St Edburg's Church - Bicester

Location: Church Street, Bicester, OX26 6AY

Hours:  08.30 – 10.00 am on Saturdays  + preparation. 

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The role:  Following the retirement of the current Choir Trainer, St Edburg’s PCC seeks a musician to train the choir during weekly practices. The role will comprise:

• Ensuring that the appointed hymns for worship can be well led each week; 

• Coaching the choir in anthems and any additional pieces sung during services, and advising on the choice of these where required;

• Encouraging the choir to achieve a high standard commensurate with their abilities.
   

Some flexibility may be allowed in terms of attendance and responsibilities, agreed in advance and as required.  For example, the choir does not sing on the second Sunday of the month, so attendance on Saturday prior is negotiable. The choir does not rehearse during August.

 

Remuneration:  £35 per session; more may be available for a suitably qualified person. Reasonable travel expenses may be reimbursed.

 

Personal Qualities: The appointed person will be expected to:

• Have a strong musical background;

• Have an understanding of the requirements of church music and liturgy;

• Be able to communicate well with singers of all ages, abilities and levels of experience;

• Be relaxed and comfortable with a group of volunteers who enjoy singing and worshipping in song, both formally and informally.

An enhanced DBS (Safeguarding) check will be necessary, which we will arrange.

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About the Choir:
We are an enthusiastic group of amateurs, of varying abilities and experience, but with a solid reputation; the choir is a member of the Royal School of Church Music.  We lead worship each week, except for once a month, including singing during the administration of communion and for special festivals.  In addition, St Edburg’s is the main parish church for Bicester and we are occasionally called upon to sing for civic services, Remembrance Day and other local events. We are also sometimes asked to sing at weddings or funerals.  These latter occasions depend on enough choristers being available.

We have a soprano section (10 when all present), 4 altos, 2 tenors and currently one bass.  We are used to singing in 4 parts and have an impressive ‘back catalogue’, but do need adequate rehearsing; not all of us are competent in reading music.

Our church organist is particularly accomplished. On those weeks when he is not available, one of our retired ministers, who is an excellent musician, usually steps in.  Another retired minister also helps out on occasions. 

We are serious about our role and giving of our best, but we are a relaxed and friendly group; enjoyment of singing and fellowship in worship is a large element of what we do. 

Resources: Hymns Old & New (2004, Kevin Mahew Ltd.) and  The Oxford Book of Flexible Anthems; also:  The New Church Anthem Book (ed. Dakers, OUP, 2016 edition) and additional occasional material, including ‘Carols for Choirs’.

 

To apply:
Please send a letter of application which includes any qualifications and reasons for applying to: office@stedburgschurch.org  You should include a brief CV if relevant and contact details, including a mobile telephone number.

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If you would like to discuss an application please call Jane: 07768 982 854

Closing date for applications: Wednesday, 25th November

Practical interviews will be held on Saturday 28th November from 8.45 am (TBC)