Principal Organist

POSITION:    PRINCIPAL ORGANIST

A part time (20 hr) partially benefited position reporting the Director of Worship and Arts. Please go to UPC.org for the application for this position. To apply, please submit a cover letter, resumé, completed application, and links to recent audio and/or video recordings of you playing organ, preferably in a worship context.

SUMMARY

At University Presbyterian Church (UPC), we are a family of communities joining Jesus to transform our lives and the lives of our neighbors at the University of Washington, in our neighborhoods, and all around the world. Our vision: Joining Jesus in his mission to reconcile all people.  The Principal Organist plays a vital role in fulfilling our mission and vision, partnering with other Worship Department staff to create services that are Spirit-led, vision-driven, and marked by excellence in music. The Principal Organist is responsible for the organ music in the traditional worship services, weddings, memorials, special services, concerts and other occasions in which the organ is played. The Principal Organist serves as collaborative keyboard artist for the Cathedral Choir and for other ensembles and soloists, and is the curator of UPC’s 4 manual, 93 rank Reuter pipe organ; one of the largest and most versatile instruments in this region of the country.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for all the organ music in the Sunday worship services and special seasonal services (such as Christmas Eve and Holy Week services).

• Accompanies the Cathedral Choir in both mid-week and Sunday rehearsals, worship services, and concerts, including retreats and workshops.

• Oversees and advises the Assistant Organist and any other keyboard personnel for the traditional services.

• In partnership with the Director, takes on projects and initiatives that are in line with one’s gifts and interests to further UPC’s worship ministry. Examples may include conducting choral and/or instrumental ensembles.

• Performs regular organ recitals at UPC (at least annually) and develops occasional outreach and educational programs such as organ demonstrations and mini concerts for both external groups as well as communities within UPC.

• Receives right of first refusal for all weddings and memorial services at UPC except when the family makes a specific request for another approved organist. Compensation for these is in addition to the regular salary. If the Organist is unavailable for one of these services s/he will assist in finding an approved organist for the event.

• Has first priority for practice times on the organ and is responsible for coordinating practice times for other organists. Anyone who wishes to play the organ for any reason must first be approved by the Organist or the Director.

• As part of the Worship Department staff, the Organist is expected to attend weekly Worship staff meetings and other meetings as mutually determined by the Organist and the Director.

• Is a conscientious curator of the organ and pianos and is responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with vendors who can maintain and ensure the health of the instruments at all times.

• Ability to use (or willingness to learn) Microsoft Office and Teams, and Planning Center Online.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A clear and unreserved commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, a lifestyle that demonstrates that commitment, and a whole-hearted embracing of the role of music within the overall mission and ministry of UPC.

• Theological alignment with UPC’s Essential Tenets.

• Excellent and inspiring skills as a service player (including the ability to improvise) and as a concert recitalist.

• Enthusiasm and gift for serving as a collaborative keyboard artist with choirs and soloists, equally comfortable and expressive on piano and organ.

• The desire and ability to be part of a creative and collegial worship staff who love God and have fun working together.

• Advanced degree(s) or equivalent experience in organ performance or church music.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to Play organ and piano

• Ability to lift 20 lbs.

SPECIAL/OTHER

• Availability for Sunday services and evening rehearsals.