Parish of Pevensey, St Nicolas, in the Diocese of Chichester
Post of Choir Director and Organist, St Nicolas Pevensey
Job Description
Our 800-year-old Parish Church dedicated to St Nicolas is currently undergoing a major transition, as we prepare to conclude a 12-year period of building restoration and preservation. The marvellous acoustic environment of our church has attracted musicians of outstanding calibre to perform here, and the special qualities of the space have been confirmed by the likes of The Kings Singers, instrumentalists from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the choristers of Canterbury Cathedral. Renowned organ and harpsichord virtuoso instrumentalist, teacher and researcher John Collins has been a regular visitor to our church in recent years where he has given several recitals of contemporary and 18th century English organ music.
The position of organist is currently vacant, owing to the recent death of our music director of the past 14 years, Geoff Ryan.
We have recently confirmed the appointment of a new vicar, Rev Tony Windross to lead our parish in this period of renewal and opportunity. To support his ministry and our worship we now seek an enthusiastic musician to help revive and revitalise the musical life of our church.
We are a Prayer Book Church, and as such we follow a traditional pattern of worship based on the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.
Our instrument is one of two-manual and pedals, with twenty-five speaking stops, built in 1965 by the Leeds firm of Wood Wordsworth. It is situated in a north chancel chamber, with pipework speaking into both the chancel and the south aisle. It is serviced by David Houlgate of Ditchling.
There is a six-strong SA ladies choir, who often sing a communion anthem.
The post need not be held by a professionally qualified musician. However, the following qualities are necessary:
1 Have a musical competence on the 1960 2-manual Wood Wordsworth organ to play traditional settings for worship including psalms and hymns and also organ voluntaries. Some ability to improvise during the liturgy e.g. during the gospel procession, would be helpful.
2 Regular availability for 11am Sunday morning worship at St Nicolas Pevensey and for additional seasonal and special services as may be reasonably be required. (e.g. Christmas, Easter)
3. Willingness to play for occasional services at St Nicolas including weddings and funerals, as arranged (currently approx. 5-6 weddings and funerals).
4. weekly choir practice as agreed.
The following attributes are also desirable:
An interest in developing the musical resources of the parish by further recruitment of singers and training and development of the choir. Establishedlocal musical networks and contact with the local musical scene in and around Eastbourne would be extremely helpful here.
An interest in promoting the musical life of the parish, by helping to plan, organise and promote concerts and non-worship musical events, in conjunction with the Vicar and parochial church council.
Sympathy with, and understanding of Christian belief and tradition, if not a current practising Christian.
We believe that the post could be suitable for a young musician who might be interested in developing a musical portfolio and range of experience in liturgical, organ and vocal music in the tradition of the Church of England.
It could also be suitable for a mature, or retired musician (amateur or professional) who wishes to have a satisfying and meaningful role in a historic, village community.