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- Tasks: Play organ at Sunday services and special occasions, lead choir practices.
- Company: Join the welcoming Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin in Shipley.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive community and the joy of making music.
- Why this job: Be part of a rich musical tradition and inspire worship through music.
- Qualifications: Must have a Christian faith and musical skills, experience preferred.
- Other info: Work with a dedicated team and a beautiful two-manual pipe organ.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
We are seeking an enthusiastic and capable person to join our team of organists. We have a regular congregation averaging 35 at our weekly 10am Sunday service. The role is to play at this service and at festivals and other special occasions, together with a shared responsibility for taking weekly choir practices with our small but dedicated choir who, as well as leading congregational worship, also sing anthems at chosen times.
We have a two-manual pipe organ with pedal board built by JW Walker & Sons from 1975, and an upright piano. We are looking for someone with a Christian faith who, as a musician, will help us continue to encourage and maintain the traditions of good church music established over many years, and to support our existing organist and assistant organist who presently serve the church on a voluntary basis.
The services are mainly Sung Eucharist, with one Family Service a month, 4 Sunday Evensongs a year, and occasional Weddings, Funerals and Baptisms for which fees are payable.
Organist and Choirmaster at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Shipley employer: Diocese of Chichester
Contact Detail:
Diocese of Chichester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Organist and Choirmaster at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Shipley
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the music traditions of the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin. Attend a few services to understand the style and repertoire they use, which will help you demonstrate your alignment with their musical vision during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current members of the choir or congregation. Engaging with them can provide insights into the church's culture and expectations, and it may also lead to personal recommendations that could strengthen your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your skills in both organ playing and choral direction. Consider arranging a short demonstration or rehearsal session where you can highlight your ability to lead the choir and play the organ effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Express your Christian faith and commitment to the church's mission clearly in conversations. This role requires someone who shares their values, so be ready to discuss how your beliefs align with their community and music ministry.
We think you need these skills to ace Organist and Choirmaster at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Shipley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of the Organist and Choirmaster position. Highlight your experience in leading choirs, playing the organ, and your understanding of church music traditions in your application.
Showcase Your Musical Skills: Include specific examples of your musical background, such as previous roles, performances, or relevant qualifications. Mention any experience with pipe organs and your ability to lead congregational singing.
Express Your Faith: Since the role requires a Christian faith, be sure to convey your personal beliefs and how they align with the values of the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin. This can help demonstrate your commitment to the community.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Craft a personalised cover letter that addresses the specific needs of the church. Discuss how you plan to support the existing organists and enhance the musical experience for the congregation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Diocese of Chichester
✨Show Your Passion for Music
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for church music during the interview. Share your experiences with similar roles and how you’ve contributed to the musical traditions in previous positions.
✨Demonstrate Your Faith
Since the role requires a Christian faith, be prepared to discuss how your beliefs influence your music and leadership style. This will help the interviewers see how you align with the values of the Parish Church.
✨Prepare for Practical Demonstrations
You may be asked to play the organ or piano during the interview. Brush up on your skills and be ready to showcase your ability to lead congregational singing and choir practices effectively.
✨Understand the Community
Familiarise yourself with the congregation and their musical preferences. Showing that you understand the community's needs and traditions will demonstrate your commitment to enhancing their worship experience.
