Organist | Kirk of Kildaire Presbyterian, Cary, NC

Type of Position: Part time, salaried
Hours/Week: 10-15 average, seasonally variable (with paid vacation)
Purpose of Position: The Kirk of Kildaire is a main-line PC(USA) church with
a vital music program and a congregation that values music in worship.

The Organist will function as the main organist and accompanist of the
church, preparing the congregation for worship by playing appropriate service
music, and leading them in the praise and proclamation of the Word through
the unique and varied medium of sacred music. His/her principal role is to be
a facilitator of congregational song by playing well-prepared and thoroughly
rehearsed hymns, anthems, and accompaniments as well as other music for the
worship service, including preludes, postludes, and offertories.

Our vision is that the Organist will be a valuable and visible contributor
to the overall ministry of the Kirk. He/she will be encouraged to consider
the various musical gifts of members of the congregation and where additional
musicians would occasionally enhance his/her musical offerings initiate
practice with such members. The Organist will also function in a collegial
environment that promotes a positive attitude in rehearsals, worship
services, and other events. He/she is encouraged to actively participate in
the life of the church.

Accountability: Director of Music and Arts (DMA)
Position Requirements
1. Be a professing Christian who shares the visions and goals of the Kirk of
Kildaire, Presbyterian (PCUSA).
2. Hold a minimum of a Bachelor of Music degree with a major concentration in
organ from an accredited school. Commensurate experience will be considered.
3. Possess a thorough knowledge of the organ and mastery of the instrument as
demonstrated by appropriate registration for various sacred and classical
literature, hymn arrangements, and accompaniments. Reasonable competence in
sight reading is expected.
4. Demonstrate the ability to competently play and accompany on other
keyboard instruments, primarily piano.
5. Experience preferred as a rehearsal and performance accompanist for
soloists, choirs, instrumentalists, and other ensembles.
6. Be able and willing to play versatile styles and genres of music.
7. Demonstrate the ability to make musical selections appropriate to the
church calendar and weekly pastoral themes.
8. Possess good interpersonal skills that bring out the best in a largely
volunteer “workforce”.

Responsibilities
Administrative:
1. Beyond the time attributed to worship services and rehearsals, additional
hours at the Kirk Campus are expected for musical administrative duties and
personal rehearsal time on the Kirk instruments for worship preparation.
2. Meet weekly with the Director of Music and Arts (DMA) for worship planning
and at regular intervals for long-term planning as requested by the DMA.
3. Select and provide to the office staff and DMA the titles of preludes,
offertories, and postludes for upcoming services by the deadline specified by
the DMA.
4. Attend monthly strategic staff meetings as needed.
5. Attend worship ministry team meetings as needed.
6. Serve as staff consultant for the sound system sub-team as needed.
7. Coordinate instrumental soloists and ensembles for worship leadership.

Musical:
1. Play the organ, piano, and other keyboard instruments for all regular
worship services and special services throughout the year.
2. Accompany the Chancel Choir and Youth Choir for weekly rehearsals and
worship services.
3. Accompany additional groups in worship services as needed.
4. Provide preludes, offertories and postludes at worship services that
demonstrate a variety of musical arrangements and seek to involve the varied
talents of Kirk instrumentalists on a regular basis.
5. Be available before and between worship services to rehearse with groups,
soloists, and choirs.
6. The Organist will have ‘first right of refusal’ to play for
funerals/memorial services and weddings. Additional compensation for these
services is determined by the Worship Ministry Team and Personnel Committee.
If the organist is unavailable to play, he/she will work with the church
staff to secure a suitable substitute.
7. Secure a qualified substitute should the Organist be absent for any
reason, including scheduled vacation time.
8. Schedule and oversee the regular maintenance and tuning of the primary
Kirk instruments, including:
a. 3 Manual Allen Renaissance
b. Concert Grand Fazioli
c. 5 Octaves of Malmark Bells
d. Timpani
e. Various Orff Instruments
9. Prepare instrumental ensembles for worship leadership on a regular basis.
10. Serve as substitute conductor and/or sectional leader for various groups
as needed.
11. Carry out other reasonable duties as requested by the DMM or pastoral
staff.

Contact Email:kirkorganist@kirkofkildaire.org"> kirkorganist@kirkofkildaire.org
 

Salary Range (optional): starting salary $25,000