Church Organist Search

Job Description

Organist

Position Assignment

  • Classification: Part-time (10-15 hours per week); 12-month; salaried; paid vacation

  • Supervisors: Director of Music and Pastor/Head of Staff

  • Job purpose: to provide keyboard music (organ and piano) that supports and enhances the worship life and music program of Second Presbyterian Church.

About Second Presbyterian Church: https://www.2presrichmond.org/who-we-are

Job Duties

  • FOR WORSHIP

    • Play for the weekly Sunday morning worship service and other special services as scheduled (Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and Maundy Thursday in particular).

    • Play for funerals held in the church (without additional compensation) and weddings and related rehearsals of church members held in the church (with additional compensation).

    • Select and prepare organ repertoire that is in keeping with the traditions and ethos of the SPC Music Ministry; prepare all hymns (selected by the pastoral staff), service music, and anthem accompaniments; select and prepare hymn enhancements, as desired.

    • Supply all necessary bulletin information to the Office Coordinator in a timely way.

    • Arrange for capable substitute organists when needed.

  • FOR SUPPORT OF THE CHOIR PROGRAM

    • Prepare all anthem accompaniments and voice parts (open choral score and reductions), so as to provide solid and accurate keyboard support during rehearsals.

    • Accompany Adult Choir rehearsals, typically held on Wednesday evenings (September-May) and Sunday mornings before worship (September-June), and for other services and special music programs, as needed.

    • Accompany special music programs presented by the Adult Choir and all associated rehearsals.

    • Accompany the Children’s Choir performances in worship and special programs, as requested.

    • Rehearse with and accompany soloists as needed, particularly during July and August.

    • Lead sectional rehearsals of the Adult Choir, as requested by the Director of Music.

    • Lead Adult Choir in services and rehearsals (without additional compensation) in the absence of the Director of Music up to four services and four rehearsals per year.

  • ADMINISTRATION

    • Oversee and schedule maintenance of the church's organs and pianos.

    • Attend church staff meetings when scheduled.

    • Work with the Director of Music and the Worship Council to plan and prepare for special services and music programs.

    • Work in a collegial and collaborative manner with all members of the Second Church Staff, and serve as a resource for the church staff and the congregation's leadership.

General Considerations

·      Every employee of SPC is responsible for adhering to church personnel and conduct policies.

·      All church staff members work under the authority of the SPC Session.

·      Annual performance evaluations are conducted by the SPC Personnel Committee.

·      This job description is not comprehensive and may be modified in writing as mutually agreed upon between the Organist and his/her supervisor.

·      A flexible work schedule is allowed.

Qualifications

·      Five or more years of experience as a church musician preferred.

·      Consummate abilities in service playing, choral accompanying, sight reading, open choral score reading, and the performance of standard organ literature required; the ability to improvise is desirable but not required.

·      Strong administrative and communication skills are necessary, and the ability to work as a team member with the Director of Music, clergy, and lay staff is essential.

·      A degree in organ performance or church music is desirable.

·      Proven record of excellence and professionalism in prior organist/church music positions.

Optional Opportunity (for additional compensation): DIRECTOR OF ADULT HANDBELL CHOIR

·      lead the Adult Handbell choir and supervise all aspects of a successful handbell program

·      the church owns three octaves of Whitechapel handbells and three octaves of hand chimes

To apply, please email the following to organistsearch@2presrichmond.org:

1.     cover letter;

2.     resume;

3.     3-5 examples of recent bulletins for services you have played;

4.     the names and contact information for three references. 

Do not send video or audio recordings at this time. Review of applications will begin March 1, 2021 and continue until the position is filled. Position intended to begin on or around June 1, 2021.

COVID-19 Notice: in light of governmental and other restrictions relating to the current pandemic, finalists will be afforded flexibility and consideration regarding in-person auditions.

We are an EEO/AA employer, Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran and maintain a drug-free workplace.

Virginia Evans