Job posting:
Orleans United Church is seeking 2 singers to provide professional support to its volunteer SATB choir.
One Core Chorister will assist the soprano and alto sections; the other Core Chorister will assist the tenor and bass sections. Core Choristers will be expected to be available for a minimum of two Sundays per month between September and June (they may also be engaged for extra services at busy times of year – i.e. the Advent and Easter seasons).
Duties include attending Thursday evening rehearsals and singing with the OUC choir at Sunday and holiday services.
Flexibility between soprano & alto or between tenor & bass parts is a crucial skill. Note: the music consists mostly of hymns and moderately difficult church anthems. The Core Chorister will seldom be called upon to sing at the extreme limits of any vocal range (the tenor parts rarely exceed standard baritone range, and the soprano parts should be comfortable for a solid mezzo).
The successful candidate will have good interpersonal skills and be able to work collaboratively and generously with our volunteer choristers.
The Core Chorister must have excellent score reading and sight-singing skills, as the choir covers a lot of new material on a weekly basis.
The two required Sundays per month will be worked out in advance between the Music Director and Core Chorister, based on OUC worship needs and singer availability. There will be some flexibility in scheduling, but the successful candidate must generally be available on Sunday mornings between 9:30 and 11:30 and Thursday evenings between 7:30 and 9:30.
Note: Orleans United Church is located in the far east end of Ottawa (1111 Orleans Boulevard) and although served by transit routes, getting there may be an issue for candidates who rely on OCTranspo. Candidates should consider this when applying.
OUC is a varied and welcoming congregation with a progressive theology. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Familiarity with United Church liturgy is an asset but not a requirement.
Compensation will be on a per-service basis, at $50/hour, with a usual commitment of four hours between Thursday and Sunday. The Core Chorister will be expected to invoice OUC for services on a monthly basis.
To submit an application, please e-mail a current c.v. and cover letter to cscottrichardson@rogers.com by October 31.