Organist and Choirmaster | St. James Episcopal Church, New London, CT

Date Posted: 
August 4, 2016
Job Description: 

St. James Episcopal Church, New London, CT, seeks applications for the
3/8-time position of Organist and Choirmaster, particularly from musicians
with a strong background in choral conducting and an understanding of the
Anglican tradition, to begin January 1, 2017. A Masters in Music is desirable
but not essential, with some previous experience in church music. The Adult
Choir, whose program year runs from mid-September to mid-June, consists of
approximately 15 dedicated choristers with extensive experience in choral
singing and good sight-reading skills, and budget exists for a quartet of
paid section leaders. Interest in expanding the Adult Choir, through
recruitment of choristers, is desirable.
The Organist/Choirmaster is expected to rehearse weekly with the group
(Thursday evenings, 7:30-9:00) in preparation for the 10:00 a.m. Sunday
service. He or she will also prepare the choir for special services such as
Christmas Eve, Holy Week and Easter. The Organist/Choirmaster will work with,
and be ultimately responsible to, the Vestry and Rector.
The church maintains a strong music program, anchored by its fine organ, a
4-manual Ernest M. Skinner, Opus 220, which was built in 1914 and
reconditioned in 2002. St. James has long hosted both The Anglican Singers as
guest artists-in-residence, and numerous organ recitals sponsored by the
local section of the AGO. The Music on Whale Oil Row series was recently
launched by the church.
The current building housing St. James, a gem of the Gothic Revival style, is
listed on the National Register of Historic Places; completed in 1850, it was
designed by the renowned American architect Richard Upjohn. The building also
features magnificent stained-glass windows, including six designed by the
acclaimed artist and designer Louis Comfort Tiffany. Earlier in its history,
St. James was the parish of The Right Reverend Samuel Seabury, first
Episcopal bishop in America.
Additional information is available at http://www.stjamesnl.org/music. The
application deadline is September 15.

Please send cover letter and CV to:
Katherine Brighty
St. James Episcopal Church
76 Federal Street
New London, CT 06320
or email to: BrightKat@snet.net

Contact Email: brightkat@snet.net

Salary Range (optional): 30,000 - 34,000