SHEPHERD OF THE LAKE LUTHERAN CHURCHPart-tme - program-year position, $100 per callReports to Director of 9am worship service, or designated worship/music staff memberThe Bass Vocalist Section Leader supports the worship life of Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church by providing strong, faithful, and musically prepared leadership within the bass section of the adult choir. This person helps strengthen congregational song, models healthy vocal technique, and contributes to a welcoming, collaborative rehearsal and worship environment shaped by Shepherd of the Lake’s commitment to Open Hearts, Open Minds, and an Open Table. The section leader serves in a congregation where music is woven throughout ministry and where singers of varied experience are invited to grow, serve, and make music together.JOB RESPONSIBILITIESProvide dependable musical leadership for the bass section during rehearsals, Sunday worship, and special services at Shepherd of the Lake.Arrive prepared, having learned assigned music in advance and ready to lead with accurate pitch, rhythm, diction, blend, and musical expression.Support the choir director and Music & Worship Ministry staff by modeling attentive rehearsal behavior, healthy vocal production, and respectful collaboration.Assist bass singers with notes, entrances, pronunciation, phrasing, and musical interpretation as needed.Lead brief sectional rehearsals or help teach part-specific passages when requested by the choir director.Strengthen congregational singing by leading hymns, psalms, liturgical responses, and service music with confidence and humility.Serve as a soloist, small ensemble singer, cantor, or worship leader when appropriate and mutually agreed upon.Participate in major festival services and seasonal events, including Advent, Christmas, Lent, Holy Week, Easter, Pentecost, Reformation, and other congregational celebrations as scheduled.Help foster a musical community that welcomes people wherever they are on their faith journey and encourages participation, learning, and fellowship.Communicate promptly with the choir director regarding absences, scheduling conflicts, vocal health concerns, or section needs.QUALIFICATIONSStrong bass vocal ability with secure intonation, clear diction, and healthy technique.Ability to read choral music accurately; strong sight-reading skills preferred.Experience singing in choirs, church music settings, chamber ensembles, or comparable vocal groups.Familiarity with Lutheran worship, liturgy, hymnody, and sacred choral repertoire preferred.Comfort singing a range of musical styles represented in Shepherd of the Lake’s worship life, including traditional choral music, hymnody, bell- and organ-supported worship, contemporary sacred music, global song, and service music.Ability to work graciously with singers of varied musical experience and confidence levels.Reliability, punctuality, preparation, and strong communication skills.Respect for the theology, worship practices, and inclusive welcome of the ELCA tradition and Shepherd of the Lake’s ministry culture.
SCHEDULE AND EXPECTATIONSThe Bass Vocalist Section Leader is expected to attend weekly choir rehearsals during the program year, scheduled Sunday worship services, and special services as assigned. Shepherd of the Lake’s regular program-year Sunday worship schedule includes services at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., with seasonal schedule adjustments as announced by the congregation. Specific rehearsal times, worship call times, and seasonal expectations will be established by the Director of Music or designated worship/music staff member. Regular attendance is essential, and advance notice is expected for unavoidable absences.COMPENSATIONSection leader compensation is $100 per call. Additional compensation may be arranged for weddings, funerals, concerts, recording projects, or services beyond the regular agreement.WORKING RELATIONSHIPSThe Bass Vocalist Section Leader works closely with Shepherd of the Lake’s Director of the 9AM Service, choir director, and/or designated worship/music staff member, pastors, accompanists, ensemble leaders, other section leaders, and volunteer choir members. This role is both musical and pastoral in tone: the section leader helps create an environment where singers are encouraged, worship is well supported, and the assembly’s song is strengthened.APPLICATION MATERIALSResume or brief summary of relevant vocal, choral, and church music experience.Contact information for two references, preferably including a music director, conductor, pastor, or ensemble leader.Short statement describing interest in supporting worship and music ministry at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church.Audition or recorded sample demonstrating bass vocal range, tone, musicality, and ability to sing hymnody or sacred choral repertoire.Application materials may be submitted to the appropriate Music & Arts Ministry contact at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, 3611 North Berens Road NW, Prior Lake, MN 55379.