Part-Time Organist
About Saint James:
Saint James Episcopal Church in Lancaster, PA is a large and growing parish founded in 1744 in the middle of a historic, vibrant city undergoing a renaissance driven in large part by remarkable creativity in the arts and a faith-based commitment to philanthropy. We are a congregation and staff team that pride itself on innovation, excellence, and breadth in our approach to everything we do. We have as our mission to be a place where joyful worship, contemplative prayer, generous living, and holy dying are the hallmarks of our life in Christ.
About the Position:
Saint James seeks a talented and dedicated part-time organist to join our worship team. The ideal candidate will be a skilled organist with a strong background in classical and liturgical music, capable of leading and supporting worship services, some conducting, selecting appropriate music, and performing at weddings, funerals and other special services.
The organist reports to the director of music and worship, whose responsibilities include planning and integrating all components of worship from seasonal planning and technology to digital worship production and is responsible for an integrated vision and execution of music in all aspects of our worship, prayer, mission and urban community.
Services Duties & Responsibilities
- Play for Sunday worship services: Prepare and provide organ music for two weekly Sunday morning services (8:30 and 10:30), including preludes and postludes, hymns, service music and accompanying choral anthems in a variety of musical styles.
- Lead quartet of staff singers at the Sunday 8:30 AM service and other ensembles as needed, including rehearsal preparation and Sunday service participation.
- Assist the director of music & worship to select appropriate hymns, service music, anthems, and organ music that align with the liturgical calendar, seasonal themes, and worship needs.
- Weddings & Funerals: Serve as the principal organist for weddings and funerals. Assist the director of music in selecting and preparing appropriate music in consultation with the couple, family, or officiant. Arrange all details, contract soloists and guest musicians. While you do not have to play every wedding and funeral, you are compensated additionally for those services you do play.
- Evensongs semiannually or more often
- Required additional services include Holy Week, Christmas Eve, feast days and other special services as scheduled
Personal Qualities & Skills
- Capacity to work independently and collaboratively
- Highly organized, flexible with effective communication skills
- Familiar with different liturgical styles and the Book of Common Prayer
- Proficiency in music-editing software; composing and arranging skills a plus
Schedule & Compensation
This position requires a commitment of approximately 10-15 hours per week, including Wednesday evening rehearsals, Sunday services, all holy days in which music is used, festivals, and special events. The salary range is $27-30K and commensurate with experience. Weddings and funerals are an additional income stream.
As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will undergo a criminal background check and must strictly adhere to the Episcopal Church Safe Church policies and guidelines.
For the online application process, please complete the form below. Note that the form must be completed in one browser session; you will be asked to upload your cover letter, C.V. and/or résumé.
For questions, click here to email J.R. Ankney, Director of Music and Worship. The application process will remain open until the position is filled. Special preference is given to applicants who can start ASAP.