VACANCY: Soprano Section Leader

Music at St. Martin’s

Music is an integral part of our worship and deeply rooted in our aims and mission at the Church of St. Martin-in-the-Fields and our music program is beloved by the congregation. We aim to offer music as an extension to our congregation’s prayer, a force for good in the community, and an education & outreach tool in Philadelphia and beyond. We are a welcoming, friendly, and supportive community who strive for excellence in liturgy and music while remaining inclusive and enabling of all our members and friends. All are welcome at St. Martin’s.

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The volunteer choir is made up of 30+ committed and able volunteers who enhance our worship each week with sung mass settings, anthems, motets, psalms, and hymns. The choir has had two tours to England in the last few years, singing at many prominent cathedrals as well as Westminster Abbey. Another tour will be planned for the near future. The choir also performs concerts for the community and special events such as an orchestral performance of Fauré’s Requiem in November 2021 & 2024 (pictured on page 1), and our section leaders recorded an online Black History Celebration Concert in February 2022 which can be viewed here (https://youtu.be/DJov_7a5U9o) as well as performing solos in works such as Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater and Stainer’s The Crucifixion.

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Desired Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in music performance or appropriate equivalent experience;

• Prior work experience as a Section Leader;  

• Excellent vocal technique, musicianship, and ensemble skills; 

• Strong sight-reading skills;

• Ability to inspire and support the volunteer singers, and willingness to work collaboratively with them, and the Director of Music & Arts;

• Willingness to sing with children when/if required in support of our Chorister program. 

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Duties & Responsibilities

• To attend all scheduled rehearsals, service, concerts, etc. as required by the Director of Music & Arts;

• To thoroughly prepare and perform music as selected by the Director of Music & Arts including any assigned solos;

• To lead, musically and by good example, their section and the choir in performance, behavior, attendance, and punctuality at rehearsals and services; 

• To lead sectional rehearsals as required;

• To welcome new singers and to help and guide volunteer singers where needed;

• To help promote the work of St. Martin’s and its ministries in accordance with the aims and mission of the Church and vision of the Director of Music & Arts;

• All Section Leaders will need to complete comprehensive background checks and Safeguarding/SafeChurch training prior to beginning employment;

• To follow any COVID-19 safety protocols in effect;

• No religious affiliation is required but candidates must be sympathetic to the aims and mission of the Episcopal Church and those of St. Martin’s.

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Schedule

Singers will be engaged from September 1 to August 31, on a rolling one-year agreement, renewable by mutual agreement/review towards the end of each academic year. The Director of Music & Arts provides a full schedule of service and events. The program year typically runs from the second week in September through the second week in June. Some summer work may be available. 

Weekly commitments include:

• Thursday Rehearsals, 7pm to 9pm;

• Sunday Morning Eucharist, Rehearsal 9:30am, Service 10:30am;

• Choral Evensong/Concerts Rehearsal 3:30 p.m., Service 5:00 p.m. (approx. once per month).

The week following Christmas and Easter typically carry no commitments for Section Leaders. Singers are expected to be available for special extra services and concerts including Christmas Eve & Day, Holy Week & Easter, etc. Consistent attendance is expected and known absences should be cleared in advance with the Director of Music & Arts. 

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Compensation

Our Section Leaders are compensated monthly at a rate of $95 per Service (including rehearsal beforehand) and $90 for Rehearsals. Additional compensation will be made as required for extra services/engagements. A Letter of Agreement and our Employee Handbook must be signed prior to the start of employment. Additional fees for weddings/funerals as required through the year are currently set at $150 per service.

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Application & Audition

To apply, please send a brief cover letter, resumé, and any recordings of your performances to Director of Music & Arts, Mr. Tyrone Whiting by email (preferable) or mail. Early application is encouraged, and candidates will be considered as they apply. Application will remain open until an appropriate candidate has been selected. Enquiries are welcome by email or phone. 

 

twhiting@stmartinec.org

215.247.7466

 

Candidates selected for audition will be expected to perform two contrasting pieces (accompanied by the Director of Music & Arts) that best demonstrate their abilities, technique, and musicianship. Candidates will also be asked to sing verses of a hymn from the 1982 Hymnal and to perform sight-reading exercises. A short interview with the Director of Music & Arts will follow the audition. A second interviewer may be present for your audition/interview. 

 

St. Martin’s is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all who wish to apply, regardless of race, gender, identity, sexual orientation, or religious affiliation. Applications from underrepresented communities are encouraged.