Organist

Christ Episcopal Church – Springfield, MO 

Organist: Job Description & Function - with guidance from the American Guild of Organists (AGO) Employment Handbook, October 2020 

TITLE: Organist     REPORTS TO: Director of Music Ministries 

ABOUT THE MUSIC PROGRAM 

An open and welcoming parish, Christ Episcopal Church has a deep history and reverence of the Anglican music tradition. Organ voluntaries and an offertory are provided at our 8am service. The adult choir leads the 10am service, with a 9:15am call-time; rehearsal directly follows the 10am service until 12:30pm. The children’s choir leads alongside the adult choir during the school year and rehearses on Wednesdays from 5:00pm-6:30pm. 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Accompanying Worship Services and Rehearsals: Play for all regular worship services, special liturgical events (Compline, Evensong, Lessons & Carols, etc.), and choir rehearsals, providing musical support for hymns, psalms, and anthems.
2. Collaborating with Music Leadership: Work closely with the Director of Music Ministries to select appropriate music that aligns with the liturgical calendar and themes of worship, attending rehearsals to support the choir.
3. Providing Musical Leadership: Lead the congregation in singing by playing hymn introductions/interludes, prelude, postlude, offertory, and communion voluntaries to enhance the worship experience.
4. Maintaining the Organ/Pianos: Keeping the Director of Music abreast of any issues pertaining to the wellbeing of the organ and church pianos and coordinating on appropriate maintenance plans.
5. Supporting Special Services and Events: Play for weddings, funerals, and special services, collaborating with families and other musicians to select suitable music and ensure cohesive performances.
6. Continuous Learning & Development: Pursue ongoing professional development and share new techniques with the music team, contributing to the overall growth of the church’s music ministry. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

1. Excellent musicianship, keyboard, and sight-reading skills.
2. Comfortable with and possessing the ability to take on solos or accompany other musicians.
3. Enthusiastic willingness to work well with and get to know parishioners and other staff.
4. Preferred: Knowledge of Anglican liturgy and familiarity with lectionary. 

COMPENSATION

1. The salary of an Organist is $10,000-$15,000 commensurate with experience.
2. Salaries are distributed bi-weekly, direct deposit, per the church payroll schedule. As a W-2 employee, state/federal tax and Social Security withholdings are deducted. 

ATTENDANCE

1. Organists may miss up to four (4) Sundays per annum.
2. The following liturgical holidays are mandatory: Ash Wednesday (7pm service), Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (7pm), Good Friday (7pm), Easter Vigil (8pm), Easter Sunday (8am & 10am), Christmas Eve (5pm & 9pm).
3. Excessive absences/tardiness will result in termination of employment. 

WEDDING GUIDELINES - Consultation between clergy, organist, and the couple is a necessity so that all parties will be in agreement with the music chosen. If additional musicians are engaged, they should be able to competently perform the music chosen for the ceremony. Additional fees for the organist may apply if additional rehearsal time is needed. Music selections should be chosen well in advance of the wedding date to allow ample practice time for musician(s). Certain instrumental works and texts of vocal music may require review by staff, clergy, and musicians. 

ORGANIST FEES FOR WEDDINGS - Compensation should be negotiated separately with the couple. The musicians reserve the right to refuse service if the couple is unable to appropriately compensate the musicians. The church reserves the right to intervene and pay the organist from a separate, non-music account. 

FUNERAL & MEMORIAL SERVICE GUIDELINES - Consultation between clergy, organist, family, and funeral home (as needed) is a necessity so that all parties will be in agreement with the music chosen. If additional musicians are engaged, they should be able to competently perform the music chosen for the ceremony. Additional fees for the organist may apply if additional rehearsal time is needed. 

ORGANIST FEES FOR FUNERALS & MEMORIAL SERVICES - Compensation should be negotiated separately. Playing for funerals often involves rearranging schedules. Fees should take into account that the organist must be available to play on short notice and/or with a soloist or other musicians. Typically, compensation is negotiated via the funeral home, but the church reserves the right to intervene and pay the organist from a separate, non-music account. 

SUPPLY ORGANISTS - The church’s music budget should include money for payment of a substitute in the organist’s absence. For time away beyond that stipulated in the employment agreement, the substitute will be paid by the musician. 

FEES FOR SUPPLY ORGANISTS - The fee for supply organists may vary depending on the expectations for different types of services. Currently at Christ Church, we compensate supply organists (with no music director role) in the amount of two-hundred and fifty ($250.00) dollars. Divided up, they are paid $100 for an 8am service, and $150 for a 10am service with no subsequent choir rehearsal. Cost of travel should be factored into compensation, as necessary.

Interested applicants should send a CV and Letter of Interest to Kenny Kabak, Director of Music Ministries: [email protected].