
Youth Choir Director
Position Summary
The Youth Choirs Director at the First Parish in Bedford, MA, a Unitarian Universalist congregation, reports to the Music Director. The Youth Choirs Director is responsible for developing and guiding an engaging, empowering, and inclusive youth choir program that encourages musical growth, personal growth through performance, and community building, grounded in Unitarian Universalist values and a spirit of creativity and fun. The Youth Choirs Director communicates and collaborates regularly with the Director of Faith Development for Children in choosing music for our all-ages services. The Youth Choirs Director also collaborates as needed with the ministry staff, the Music Committee and music staff, and the volunteers who support the program. Applicants need not be Unitarian Universalist, but familiarity with Unitarian Universalism is a plus.
Reports to: Music Director
Specific Tasks
Acting under general supervision of the Music Director, performs the following:
Develops and guides the Youth Choirs program at First Parish in Bedford during the regular church year, including determining the number and structure of the choirs in consultation with the Music Director.
Conducts youth choirs during scheduled services according to the annual schedule, to be determined in consultation with the Music Director and ministry team (typically no more than one service a month).
Rehearses with the youth choirs, typically once a week for each choir, with additional rehearsals as required.
Consults with the ministry team to plan each worship service in which they perform, including recommending a wide range of music for specific service themes.
Attends Music Committee and staff meetings when requested or needed (usually not more than 3-4 times per church year).
Coordinates a yearly showcase for youth (e.g. cabaret, other musical events, etc.) at the discretion of the Youth Choir Director, in consultation with the Music Director and Music Committee.
Support provided
Rehearsal spaces, keyboards, and instruments to adequately carry out the responsibilities of the position.
A separate professional accompanist for performances during services.
Support to maintain professional contacts and continued professional growth.
Feedback and evaluation provided by the Music Director, with input from the Senior Minister and Music Committee.
Interaction with others
Communicates and collaborates as needed with the Director of Faith Development for Children. Frequently interacts with professional and lay leadership, including the ministry team, volunteers, and others in the parish community with an interest in music, with a special emphasis on the parents of youth who are actively participating in and interested in the youth music program.
Basic Qualifications
Skilled musician with conducting skills and an emphasis on working with youth musicians.
Experience and proficiency in diverse musical genres and practices.
Appropriate keyboard skill for accompanying rehearsals.
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in music preferred but not required.
Additional Qualifications
Familiarity with or willingness to learn about Unitarian Universalist music and musical culture.
Excitement to collaborate with staff and volunteers; sensitivity in dealing with parents and volunteers.
Enthusiastic to be a part of and help grow a fully inclusive and welcoming musical program for all youth.
This description is a summary of job activities. Other duties may be agreed upon from time to time as necessary.
Salary: $18,500-$19,500 per annum.
Yearly time period – after Labor Day through mid-June.
If interested, contact Bradford Conner, music director, at bconner@uubedford.org or music@uubedford.org through August 1, 2025.