Catholic Mass Music Director/Musician - 0900 Sunday Service

The Catholic Mass Music Director/Musician provides musical leadership for the 0900 Sunday Catholic Mass at Langley AFB Chapel. The role includes selecting and performing liturgically appropriate music, leading rehearsals, directing the choir, and coordinating musical components for regular and special services. This position supports one of the largest and most active Catholic programs in the U.S. Air Force, requiring strong musical, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Liturgical Music Leadership

• Select and prepare sacred music for Masses, in coordination with and approved by the Catholic Priest/Chaplain.

• Provide instrumental accompaniment (organ or keyboard) and vocal leadership.

• Lead congregational singing and direct the choir and cantors.

• Plan, schedule, and conduct weekly rehearsals and additional rehearsals for special services.

Repertoire & Performance

• Preferred proficiency with the historic 1934 M.P. Möller Opus 6299 pipe organ (or demonstrate comparable musical skills on other instruments).

• Proficiency in Gregorian Chant and polyphonic music is highly valued.

• Perform for regular Sunday Masses, Holy Days of Obligation, funerals, and other chapel services (total of 124 annual service/rehearsal units).

Team & Choir Coordination

• Recruit and train volunteer choir members, instrumentalists, and cantors.

• Communicate regularly with choir members and collaborate closely with the Catholic Priest and chapel staff.

• Attend quarterly liturgical planning meetings.

Administrative & Compliance

• Ensure all music used complies with copyright regulations (e.g., OneLicense®, CCLI).

• Maintain music library, forecast and order music in accordance with USAF budgeting cycles.

• Follow all applicable military base, chapel, and security regulations.

• Submit qualified substitutes for approval when absent (14-day notice required).

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Music or equivalent professional experience in Catholic liturgical music.

• Experience in sacred music performance, choir direction, and accompaniment.

• Strong sight-reading and music teaching skills.

Technical & Liturgical Skills

• Accompanist proficiency on organ and/or keyboard in Catholic liturgical settings.

• Ability to lead and organize choir and musical teams.

• Familiarity with the Catholic liturgical calendar, rites, and music guidelines.

• Ability to operate chapel sound equipment during services.

Professional & Interpersonal Competencies

• Ability to work collaboratively with clergy, staff, and volunteers.

• Strong organizational and communication skills.

• Familiarity with military chapel environment and decorum.

• Professional appearance and demeanor in line with chapel expectations.

Security & Training Requirements:

• Must complete VIRTUS child protection training before starting.

• Must pass all required background checks including:

  • National Agency Check Investigation (NACI)

  • State Criminal History Check

  • Installation Records Check

• Must comply with Langley AFB security and access protocols.

• Must adhere to all health, safety, and pandemic-related directives.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a résumé/CV, references, and a sample liturgical music program or list of past performances. Preference will be given to applicants with organ proficiency and experience in Catholic liturgical music leadership.