic keyboard skills to assist with rehearsals are appreciated, though not required.
Mission & witness: Must be a Catholic who understands, respects, and upholds the mission and identity of the Catholic Church, Divine Mercy Parish, and St. Maria Goretti School (Diocese of Madison Safe Environment compliance required upon hire).
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit your resume/CV to: music@divinemercymadison.org
(If available, applicants are encouraged to attach 1–2 audio/video links demonstrating vocal abilities; informal or smartphone recordings are welcome).
Deadline: Applications will be accepted until October 1, 2026, or until the position is filled.
