We are looking for a new Choirmaster who is passionate about the role that music plays in worship and is motivated to develop, innovate, grow and inspire our choirs.
Our Benefice is a friendly, welcoming group of churches near the lovely town of Ripon. Our churches are proud to offer worship within the central choral tradition of the Church of England as part of the Diocese of Leeds. We have a growing congregation of all ages, ably supported by enthusiastic members of the congregation. We are continuing to develop our outreach that will seek to develop and build upon the connections within the local community, particularly our church schools. Welcoming all, we celebrate and affirm everyone.
We are proud of our choral tradition and are keen to see our adult and junior choirs flourish and grow. We have an SATB choir that sings to a good standard whilst welcoming singers of different abilities, recognising the importance of music for all. Our junior choir offers young people an opportunity to learn choral skills in a supportive environment. We would like to continue to explore our relationship with Ripon Cathedral and other churches in our area to develop a music-for-all approach.
The Choirmaster will develop the musical life of the church in partnership with the Priest-in-charge and Churchwardens. There are weekly Sunday sung Eucharists in addition to child-led services, currently there is also evensong once a month. There are separate Thursday evening choir rehearsals for the adults and juniors. The Benefice has recently held a number of special additional events (concerts/services) attracting singers from across the area.
The Role
- To oversee the musical life of the Benefice and ensure it works alongside the vision.
- To conduct the choir for the weekly Eucharist/Child-led service.
- To conduct for additional major feast day services e.g. Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Ascension Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the appointed times. Also, at any other Saints Day when a sung Eucharist is deemed appropriate by the Priest-in-charge.
- To work under the direction of the Priest-in-charge in selecting appropriate music for services.
- To lead a weekly choir rehearsal and occasional additional rehearsals around major festivals.
- To actively maintain the enthusiasm of the adult choir and recruit new members and be creative in voice teaching.
- To continue to grow the junior choir.
- To develop a concert programme and support outreach to the community.
- To liaise with the local schools.
- To write an annual report for the APCM and other reports as required.
- To work alongside the Priest-in-charge in developing our Liturgy and Worship.
Safeguarding
An enhanced DBS and commitment to safeguarding are essential to the role, including the completion of any required training. The appointment will be made in accordance with the Church of England’s safer recruitment policy.
What we offer
- A starting pay of £5,196 pa (to be invoiced on a monthly basis) for an average of 5 hours a week (to cover rehearsing, outreach, administration and liaison)
- 6 weeks annual leave per year (to include no more than 6 Sundays, not during principal festivals)
- A genuinely supportive working environment that seeks to value each individual for the gifts and skills that they bring.
- A desire by the Priest-in-charge and PCCs to build on and develop our musical tradition within the church’s vision.
- Start date from March 2026 onwards, dependent on enhanced DBS and completion of safeguarding training.
If you are interested in the above role and wish to discuss this further, or to apply, please contact Andrew Carruthers via email at: acarruthers02@gmail.com.