We are excited to find an Organist/Pianist who is a musical professional and plays piano and/or organ for all worship services. This position includes serving as an accompanist for the Chancel Choir, special music/solos, and, occasionally, the Handbell Choir. This person reports to the Music Director and works cooperatively with the Pastor, Worship Committee, and the Consistory of the church.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The following duties and responsibilities may change from time to time, as determined necessary and prudent by the Pastor, Music Director, and Consistory. Each of the position’s three major areas of responsibility currently includes – but is not limited to – the following activities:
Worship Service
· Rehearse and play preludes, offertories, and postludes for year-round weekly worship services. (48 Sundays)
· Rehearse and play for Special Services throughout the year, including (but not limited to): Lent; Holy Week, including Maundy Thursday or Good Friday (Pastor’s discretion), and Easter; Advent, including Longest Night; Christmas Eve; and other special services as needed, e.g. ordinations and installations
· Rehearse with and accompany all musicians as needed. It is expected that at least one rehearsal will be scheduled before the day of the event.
· It is customary for the organist/pianist to have “privilege of first call” for weddings and funerals in the church. Payment for these services is provided by the family or funeral home.
Chancel Choir
· Rehearse with and accompany the Chancel Choir during Sunday morning service as well as essential day rehearsals.
Administration
· Work with the Director of Music on maintaining instruments
· Attend and participate in Worship Committee meetings when held
· Submit to the church office weekly information for the bulletin (by Wednesday morning)
· Review and order new music within yearly budgeted parameters, if needed.
Key Qualifications and Requirements:
· Education: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in organ performance, collaborative piano/organ, or sacred music is desirable. Consideration will be given to significant experience.
· Technical Proficiency: Strong Skills in manual dexterity, pedal technique, and familiarity with organ registration to control sound dynamics.
· Keyboard Skills: Expert ability is required for accompanying, as well as the ability to sight-read.
· Liturgical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of church services, hymns, and musical traditions.
Soft Skills and Competencies:
· Collaboration: Ability to work well with worship participants as well as with persons of varying ages and musical abilities.
· Flexibility: Adaptability to last-minute service changes.
· Organization: Demonstrate prioritization and time management mastery as well as self-directed management of job duties and responsibilities.
· Knowledge: Has basic knowledge of piano and organ maintenance and tuning. Keeps track of issues that come up, and coordinates tuning and electrical needs with the Director of Music
· Spiritual Maturity: Understanding and respecting the religious mission of the church and encouraging a community environment within the First Congregational United Church of Christ - Janesville.
Physical Demands: Ability to sit and perform at the piano and/or organ as well as move from the choir loft to the main floor of the sanctuary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Benefits: 4 weeks of paid vacation. The employee must secure a substitute accompanist for rehearsals (September through May) and service for any Sunday missed. The substitute will be paid by the church for the first four Sundays when the accompanist is absent. If additional absences beyond four Sundays are approved, the accompanist must pay the substitute for those Sundays.
A minimum of a two -week advanced notice is expected for time off, except in cases of illness. In all cases, the chair of Personnel and the Pastor should be notified.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $9,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
