Contact:
Andrea Olsen
Email:
andreao@stjohns-cathedral.org
Phone:
5098384277
Address:
Cathedral of Saint John the Evangelist (Episcopal) in Spokane, Washington UNITED STATES located at 127 East 12th Avenue
Locality:
SPOKANE
Postcode/Zip:
99202
Musical Requirements:
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist ORGANIST POSITION SEARCH
The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Spokane Washington seeks a Cathedral Organist.
The Cathedral Organist reports to the Director of Music Ministry. The Cathedral’s Director of Music Ministry (DoMM) has primary responsibility for the execution of the music program in the Cathedral. The position of Cathedral Organist works closely and collaboratively with the DoMM) to ensure that all aspects of the music program are coordinated and function effectively as follows:
1. Support congregational singing, along with the cantor, to lead hymns and service music which supports participation by those physically present and joining via livestream.
2. Support the choirs and music ministry when rehearsing for and accompanying choral anthems.
3. Offer preludes and postludes (voluntaries) to support the congregation’s preparation for and out of worship.
The organ is an Op.1343 Aeolian-Skinner with 3 manuals, 64 stops, 72 ranks, and 4,039 pipes. It was installed in 1960 and underwent a console modernization in 2000. In 2024 the instrument received another console upgrade and a new electrical system.
Requirements:
• Collaborative musician
• Team player
• Proficiency at organ (3 manuals and pedals)
• Knowledge and understanding of organ functions including mixtures, stops, etc.
• Proficiency at piano
• Excellent sight-reading skills
• Capability to Read open score (choral)
• High level of professionalism and artistry in performance
• Basic understanding of liturgy structure (Episcopal, Lutheran, or Roman Catholic preferred)
• Good communication skills
• Ability to budget time for practice and preparation
Responsibilities:
• Work collaboratively with the Director of Music Ministry during weekly rehearsals, Sunday services and other services throughout the year (hymn, anthem, and service music selection is done by the DoMM)
• Arrive prepared to maximize rehearsal time (this is a largely volunteer choir requiring advance preparation from its leadership)
• Communicate timeline needs for receiving music PRIOR to rehearsal (the DoMM strives for a 4-6 week prep period)
• Flexibility in case of music programming shifts as needs arise (baptisms, social events, Diocesan requests)
• Accompanies choir rehearsals on Thursday nights and Sunday mornings and other times as required for special services throughout the year.
• Selects, prepares and plays seasonally and liturgically appropriate organ voluntaries (preludes and postludes) for Sunday services which tastefully enhance the worship experience
• Accompany Junior Choir as needed (piano or organ)
• Accompany Cathedral Choir as needed (piano or organ)
• Accompany Chancel Choir as needed (piano or organ)
• Accompany Choral Scholars as needed (piano or organ)
• Accompany Cathedral Singers as needed (piano or organ)
• Accompany the Cathedral Ringers as needed (piano or organ)
• Prepares and plays for additional services during Lent/Easter-tide (5-6 add’l services), Advent/Christmas (3-4 add’l services), Evensong services (approximately 4/year)
• It is understood that the aforementioned additional services will require additional rehearsals and/or lengthened rehearsals for adequate preparation
• Schedules on-site organ use, in a timely fashion, with Cathedral Administrator; allowing flexibility for non-musical cathedral events
• Submit titles of Preludes and Postludes to Cathedral Administrator in timely fashion (as agreed upon) for printing in the weekly service bulletin
• In the absence of the DoMM, and with prior consultation with them, on a limited basis, conducts the choir (rehearsal and/or service) if needed
• Plays for weddings and funerals scheduled in the Cathedral, which are compensated separately from regular salary
• Has right of offering and use of organ to teach private organ lessons
• Acts as custodian of the organ, dete...
Other details:
Salary:
• This is a 12-month part-time *appointment estimated at 15 hours per week with yearly review by the Cathedral Dean
• Pay commensurate with education, and years of experience in accordance with AAM (Association of Anglican Musician) guidelines
To apply:
• Submit cover letter, resume, and 3 letters of recommendation to andreao@stjohns-cathedral.org
• Semi-finalists will be required to submit video recording of the following:
o Audition packet (will be shared upon notification of advancement)
o Sample of recent organ and piano work during Church service
*Appointment may be terminated by either party with 30 days’ notice in accordance with Washington State Laws.