St. Mary’s is a welcoming and inclusive Christian community, in the Anglican tradition, seeking an Organist to provide musical support for the choirs of St. Mary’s. The primary responsibility is playing the organ for regular Sunday worship, Feasts and Holy Days, and special services that arise throughout the year. The Organist works in collaborative relationship with the Director of Music and the Clergy of the Parish
Accountability:
The Organist is responsible to the Rector (or other Priest in charge), indirectly to the Church Wardens and Treasurer. The Organist reports directly to the Director of Music.
Areas of Responsibility
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Worship
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Staff/Community Life
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Funerals/Weddings
1. WORSHIP
- Support the Director of Music
- in selecting music for Sunday worship services and additional services as appropriate
- Participate in weekly rehearsals as deemed necessary by the Director of Music
- Put in an appropriate amount of rehearsal time to provide high quality organ experience for worship
- Arrange instrumentalists for Holy Days as budgeted for, organize rehearsals for and provide timely payment to musicians through office procedures
- Arrange for organ and piano maintenance with a qualified organ and piano repair person as needed.
- Arrange for qualified substitute organist when absent for church services and notify the Rector/Priest in Charge in advance.
- Facilitate the congregation to sing and worship through the excellent execution of hymns and liturgy.
- In collaboration with the Director of Music, encourage the musical talents and participation of members of the congregation through organizing and coordinating special musical offerings, including soloists, instrumentalists, and small ensembles, this may include bell or cherub choirs, depending on the applicants’ gifts and interests.
2. STAFF/COMMUNITY LIFE
- Participate in regular (currently weekly) staff meetings and staff development/social gatherings approximately 4 annually.
- Participate in the life of the parish as discussed with Rector, this may include events such as Neighbourhood Halloween, Parish Cleanup Day, and Parish Picnic
- Participate in the “social” life of the choir, including choir parties and other such events.
- Work with Director of Music to prepare an annual music budget for the parish
3. FUNERALS/WEDDINGS
- The Organist shall provide music, if required, for all weddings and funerals in the Church and is entitled to be paid a minimum fee (in addition to the agreed upon salary). The Organist shall be entitled to their fee regardless of whether an outside musician is brought in for the event
- The minimum fee for funerals/weddings is $150 and the maximum is presently $250, depending on the services needed. This may be evaluated with the Rector at any time.
- Fees will be collected by the Parish Coordinator and remitted to the Organist.
Qualifications, Skills & Abilities
Be able to display a professional level of musical talent from training and experience. Ability to familiarize oneself with the congregation’s worship services and a theological understanding of church music. Communicate well and in a friendly manner with the Clergy, fellow employees, church choir, guests and members of the congregation.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
-Membership in Royal Canadian College of Organists (RCCO)
-Consent to Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check
-Adhere to Diocese of New Westminster Screening in Faith Program including Sexual Misconduct Training and Anti-Racism Training
-Adhere to parish policies as outlined in the Personnel Handbook
Work will be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and diocesan and parish policies particularly the Diocese of New Westminster’s Sexual Misconduct and Screening Policies, including possessing and maintaining a clear Police Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Search. Failure to comply with these laws and policies, including the duty to act honestly, will constitute cause for termination.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Part-time 10 hour position (weekly/annual to be negotiated with Rector)
Private Instruction: The Organist may give private instruction in piano, organ, voice and music theory on the Church premises, provided that such instruction shall not interfere with normal church activities or with the Organists’ other employment duties. The Organist is responsible for setting and collecting any fees charged to the Organist’s private students. The Organist may permit his or her students to use the organ for practice as he or she sees fit, provided that such practice shall not interfere with normal church activities. The use of the facilities shall be scheduled in advance through the Church office. No person may use the organ without the consent of the Organist.
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Please submit a cover letter and resume to the Rector, Lindsay Hills at lindsay@stmaryskerrisdale.ca with the subject line “Organist Position” by June 15, 2022. No phone inquiries please.