Job Opportunities

Assistant Director of Music for Handbells

Westminster Presbyterian Church of Portland, Oregon, is seeking an Assistant Director of Music for Handbells as part of a large music ministry. Applicants should be experienced in either ringing or conducting a handbell choir of 12 to 14 experienced ringers. The position will be open until filled, with the expected starting date of July 1, 2026. The full job description is below. Please send all inquiries and letters of application to:

 

Debbie Glaze

Director of Music Ministries

Westminster Presbyterian Church

1624 NE Hancock St.

Portland, OR  97212

glazed@pdx.edu

 

 

Westminster Presbyterian Church Job Description for

Assistant Director of Music, Handbells

 

The Assistant Director of Music for Handbells shall oversee all aspects of the handbell program with the goal of enhancing the worship experience of the congregation through the gift of handbell music.  The duties of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

  1. Choir membership oversight:
    1. Recruit members.
    2. Train members in bell ringing skills and techniques.
    3. Educate members on the appropriate use, care, and storage of equipment.
    4. Plan and conduct rehearsals, usually once a week Sept-May and of approximately 1.5 hours duration, or as needed to prepare the choir for music presentations.
  2. Oversee the Handbell Music Library
    1. Maintain and update the library.
    2. Select and purchase music as needed and budgeted.
    3. Stay abreast of newly published/released handbell repertoire.
  3. Oversee Equipment
    1. Maintain all necessary equipment including instruments and accessories.
  4. Lead Handbells in Worship
    1. Select appropriate repertoire and communicate the same for bulletin inclusion in a timely manner.
    2. Present music once a month Oct-May, usually offertory and anthem.
    3. Present music at other special services as needed in coordination with the Director of Music and the Chair of Worship and Music.

 

This job reports to the Director of Music. The person in this role is a member of the Music Committee, a sub-committee of the Worship and Music Committee.

 

Skills highly recommended:

  • Ability to conduct.
  • Ability to assess the skills of the group and to select music and make assignments that are within the members’ ringing abilities and that enable the members to ring successfully.
  • Demonstrated experience in ringing or conducting a handbell choir.
  • Familiarity with handbells: structure, care, and maintenance.
  • Familiarity with handbell notation and techniques, and the ability to teach the same.
  • Familiarity with handbell music repertoire.
  • Good communication and organizational skills.

 

It is anticipated that the Assistant Director of Music in charge of Handbells will spend an average of 5 hours per week in their duties.

 

 

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