CHURCH ORGANIST / PIANIST JOB DESCRIPTION
SKILLS NEEDED: A love of music and a strong desire to share your faith in Christ through music ministry.
- Excellent organ skills—technical dexterity and accuracy; command of the instrument, skillful registrations; improvisatory skills a plus; knowledge of classical organ repertoire
- A true church organist with service-playing experience; ability to play hymns with proficiency and sensitivity; a passion for music ministry
- Excellent accompanying skills; excellent sight-reading skills; can play open score
- Strong piano skills; ability to play a variety of different musical styles
- Strong sense of commitment to the Church; A team player who works well with others—staff and lay-people; can be flexible
- A degree in organ/music preferred but not required
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Organist for two Sunday Services at 8:30am and 10:55 am. Accompany the Chancel Choir at the 10:55 Service.
- Accompany Chancel Choir Rehearsal weekly.
- Provide organ music and choir accompaniments and any extra rehearsal required for additional special services, concerts, choral workshops, or other special events at the discretion of the Music Director or the pastor (see calendar of typical special services attached).
- Prepare organ or piano accompaniments in advance of choir rehearsals when possible
- Pray for this ministry and its participants
EXPECTATIONS:
- To serve as the church organist for the 8:30 worship service and the 10:55 worship service, providing weekly service music including Prelude and Postlude. Accompany or provide an Offertory as needed.
- Accompany Chancel Choir at 10:55 Worship Service and perform all rehearsal duties related to accompanying the choir. This involves providing organ or piano accompaniments depending on the stylistic considerations of the music selected.
- Accompany any vocal or instrumental soloists or ensembles, Handbells, including Blackwell Singers, at the request of the Director. In the past Blackwell Singers rehearsed once a month during the Sunday School hour with additional rehearsals as needed.
- Accompanist for occasional special services such as Cantatas, Christmas Eve, and Holy Week, Concerts, or other Choral events at the discretion of the Music Director.
- Play for weddings and funerals, as needed. Additional remuneration for funerals will be paid by the family and is detailed in the Funeral Policy. Remuneration for weddings is listed in the wedding manual and is paid separately.
- To act as a liaison for the church for wedding music. Discuss with the Music Director any music that is deemed inappropriate for weddings.
- To act as “curator” of the organ, coordinating maintenance/tuning of the organ as required.
- To be a musical representative of Main Street United Methodist Church, always presenting a spirit of willingness and cooperation regarding the music department, worship, and the church at large…
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