Handbell Director Job Description

New Philadelphia Moravian Church is seeking a Handbell Director for our adult handbell choir. The choir plays 3-5 octave repertoire monthly at either our 9:00 or 11:10 a.m. Sunday worship service, and is comprised of players with a variety of skill levels and music reading ability. The right candidate will be able to teach effectively to people of all skill levels and lead with enthusiasm.  A new director will begin leading regular rehearsals in August 2016.

The Handbell Director reports to the Director of Music.

Main Duties:

• The Handbell Director is the conductor of our adult handbell choir.
• Select music appropriate to the needs of the worship service and the skill level and interest of the players.
• Schedule and lead all rehearsals for the adult handbell choir, coordinating setup with the Facility Manager, as appropriate.
• Schedule and conduct all adult handbell choir performances during the church program year, September through May.
• Prepare small groups as needed for hymn descants, accompaniments with the Chancel Choir, and other special music events as needed by the Director of Music.
• Organize and maintain the handbell choir music library.
• Oversee the maintenance of the handbell choir equipment.
• Periodically lead a “Handbell Boot Camp” session, designed to recruit and train new potential ringers for the adult handbell choir.
• Explore the possibility of starting a youth handbell choir.

Current Schedule:

• Rehearsal begins in August and runs through the May performance annually
• The adult handbell choir rehearses weekly on Wednesday evenings 5-6 p.m.
• Performance monthly at either our 9:00 or 11:10 a.m. Sunday worship service
• Special music presentations during liturgical seasons (e.g. Christmas Eve lovefeast)

Equipment:

• 5 octaves of Malmark Handbells with cases (last serviced Feb. 2011)
• C4 – G7 Suzuki Handchimes with cases (last serviced Feb. 2011)
• C3 – B3 – Malmark Handchimes (last serviced Feb. 2011)
• 12 Acrylic risers and 12 Handbell notebooks
• Attire (vest, gloves)
• Singing bell dowels
• Rock-a-bell (3)
• Mallets (full set)
• Permanently designated Bell Loft in the sanctuary
• Permanently designated Bell Room for practice
• 3 Handbell carts

Qualifications:

• Knowledge and skill in directing and teaching handbell choirs.
• Knowledge of music regarding appropriateness for liturgical seasons and level of skill of the handbell choir members.
• Good communication, organizational, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to work well with others.

Send cover letter and résumé to:
Jessica Beaver, Human Resources Advisory Committee
New Philadelphia Moravian Church
4440 Country Club Road
Winston-Salem, NC 27104
Or via email: jls_beaver@hotmail.com
Review of applicants begins June 5. The position will remain open until filled.