ORGANIST AND ASSISTANT director of music
Christ Church Southgate is seeking to appoint an Organist and Assistant Director of Music from 1 September 2024. The Organist will be the principal accompanist for the greater church-standard choir, which sings twice a week on most Sundays and on major Feast Days. The Organist will have first refusal for the organ playing at weddings, funerals and other special services and events; will act as a mentor to a sixth-form/undergraduate Organ Scholar; and in conjunction with the Director of Music, have responsibility for the care, maintenance and development of the organ. As Assistant Director of Music, the Organist will be the first port of call to deputise for the Director of Music in conducting the Choir in rehearsals and services.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious organist who wishes to be the principal organist within a Cathedral-style Anglican choral tradition but retain the flexibility to pursue other musical work or another career – the Organist will have one complete Sunday off each month during choir term time, and will not be required to play during choir holidays at Christmas, Easter and during the summer.
The successful candidate, as an integral part of the Parish community, will be: a skilled organist of ARCO standard or equivalent; experienced in conducting choirs of adults and children; a motivational figure who understands the voluntary character of the Choir’s membership; committed to the safeguarding and welfare of both adults and children; respectful of people from all walks of life; and able to demonstrate a knowledge and passion for Anglican liturgical worship.
This post would particularly suit an early career professional who wishes to gain valuable experience of both liturgical organ playing and conducting in an outstanding Parish environment; a recent graduate who wishes to maintain a high level of church music-making while pursuing another career; or a more established musician who wishes to commit to a new and rewarding career opportunity. As an Inclusive Church we welcome applications from all walks of life.
Further Information
For further information on the role please see:
Application Process
Applicants should send a CV together with a letter of no more than two sides of A4 covering the following:
• a statement giving the reasons for their interest in the role
• an outline of how they meet the specifications of the role
Applicants should also provide the details of two referees, one of whom should be their current employer, and the other an individual who can comment on their musical skills.
Applications should be sent to the Parish Office at office@christchurch-southgate.org.
Closing Date for Applications: 12 noon on Friday 19th July 2024
Interview Date: Saturday 3rd or Saturday 10th August 2024