organist
First Congregational United Church of Christ Eau Claire, WI POSITION DESCRIPTION POSITION: Church Organist REPORTS TO: Director of Music and Senior Minister POSITION SCOPE: Appointment type: Part-time, salaried. A 12-month position with 5 desired Sundays off except major religious holidays including Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, Thanksgiving Eve (when First Congregational hosts; host church rotates) Christmas Eve, as well as two (2) Choral Sundays/yr. GENERAL DESCRIPTION: In association with the Senior Minister and Director of Music, responsible for ensuring appropriate organ and piano music is selected and performed for services. Accompanies various choral groups. Participates in various committee and staff meetings as required and appropriate. SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: 1. Effectively performs on both church organ and piano. 2. Good rehearsal skills. 3. Competency in playing hymns, choral music, and solo keyboard repertoire on organ and piano. 4. Demonstrated comfort and ability in conducted and unconducted accompaniment. 5. Supplies and performs appropriate music for services. 6. Maintains positive, professional rapport with colleagues and musicians of all ages. RESPONSIBILITIES: Service Music • Responsible for the organ and piano music used in the church service. • Provides piano music for church services when required. • Accompanies special ensembles and soloists. • Responsible for securing substitute organist or pianist in case of absence from regular duties. • Responsible for maintaining/contracting piano and organ tuning. Original 7/1/1997 Revised 5/1/2023 Special Services • Accompanies special services such as Ash Wednesday, Holy Week, Christmas Eve, and Thanksgiving Eve (when First Congregational hosts; host church rotates). • Assists Senior Minister in conducting weddings (including wedding rehearsals) and unscheduled services such as funerals. Chancel Choir • Accompanies Chancel Choir at rehearsals, church services, and performances of major works. Children’s Choir • Accompanies children’s/youth choir during rehearsals. • Accompanies rehearsals and performance of the annual Spring Program. • Accompanies Sunday performances of the children’s youth choir. • Accompanies rehearsals and performance of the annual Christmas Pageant (a Christian Education project). COMPENSATION: Up to $15,000/year, depending on training and experience. We are willing to split the role into two separate positions (Church Organist and Accompanist) for the right candidate, with compensation adjusted accordingly. As organist, entitled to honoraria for funerals ($160) and weddings ($300), as well as free use of the church organ (pending availability) for teaching lessons. APPLICATION PRIORITY DEADLINE: 05/15/2023 Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis. PREFERRED START DATE: 07/01/2023 LATEST START DATE: 09/01/2023 APPLICATION PROCESS: Please submit a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and three (3) references to Pam Braun, Office Manager, via email: pamb@firstucceauclaire.org. If you have previous church music experience, please include at least one clergy member who concurrently led a religious community during your time as Church Organist or Accompanist as a reference.