Part-Time Organist

PART-TIME ORGANIST

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF CHAMPAIGN
210 W Church Street, Champaign, IL 61820

ABOUT US
https://www.champaignfumc.org/

First United Methodist Church of Champaign is located downtown and serves the university community of Champaign-Urbana and surrounding communities.  The congregation has a rich history of music ministry.  The program is constantly evolving to utilize the talents of current musicians and to meet the needs of the worshiping community.

 The sanctuary holds a 1965 three manual Cassavant Pipe Organ with electric action, a Kawai Grand Piano, Roland FP-4 keyboard, five octaves of Schlumerich handbells and four octaves of chimes.  Additionally, a small chapel organ, three additional grand pianos, a set of three timpani, two drum sets and other miscellaneous instruments are available in the building.  Over five thousand titles of keyboard solos and ensembles are catalogued and housed in the church’s music library.

 REQUIREMENTS

·         A person of Christian faith

·         High degree of competence on organ, piano, and keyboard

·         Accompanying experience

·         Willingness to rehearse sufficiently to maintain a high quality of music

·         Sensitivity and ability to communicate in a friendly and professional manner with church staff, church members, members of the public, and other persons present in the church building

·         Ability to sight-read and improvise is desired

 POSITION TYPE AND HOURS

·         Organist is a salaried employee

·         Salary based on candidate’s education, experience, and skill level

·         Organist expected to work an average of 20 hours per week

·         Schedule is arranged according to program needs in consultation with the Directing Pastor and Director of Music and Worship

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·         Prepare and play hymns, songs, and anthem accompaniments during weekly and seasonal worship services

·         Accompany Chancel Choir during weekly rehearsals

·         Rehearse with and accompany other ensembles and soloists as needed for worship services

·         Play for Major Music Sundays (generally one each semester)

·         Play for weddings and funerals. If unavailable, organist shall find a substitute.

·         Play and/or support the organization of recitals

·         Assist in maintaining music library for organ and keyboard instruments

HOW TO APPLY

• Review of applications begins October 28, 2024, on a rolling basis. Finalists will be invited to audition/interview on site. Submit the following to:
  llcurtis@illinois.edu

• Letter of Application

• CV/Resume

• Sample recordings of two pieces appropriate for prelude/postlude, two hymns, and a short improvisation on a hymn

• Names and contact information (emails/phone numbers) for three professional references

 NOTE

·         Persons interested in sharing this position will also be considered

 TO REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT
Laura Curtis, Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) Chair
llcurtis@illinois.edu
2403 Waterbury Place
Champaign, IL 61822
(217) 778-2114