St. John the Divine the Evangelist, Anglican Church Dee Why, New South Wales, Australia
ORGANIST AND DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
Introduction The Rector, Wardens and Parish Council of St John the Evangelist wish to appoint a gifted and ambitious musician to the role of Organist and Director of Music in succession to Dr Tom Edwards, with effect from the 1st September 2015. St John’s is a busy and active parish in the Catholic tradition of Anglicanism, which welcomes everyone and which joyfully lives the Life of Christ in Community, and reaches out to share this life with others. The present beautiful and spacious church building was dedicated in 1958 and in 2007 the church’s facilities were enlarged with the completion of a new Parish Centre, which includes: a large hall, kitchen, chapel, library, meeting rooms, youth group rooms and servers’ and choir vestry. Mass is said daily in the chapel and on Sundays there are three sung services: 8.00am
Sung Eucharist which uses a congregational mass setting
10.00am
Sung Eucharist with Children’s Ministries which is led by the choir who perform settings of the Kyrie, Sanctus and Benedictus, and Agnus Dei and lead the singing of a congregational Gloria. (Choral Glorias are sometimes used on Feast Days such as Christmas and Easter). The choir also sings a plainsong responsorial psalm, gospel acclamations, communion antiphons and usually one or two motets during the distribution of the Eucharist.
6.00pm
Sung Evensong (Choral Evensong on the second Sunday of the month). Canticles, psalms and responses are sung to plainsong.
St John’s has always maintained an excellent reputation for music in, and out, of the liturgy. Under the direction of the current Organist who took over in September 2013 the music department had undergone significant expansion and re-development. In November 2013 the Parish Council approved the establishment of a series of five choral scholarships (worth $750 per annum) and one organ scholarship (worth $1,000). It is hoped that the new Organist will continue this scheme and will continue to build relationships with local schools and music groups. The current Organ Scholar took up the position in September 2014 and has been an asset to the music department at St John’s and it is hoped the new incumbent will work closely with the Organ Scholar mentoring and directing their playing within the liturgy.
The Senior Choir had experienced a significant growth in membership over the past two years and now includes four sopranos, two altos, two tenors, and three basses. The choir continues to grow in confidence and has developed an excellent repertoire drawn from the traditional Anglican and Catholic canon which covers over a thousand years of repertoire. The choir is particularly proud to continue the tradition of regularly performing plainsong within the liturgy. The choir has recently learnt mass settings by Gounod, Willan, Sumsion, and Batten. Dr Colin Brumby’s Missa Sanctae Ceciliae was written for the choir in February 2014. Appendix A contains the current music list for May to June 2015. In addition to working hard, the choir also takes its social responsibilities seriously. Each Tuesday night rehearsal is followed by a bring-and-share supper, and before their summer break the choir hosts a BBQ for the Rector and Wardens and other invited members of the congregation on Epiphany. The choir is currently planning for an ‘away day’ and concert in Bowral in August 2015. As part of the reorganisation of the music department in February 2014 the Junior Choir was formed drawn from boys and girls from neighbouring schools. The Juniors sing with the Senior Choir once a month (usually on the second Sunday of the month, and a large Parish events, such as the Service of Lessons and Carols). So far membership has been small (between 3 and 5), but dedicated and we have had one chorister move from the Juniors to the Seniors as his voice broke. It is hoped that the new Organist will make the expansion of this section of the choir a priority. For several years the church has run concerts for the wider parish and in the past two years this series has become expanded and regularised. St John’s now supports one concert a month on the second Saturday at 2.00pm (except during Lent) followed by afternoon tea. This venture has become very successful and has a found an enthusiastic and supportive audience drawn from across the Northern Beaches. This series is run by the Concert coordinator, but it is expected that the Director of Music would offer support, advice and encouragement where needed. The current Organist has performed two organ recitals in the last twelve months, one in August and one in December. It is hoped that this recital of Christmas and Advent music may become a parish tradition. One of the high points of the year at St John’s is the Festival of Sacred and Classical Music which first took place in September 2014. This festival runs for two days and includes: three recitals, and Choral Evensong sung by a visiting choir on Saturday, and Festival Mass and a ‘Come and Sing Messiah’ on Sunday. The first Festival attracted over 300 people to St John’s and over 100 singers took part in Messiah directed by the current Organist. This year, and in subsequent years, the festival will take place in May. In 1968 Roger H Pogson installed a small six rank extension organ in the church. Despite doing sterling work for nearly 50 years, it had become evident that the organ was not appropriate for the musical aspirations of the parish. In November 2013 the organ builder Ian Sell, of Digital Pipe Organs Australia, provided a custom built console and enhanced the existing stops with the latest digital technology. The organ was installed in April 2014 and was officially opened at a recital by the international-recitalist David Drury in May 2014. The full specification of the organ can be found in Appendix B.
ROLE DESCRIPTION This is an exciting opportunity for a gifted musician to lead and to continue to develop the musical tradition at our friendly church in the Catholic tradition. We seek someone who: Can promote and enhance the spiritual life of the congregation through music. Is an excellent organist and who will be skilled in both training and inspiring amateur singers to achieve the very best results possible, and also sensitively supporting the musical needs of the congregation. Is liturgically aware, committed and flexible. Will seek to increase choir numbers and develop their musical potential. Can mentor and inspire Organ and Choral Scholars. Will contribute to the Parish in its vision and plans. Has good interpersonal skills and can work collaboratively. Has excellent administrative skills. Will support the work of the Concert coordinator. Will support and appreciate the many ministries and demands of an active parish church. Has a sense of humour. The time requirements of the job are flexible and change with the liturgical seasons, however in general the post required between 12 and 15 hours per week. The typical weekly schedule is as follows: TUESDAY 5.00 – 6.00pm 7.15 – 8.30pm
Junior Choir Practice (during term time) Senior Choir Practice
SUNDAY 8.00 – 9.00am 9.15 – 9.50am 10.00 – 11.00am 5.00 – 5.50pm 6.00 – 7.00pm
Sung Eucharist Choir Practice Sung Eucharist with Children’s Ministries Choir Practice (on the Second Sunday of the month) Sung Evensong (Taize Mass on the First Sunday of the month)
The choir also sings on the following occasions: Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Advent Carols Service, Service of Lessons and Carols, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The choir stands down between Epiphany and Candlemass. The organist can take six Sundays paid holiday per annum.
We can offer: A supportive and musical Rector and congregation. A church with an exciting and ambitious musical life. Enthusiastic and dedicated choir members, who are determined to enjoy themselves and have fun whilst singing and socialising. An extensive music library (with Librarian in post!) A new organ and two excellently maintained pianos. A musical and liturgical tradition rarely found in Sydney.
The position will be subject to a NSW Working with Children Check. The salary will be negotiable according to qualifications and experience. Any interested parties are welcome to contact the current Director of Music, Dr Tom Edwards, in the first instance on music@stjohnsdeewhy.org.au to arrange an informal discussion.
Letters of application together with a current CV should be addressed to: Rev Fr S R Salmon SSC Rector St John the Evangelist Anglican Church Dee Why via office@stjohnsdeewhy.org.au
APPENDIX A: MUSIC LIST MAY – JUNE 2015 Sunday 3 May Fifth Sunday of Easter 8.00am Setting: A Parish Eucharist – Michael Dudman (1938 – 1994) Communion: Duetto – Percy Whitlock (1903 – 1946) Voluntary: The Good Doctor’s Blast: A Tuba Tune – Tim Knight (b. 1959) 10.00am
Setting: Motet: Voluntary:
Holy Trinity Mass – John Ross (b. 1949) How beautiful upon the mountains – John Stainer (1840 – 1901) Hornpipe from Water Music Suite – G. F. Handel (1685 – 1759)
Sunday 10 May Sixth Sunday of Easter 8.00am Setting: A Parish Eucharist – Michael Dudman (1938 – 1994) Communion: Chorale Prelude on ‘Vater unser im Himmelreich’ – Georg Böhm (1661 – 1733) Voluntary: Fugue in the Dorian Mode BWV 538 (ii) – J. S Bach (1685 – 1750) 10.00am
Setting: Gloria: Motet: Voluntary:
An English Mass – plainsong Newcastle Mass – Peter Guy (b. 1981) Ubi Caritas – plainsong Fugue from Sonata no 8 in E minor – Josef Rheinberger (1839 – 1901)
6.00pm
Responses: Psalm: Canticles:
Ferial 107 vv. 1 – 32 plainsong Magnificat – Giovanni Maria Nanino (c. 1544 – 1607) Nunc Dimittis – Thomas Morley (1557/8 – 1602) Call to Remembrance – Richard Farrant (c. 1525 – 1580) Ciacona in E minor BuxWV 160 – Dietrich Buxtehude (1637 – 1707)
Anthem: Voluntary:
Sunday 17 May The Sunday after the Ascension of the Lord 8.00am Setting: A Parish Eucharist – Michael Dudman (1938 – 1994) Communion: Petit Prelude (Aria) – Joseph Jongen (1873 – 1953) Voluntary: Master Tallis’ Testament – Herbert Howells (1892 – 1983) 10.00am
Setting: Gloria: Motet: Voluntary:
Short Communion Service – Adrian Batten (c. 1591 – c. 1637) Mass of Holy Trinity – John Ross (b 1949) God is gone up with a merry noise – William Croft (1678 – 1727) Passacaglia from Sonata no 8 in E minor - Josef Rheinberger (1839 – 1901)
Sunday 24 May Pentecost: Festival of Sacred and Classical Music 8.00am Setting: A Parish Eucharist – Michael Dudman (1938 – 1994) Communion: Chorale Prelude on ‘Komm, heiliger Geist, Herre Gott’ BuxVW 199 – Dietrich Buxtehude (1637 – 1707) Voluntary: Les Enfants de Dieu from La Nativité de Seigneur – Olivier Messiaen (1908 – 1992) 10.00am
Voluntary: Setting: Motets: Voluntary:
Improvisation on ‘Veni Creator Spiritus’ – John Cook (1918 – 1984) Messe Breve no 7 in C – Charles Gounod (1818 – 1893) Listen, sweet dove – Grayston Ives (b. 1948) If ye love me – Thomas Tallis (c. 1505 – 1585) Toccata and Fugue in the Dorian Mode BWV 538 – J. S. Bach (1685 – 1750)
Sunday 31 May The Most Holy and Indivisible Trinity 8.00am Setting: A Parish Eucharist – Michael Dudman (1938 – 1994) Communion: Trio in D minor BWV 583 – attrib. to J. S. Bach (1685 – 1750) 10.00am
Setting: Gloria: Motet: Voluntary:
Missa Ferialis – Anon. Spanish (17th century) A Parish Eucharist – Michael Dudman (1938 – 1994) Alta Beata Trinita – Anon. Italian (17th century) Hilariter – Anon. English (16th century) Fugue in E flat ‘St Anne’ BWV 552 (ii) – J. S. Bach (1685 –
1750) Sunday 7 June Corpus Christi 8.00am Setting: Mass of Holy Trinity – John Ross (b. 1949) Communion: Le banquet céleste – Olivier Messiaen (1908 – 1992) Voluntary: Toccata-Prelude on Pange Lingua – E. C. Bairstow (1874 – 1946) 10.00am
Setting: Gloria: Motet: Voluntary:
Communion Service in F – Herbert Sumsion (1899-1995) Missa Sine Nomine – Peter Jewkes (b. 1957) Ave Verum Corpus – William Byrd (c.1540 – 1623) Prelude and Fugue in B flat BWV 560 – J. S. Bach (1685 –
Responses: Psalm: Canticles: Motet: Voluntary:
tbc 89 vv. 1 – 18 Evening Service in F – James Nares (1715 – 1783) tbc Chorale Prelude on ‘Bist du bei mir’ BWV 508 – J. S. Bach (1685 – 1750)
1750) 6.00pm Sung by the Cathedral Singers
Sunday 14 June Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time 8.00am Setting: Mass of Holy Trinity – John Ross (b. 1949) Communion: Aria – Flor Peeters (1903 – 1986) Voluntary: Piéce Héroïque – César Franck (1822 – 1890)
10.00am
Setting: Motet: Voluntary:
6.00pm
Response: Psalm: Canticles: Anthem: Voluntary:
A Festive Eucharist – Noel Rawsthorne (b. 1929) Veni Sanctae Spiritus – Malcolm Archer (b. 1952) Soul of my Saviour – Colin Brumby (b. 1933) Improvisation Ferial 32, 36 plainsong Evening Service in D minor – Thomas Attwood Walmisley (1814 – 1856) Thou visitest the earth – Maurice Greene (1696-1755) Fugue in F minor – Charles Burney (1726-1814)
Sunday 21 June Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time 8.00am Setting: Mass of Holy Trinity – John Ross (b. 1949) Communion: Chorale Prelude on ‘Freu dich sehr, O meine Seele’ – Johann Ludwig Krebs (1713 – 1780) Voluntary: Grand Choeur – Guy Weitz (1883 – 1970) 10.00am
Setting: Gloria: Motet: Voluntary:
Missa Brevis in a minor – Claudio Casciolini (1697-1760) Christ Church Mass – Philip Matthias (b. 1954) Tantum Ergo – Deodat de Severac (1872-1921) Toccata in G – Giovanni Battista Martini (1706-1784)
Sunday 28 June Thirteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time 8.00am Setting: Mass of Holy Trinity – John Ross (b. 1949) Communion: Praeambulum in D minor – Heinrich Scheidemann (c. 1595 – 1663) 10.00am
Setting: Gloria: Motet: Voluntary:
An English Mass – plainsong Newcastle Mass – Peter Guy (b. 1981) Draw nigh and take this body – plainsong Postlude on ‘Tell Out, My Soul’ – Denis Bédard (b. 1950)
APPENDIX B St John the Evangelist Organ Specification
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55
Pedal Open Wood 32 Open Diapason 16 SUB-BASS 16 Bourdon 16 Principal 8 Flute 8 Fifteenth 4 Mixture IV Bombarde 32 Contra Violone 16 Trombone 16 Horn 16 Trumpet 8
Choir Stopped Diapason 8 Flute Celeste 8 Dulciana 8 ROHR GEDACKT 8 Principal 8 Chimney Flute 4 GEMSHORN 4 NAZARD 2 2/3 Fifteenth 2 Flute 2 TIERCE 1 3/5 Larigot 1 1/3 Sharp Mixture IV Clarinet 8 Sesquieltra III Orchestral Oboe 8 Tuba 8 Trumpet en Chemade 8
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72
Great Double Open Diapason 16 Open Diapason no 1 8 Open Diapason no 2 8 Stopped Diapason 8 Claribel Flute 8 PRINCIPAL 4 Wald Flute 4 Twelfth 2 2/3 Fifteenth 2 Mixture IV Cymbal II Trumpet 8 Clarion 4 Double Trumpet 16 Swell Contra Gamba 16 Open Diapason 8 Stopped Diapason 8 Salicional 8 Viola da Gamba 8 Lieblich Gedackt 8 Vox Celeste 8 Vox Humana 8 Principal 4 Flute 4 Flageolet 2 Mixture III Double Trumpet 16 Cornopean 8 Oboe 8 Clarion 4 Tremulant
Couplers and Playing Aids 27 Great to Pedal 28 Swell to Pedal 29 Swell to Great 30 Swell to Choir 31 Swell Octave 32 Swell Sub-Octave 33 Swell Unison Off 34 Choir to Great 35 Choir to Pedal 36 Choir Octave 37 Choir Sub Octave Choir solo to Great Swell solo to Great Great Octave coupler 15 general pistons 6 pistons to each division 32’ Open Wood on piston 32’ Bombarde on piston 15 levels of memory 6 organ settings: English Cathedral Organ (with pipes/digital) French Romantic Organ (with pipes/digital) German Baroque Organ (with pipes/digital)
Specification of the 2014 organ by Ian Sell of Virtual Pipe Organs, Australia Pipes in red are the orginal Pogson ranks.