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Chamberlayne Heights United Methodist Church6100 Chamberlayne Road, Richmond, VA 23227

HANDBELL DIRECTOR JOB DESCRIPTIONChamberlayne Heights UMC is a community of believers who celebrate God’s love by growing in the Word, living the Word and sharing the Word. We believe that music is an integral part of this celebration and that the music of the Handbell Choir greatly enhances our corporate worship experience.

The Director of the Handbell Choir should have a demonstrable faith in Jesus Christ and seek to serve God’s people in Christian love.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Administrative:

Meet regularly with the Pastor Attend church staff meetings Attend church council meetings when requested Work cooperatively with the Pastor, the Director of Music, the Worship

Planning Team and the Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee (S/PPRC) in planning music for the worship experience

Present financial requests to the Pastor and the Finance Committee each fall for inclusion in the annual budget of the church

Skills and Qualifications:

Demonstrate ability to select handbell music which will enhance worship

Demonstrate knowledge of music theory, handbell techniques and directorial skills

Demonstrate ability to assess members’ individual skills and ability to nurture members’ growth in those skills as well as growth as an ensemble

Demonstrate openness to a variety of musical styles, genres and repertoire and consult with the Pastor to decide their appropriateness for worship

Responsibilities:

Hold weekly rehearsals of the Handbell Choir from September through May

Play monthly for worship service(s) and any special services or events as requested by the Pastor

Select and purchase appropriate handbell music and equipment

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Organize and maintain the handbell music library See that all equipment is maintained in good order and is transported

safely and securely Recruit new ringers and substitutes for the handbell choir Arrange for a substitute director in the event of an absence Encourage the Handbell Choir to strive for peak performance by

attending clinics, workshops and festivals as well as attending rehearsal regularly

Maintain a professional relationship with other handbell musicians/directors and explore developments in worship and liturgy through continuing education, professional church publications and associations

Sign the Chamberlayne Heights Child Protection Policy required by all staff in accordance with United Methodist Church policy

Schedule:

This position is part-time, primarily 1 ½ hours weekly practice and monthly worship service(s) performances from September to May. There is no set/required office schedule; however, the Handbell Director is expected to commit the time and energy needed to perform the required duties effectively,

Other:

Participation in the life and activities of the church is strongly encouraged

The primary working relationships for music and worship matters are with the Pastor, Worship Planning Team and the S/PPRC

The S/PPRC will oversee all work related matters and relationships and will review these with the Handbell Director on an annual basis