Cantor Auditions

The primary goal of the Cantor is to facilitate, animate, motivate and inspire the sung prayer of the assembly within the context of Roman Catholic liturgy. Care is to be taken to reflect the diversity of the community by including men and women of various ages, backgrounds, and vocations.

Job Description

  • Cantors must complete the necessary applications as well as IRS tax forms, fingerprinting, background checks, and Diocesan safe environment training.
  • Due to the unique nature of the ministry, Cathedral Cantors are compensated for their service per engagement including a separate stipend for rehearsals, professional development sessions, and other meetings as required by the Director of Music in consultation with the Rector.
  • The Cantors may be asked to assist with the Cathedral Parish Choir as section leaders. This service will be compensated at the normal Cantor rate.
  • Attend rehearsals and professional development opportunities as scheduled.
  • Recognizes that an appointment to this ministry is to meet the various sacred, liturgical, and ritual music needs of the Parish and Diocesan community.
  • Secures the published schedule and makes arrangements to switch with another Cantor through the Director of Music when scheduled times conflict with personal schedules.
  • Arrives no later than 30 minutes before Mass.
  • Looks at the music in advance, arrives sufficiently warmed-up, and prepared to sing the music with little required rehearsal time.
  • Although Cantors are vested in albs, the Cantor dresses appropriately for Mass. No shorts, sneakers, open-toed shoes, or excessive high-heeled shoes. Overuse of perfume or cologne is highly discouraged.
  • Fully understands that the real presence of Christ is fully present in the Consecrated Wine as it is in the Consecrated Bread. The real presence is also in the Word proclaimed and in the people gathered to pray,

Job Qualifications

  • Active, practicing Roman Catholic, living according to the tenets of the Roman Catholic Church
  • Bachelor of Music or higher in vocal performance or associated discipline; 5 years of experience.
  • Proficient and pleasant vocal technique and sound production with due diligence given to: Phrasing, Breath support/control, Diction, Rhythm, and dynamics
  • Ability to work in coordination with the organist to teach assembly new music
  • Singing knowledge of Ecclesiastical Latin
  • Spanish singing ability preferred
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships
  • Familiarity with the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching and understanding of sacred music including Sacrosanctum Concilium (1963), Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship (2007)
  • Availability to carry out responsibilities including Saturday and Sundays and all holidays
  • An exceptional reputation as a musician and individual

Relationships

The cantor is directly responsible to Guardian Angel Cathedral’s Director of Music.

Hours Needed

  • Weekend liturgies (Saturday, 2:30 PM Vigil; Sunday, 7:30 AM, 9 AM, & 11 AM)
  • Holy Days of Obligation
  • Christmas
  • Holy Week (Chrism Mass on Tuesday of Holy Week, Office of Tenebrae on Wednesday of Holy Week, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday)
  • Various Diocesan liturgies (Ordinations, Red Mass, White Mass, Confirmation, Wedding Anniversary Mass, etc.) and for other rituals as needed.
  • Other scheduled Masses, concerts, or liturgical services
  • General availability for weddings and weekday/weekend funerals.

Audition Information

  • An example of a traditional hymn (provided to you in advance)
  • An example of music written in the post-conciliar age (provided to you in advance)
  • Sanctus from Community Mass
  • Through-composed Gloria from Mass of Joy and Peace
  • Pentecost sequence chant in Latin
  • Sight-reading (up to XYZ seconds provided)
  • Ability to match pitch and rhythm on a neutral vowel syllable

To Apply

Please apply with a resume or curriculum vitae, cover letter (in which you should explain your personal vision of sacred music for a modern Cathedral Parish), and some examples of streamed Masses and/or recordings of you singing sacred repertoire. YouTube or Vimeo links are preferable.

These materials should be addressed to Mr. William Paul Freeman, Director of Music & Organist, and sent to directorofmusic@gaclv.org with “CANTOR APPLICATION” clearly delineated in the subject line.

Applicants will be screened based upon their qualifications, cover letter, and ability to clearly follow directions outlined in this section. Those meeting the minimum qualifications will be contacted to schedule an interview and complete the Diocesan application.

Questions

Please contact the Director of Music.