Littleton United Methodist Church
Church Organist
May 2024
Littleton United Methodist Church
Location: 5894 S. Datura St., Littleton, Colorado 80120
Position: Church Organist (Part-Time; 20 hr.)
The Church Organist at Littleton UMC collaborates with the Director of Music and Fine Arts and the pastoral staff in leading worship services and participates in all musical offerings during services, including serving as staff accompanist and collaborating with various groups and soloists as needed. The position is open to all qualified applicants, regardless of faith tradition.
Responsibilities
· Provide music for weekly services on Sunday morning, for other special services and for other occasional special worship services.
· Accompany weekly rehearsals during school year of the Chancel Choir (Thursday evenings) and Youth Choir (Sunday afternoons), and accompany Sunday mornings prior to worship.
· Provide creative and dynamic musical leadership on hymns and other congregational singing, including creative hymn/song introductions, interludes, transpositions, harmonizations and organ descants
· Provide occasional accompaniment for children’s and other groups as arranged.
· Participate in weekly worship planning.
· Comply with all Safe Sanctuary Policies.
· Conduct occasional sectionals or rehearsals in the absence of the Director of Music as arranged.
· Arrange for substitutes during times of absence.
· Maintain the right of first-refusal to play for weddings and memorial services, with a priority to play at weddings and memorial services of church members, if possible. All such services are for additional compensation.
Qualifications
Littleton UMC seeks a candidate with a high degree of proficiency in organ performance and choral collaboration/accompaniment. Ideally, this may include:
· A Master’s Degree in Music or equivalent, with training in sacred music and hymn playing.
· 3+ years’ experience in collaborating with choirs and/or working in a church music program.
· Strong accompanying skills and sight-reading skills are preferred.
Work Schedule
The Church Organist/Staff Accompanist is expected to work an average of 20 hours per week, recognizing that the number of hours per week can vary widely according to the season. The 20 hours includes 8-10 hours of practice/preparation time.
Salary and Benefits
· The Church offers a competitive salary, vacation time, and continuing education allowance commensurate with experience, and reviewed on an annual basis.
· Additional salary may be negotiated for candidates interested in directing handbells, instrumental groups or a concert series.
· The Church Organist may use the church’s musical instruments for private teaching and student performances. Times of such use are to be coordinated with the Church office schedule and program needs.
Instruments
· Organ: A custom three-manual hybrid instrument (electronic and pipe) that was installed by Advent Organ Builders for the church in 1998. The instrument has recently been updated.
· Pianos: The piano in the sanctuary is an older 7’ Kawai KG-6C. The primary instrument in the choral rehearsal room and chapel is a Yamaha G2.
· Other: The Church has five octaves of Schulmerich handbells and Malmark handchimes. There is a Rodgers C-80 electronic harpsichord that is used for some continuo work.
Working Relationships and Accountability
The Church Organist/Staff Accompanist works in a cooperative relationship with the Director of Music and Fine Arts, and reports to the Senior Pastor and the Staff Parish Relations Committee.
About the Church
Littleton United Methodist Church is a 1000-member church that was founded as the First Methodist Church of Littleton in 1890. As the area has grown, the church has had a part in establishing four other UM churches in the South Metro area. Littleton UMC has a strong music program. The Chancel Choir, pre-COVID, was comprised of over 80 active singers. The group has collaborated with choirs of other local universities, churches and professional and community orchestras. The choir has recently performed major works by Mendelssohn, Duruflé, Rutter, Bernstein and Dan Forrest. Currently, two adult choirs, a youth choir, two children’s choirs and two handbell choirs comprise the program’s school-year ensembles. There is also an established concert series, a summer music camp for children and a theatre ministry. As a primary venue for the Littleton Symphony Orchestra and Voices West chorale, Littleton United Methodist is the concert home for the city of Littleton.
About the Area
Littleton, Colorado is part of the Denver Metro Area, which is home to a variety of amenities—everything from museums and all manner of performing arts to professional sports teams and many types of industry. Littleton is situated on the Platte River south of Denver. The area boasts 300 days of sunshine, close proximity to the Rocky Mountains and an endless variety of outdoor activities, including world-class skiing.
Application Requirements
An applicant should submit (1) an up-to-date resume, including three references; (2) a cover letter explaining interest in the position and ability to meet its requirements; and (3) a video recording demonstrating the applicant’s skill as a performer at the organ, submitted as a link to YouTube. Application materials are to be emailed to davidkates@littletonumc.org. The deadline for submissions is June 10, 2024. Interviews/auditions are tentatively scheduled for the week of July 1.
Salary range: $25,000-28,000
