Organist - Accompanist (Plymouth, NH)

Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ is seeking a permanent, part-time organist/accompanist. Located in a thriving university town in Plymouth, NH, Plymouth Congregational UCC is a progressive faith community that has been a vital religious presence at the heart of this town for 254 years. We are proud of being an Open and Affirming, Just Peace, mission-oriented congregation that has a vibrant and reputable music program.

The successful candidate will be responsible to plan, prepare, and provide organ and piano music for Plymouth Congregational UCC's worship service and other church functions, and work closely with the minister, the music director, and the church choir. The organist/accompanist will play most Sundays of the year as well as special services including, but not limited to Christmas, Holy Week, and Easter.

Our organ is a 1985 Austin Organ Opus # 2695. It has 1247 pipes driven from 21 ranks is 3 divisions, with 24 stops. This organ is rated one of the best organs north of Concord, NH and it is entirely suitable for concerts. Please see our website (www.uccplymouth.org) for more information and to hear an excerpt from a recent organ recital.

Required skills include organ/piano accompaniment, sight reading, a high level of musicianship, and the ability to work collaboratively with the minister and the music director. A thorough knowledge and skill in the standard organ repertoire, including strong ability to play hymns incorporating alternate harmonizations, is required. The ability to lead sectional and/or choir rehearsals in the absence of the music director is preferred. Desired skills may also include improvisational ability and experience in a variety of musical styles such as gospel and jazz.

Position: Accompanist/organist; part-time 10 months (it is possible to work two months (July and August) for extra compensation)

Salary range: commensurate with education and experience

Job Summary:

·        Help shape a creative and dynamic music ministry that involves all ages.

·        Assist the music director to nurture and empower the choir to continue our long-standing level of excellence.

Primary Functions:

·        Accompany hymns, anthems, and all vocal responses at all Sunday services as well as special services such as Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday.

·        Accompany (Thursday) night choir rehearsals and Sunday morning refresher rehearsals before the church service.

·        Provide appropriate preludes, postludes and communion service music.

·        Have right of first refusal for providing organ music at funerals, memorial and wedding services. Compensation for these events is in addition to regular salary  (according to the church’s funeral/memorial and wedding policies)

·        Arrange for a substitute if not available for a rehearsal, service, or any music related matters. Church will compensate the substitute up to 3 times a year. Beyond that, the compensation shall be paid by the organist/ accompanist. The organist/accompanist must give two week’s notice in the event the organist/accompanist is not available for a rehearsal or service unless a personal emergency occurs.

·        Attend, when requested and given reasonable notice, the regularly scheduled staff meetings as may be necessary for the conduct of the music ministry.

·        Be responsible for assisting in regulating policies regarding the use of the instruments in the sanctuary in consultation with the minister, director of music and the music committee.

·        Approve the use of the church instruments by guest musicians in consultation with the director of music and the music committee.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Character Traits

·        High commitment to communication and partnership with the minister, music director, and music committee.

·        Compassionate and friendly approach to members of the public and congregation.

·        Exceptional attention to detail, punctuality, reliability, and responsibility.

ADDITIONAL EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

·        Bachelor’s degree in music (emphasis in either organ/sacred music/piano).

·        Experience working within a church and/or liturgical educational setting.

·        Three professional references (at least one must be a church and/or music professional).