Toronto First is an established but growing congregation of over 300 members and friends from diverse religious and social backgrounds. We are religiously liberal, united not around a creed or dogma but a shared set of values including free exploration, mutual respect and social action. We are located at Avenue Road and St. Clair but our members come from all over greater Toronto. Please take a look at our website to gain a sense of who we are http://firstunitariantoronto.org .

The Director of Congregational Music is a new position. We are looking for enthusiastic professional music leadership that will inspire and motivate, notably in our worship services and Religious Education but in other areas of Congregational life as well. This is not simply an organist and choirmaster position. In fact, we don’t own an organ (though we do have a very nice grand piano). The ideal candidate may come from a traditional or non-traditional music background. She or he should have the following qualifications:

Musical Skills
1. High level performance skills in a variety of musical genres
2. Sight reading & improvisation skills
3. High level of skill on piano or high level of skill on one instrument or voice, plus competency at the piano
4. Ability to direct ensembles including choirs

Music Leadership Skills
1. Ability to provide inspiration & vision for a creative, expanding music program
2. Ability to recruit, motivate & support the musical talent within the congregation
3. Ability to research & develop an appropriately diverse repertoire for a Unitarian Universalist congregation
4. Experience in envisioning & promoting high quality musical events

General Skills
1. Ability to organize & set priorities
2. Flexibility
3. Ability to take initiative & be self-directed within a collaborative model
4. Strong interpersonal skills, including tact & discretion
5. Ability to engage children, youth, adults and seniors alike, in the musical life of the community

The full job description can be found here http://firstunitariantoronto.org/dcmjobdesc.htm .

For some background on the music program at Toronto First, please see the Report of the Music Task Force (2005) http://www.firstunitariantoronto.org/MTFreport-summary.pdf . Please note that the sample job description differs somewhat from the current version.

For a description of our worship program, please see the Worship and Ministry section of our website. http://www.firstunitariantoronto.org/sunday_mornings.htm

Applications including letter of interest and curriculum vitae may be submitted in confidence to

Rodney Branch
Chair, DCM Search Committee
c/o The First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto
175 St. Clair Avenue West
Toronto, Ontario
M4V 4P7

Or to
rod@firstunitariantoronto.org

The deadline for submission is 12:30 p.m. (office closing), Thursday, May 15.

Short listed candidates will be requested to attend an interview and brief performance audition. They will also be asked to lead a brief (20 minute) rehearsal with the Congregation choir.