Nexus Music Coordinator

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Over the last two months, we have been working on re-visioning the Nexus music program.  A fairly large group of individuals came together on two occasions physically and via email in an effort to develop a cohesive vision for what the Nexus music program will look like.  

Following is "Our Vision for Music at Nexus Church"  as it has emerged from Saturday's workshop.

The vision statement contains four sections:

1. Goals and Aspirations
2. Principles and values
3. Job description for Nexus Church Music Coordinator
4. Participants in the two workshops

While the headings are mine, I believe all the content faithfully captures the discussions we had Saturday.

I invite you to read and reflect.  No document, especially a Vision statement, is ever completely finished and final.  As you read this statement, I ask you to reflect:  is it faithful to how you see God calling Nexus Church?  does it capture your interests and desire for music at Nexus?  is it good enough to guide our music for (say) the next year?

Blessings on us all as we sing and sign a "new" song unto God.

Mike


Our Vision for Music at Nexus Church

Goals and aspirations

At Nexus Church music itself will be a transcendent experience 
– personal and in the moment

• Closeness to God through music
• Spirituality
• Sung to express emotion
• Connection community
• Appropriate
• Inspiration
• Awe
• Passion
• Spirituality
• Music related to rest of worship
• Meaningful worship
• Meaningful lyrics and musical messages
• Music facilitates togetherness and community

The Nexus congregation will be visibly engaged and connected with the music.

• Audience is engaged – the Spirit  is engaged
• Congregations eager, full of spirit and excited to participate in worship service
• Connection with audience
• Being “in” the music – everyone participating
• Energy from group all in the same moment
• Meaningful leadership from musicians encouraging audience
• Audience going together – has spirit of a group
• Congregation is physically involved - -i.e., clapping, movement, etc.
• Music is high energy
• Congregation has its own repertoire of music

Among themselves, Nexus musicians will have a spirit of family and teamwork.

• Accomplished, sense of shining
• Friendships created
• Friendships
• Playing with a group
• Camaraderie
• Harmony
• Being outside the box together
• Building relationships with the group
• Togetherness

Principles and values

Overall, our musical program at Nexus Church will 

• be inclusive of all musical talents, all musical styles, and all levels of capability
• embrace diversity through allowing the active witness of all
• encourage all to participate in their own way and to try new stuff.

We envision an open structure which is welcoming to all and which encourages and enables musicians to let their lights shine.

We will periodically evaluate how well we are meeting these goals and principles.

Nexus Church Music Coordinator

Overall focus
Work with the congregation, musicians, and pastor to ensure that the Nexus Church musical
vision becomes a reality.

Specific responsibilities

Communication

1. Communicate with all musicians and find out what they are willing to do to help Nexus pursue its movement and growth.
2. Communicate with the congregation and listen to what they want to hear and see.
3. Serve as liaison between the pastor, a/v persons, and music ensembles to ensure the music ensembles are aware of the topics that will be covered each Sunday in order to ensure the music selections enhance the service.

Planning

1. Coordinate the schedule of regular musical ensembles and special music (soloists, unique pairings, children’s performances, etc.) for Sunday morning worship services.
2. Create and propose fun and exciting events for Nexus within Nexus' budget, time, and manner.  Coordinate music for special events (Christmas Eve, Open Jam Day, Ice Cream Social, etc.).
3. Provide assistance with musicians and ensembles, as requested.

Administration

1. Maintain sound and musical equipment owned by Nexus Church.
2. Maintain a library of music used during Sunday worship and other special events.  

Selection
As part of the Nexus Church staff, the Music Coordinator is selected by the Nexus Church
Governing Council.

Supervision
The pastor provides week-to-week supervision of the Music Coordinator.


Participation in the visioning process

These statements were developed over a three-month period, open to anyone interested in music at Nexus Church.  In addition to numerous e-mails, phone conversations, and private conversations, there were two face-to-face, public workshops.  The “final” version presented here took shape in the second workshop. 

 Participants in these workshops were as follows:

10 January 2009
Brian Smith
Chip Bramlage
Dave Jarman
Emily Closson
Judy Waldron
Karl Ulrich
Mike Underhill
Nick (junior)
Nick (senior)
Suzie Jarman
Vince Benabese
Warren Waldron

7 March 2009
Chip Bramlage
Judy Waldron
Mike Underhill
Sandi Lerman
Suzie Jarman
Vince Benabese
Warren Waldron