Music Director Search Process Updates

We are writing with an update regarding our search for our new music director, and to invite your active participation in our next steps.  

As a reminder, the process led us to two finalists, both of whom were invited to lead music on a Sunday and work with the choir and other musicians as a preview of their potential role. Over the past few weeks, they have also met with our staff team to prepare for these visits.

After careful consideration, we have decided that one of the candidates will no longer be considered for the position, and we have canceled their visit. Although they demonstrated impressive musical talent, their limited experience with worship planning and familiarity with the UU hymnal and music canon would require training beyond our current capacity. We are grateful for their interest and enthusiasm and have provided them with constructive feedback.

As we move forward, our other candidate, Katie S. remains in the process. It is important to clarify that Katie’s continuation is not an indication of a final decision. Our goal is to ensure that our new Music Director is a great fit for Foothills, both in terms of musical ability, as well as a relational fit in the partnership of both lay and staff ministry. 

To this end, we hope you will join us for worship on Sunday the 15th, at the musicians’ gathering (5:30 pm), or choir rehearsal on Monday evening (6:45 pm) —or all of the above (more details coming soon). We need to see Katie S. working and making music with our community, and so our community showing up in full is crucial for our decision-making. 

While we are disappointed to let one candidate go, we trust that our process is working as it should, revealing the right information at the right time. We are confident that, with your partnership, we will make the best possible decision for our community, with integrity and open hearts.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement in this important process. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback. We look forward to your participation in Katie S.’ visit on the 15th and 16th, and we greatly value your input.

With gratitude and in partnership,

Rev. Gretchen Haley
Rev. Sean Neil-Barron
Sophia Miller, Summer Musician in Residence
Katie Watkins, Director of Finance and Operations

 

Music Director Hiring Team (Neil DiMont, Cheryl Hazlitt, Hsin Hsuan Lin, Juley Sobson)