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Long-Term Substitute Organist

Reports to: Dr. Derrick Thompson, Music Director
Status: Temporary, Part-Time

About St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Philadelphia seeks an accomplished, collaborative, and committed Part-Time Organist to support the parish’s musical and spiritual life. The Organist will provide organ and piano accompaniment for worship services, choir rehearsals, feast days, and other parish events. The successful candidate will be a skilled musician comfortable collaborating with a Music Director, clergy, choir, and parish community within the Episcopal liturgical tradition.

Position Purpose
The Organist provides organ and piano accompaniment that enriches worship, supports the choir, and contributes to the ongoing development of the musical life of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church.

About the Organ
Saint Peter’s E.M. Skinner Organ was made by Boston’s celebrated Skinner Organ Company, then as now generally considered the finest organ-building firm of their day. The organ’s 2,565 pipes have supported the worship services in this historic church for 90 years. Affectionately dubbed “Margie” by the musicians who have sat at the console, Opus 862 (as the builder called her) has long been the musical soul of Saint Peter’s Church. Ernest M. Skinner’s ability to design an organ that complements its acoustical environment is nowhere more evident than at St. Peter’s Church. A total of 47 stops are controlled by a three-manual console. Two-thirds of the pipes are “under expression,” in louvered enclosures that provide a wide dynamic range. While the smallest pipes are the size of soda straws, the largest pipe, if stretched out, could reach across Pine Street. The kaleidoscopic musical resources of this instrument include gentle ethereal whispers, hauntingly beautiful flutes, broad and rich foundation stops, and a powerful tutti that is completely satisfying and never oppressive.

The ornate organ case was built in 1767 by German craftsman Philip Feyring and decorated by Martin Jugiez. The organ is under the curatorship of the A. Thompson Allen Company.

Primary Responsibilities
Worship Leadership

• Serve as organist for the principal Sunday Choral Eucharist and other assigned parish
  worship services.
• Provide accompaniment for designated feast days and special liturgical services as needed.
• Prepare, practice, and perform all assigned music in advance of services.
• Provide appropriate preludes, postludes, voluntaries, hymn accompaniments, and other service music.
• Work closely with the Music Director to ensure continuity and consistency in the parish’s worship music.
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the Episcopal liturgical tradition and the role of music within worship.

Choir Support

The Long-Term Substitute Organist will work closely with the Music Director in supporting the
parish choir and accompanying regularly scheduled rehearsals:

• Sunday mornings: 9:50–10:50 a.m.
• First and third Sundays: 12:15–2:15 p.m.
• Second Thursday of each month: 6:30–8:00 p.m.

The Organist will:

• Accompany choir rehearsals under the direction of the Music Director.
• Support the choir in learning and preparing assigned repertoire.
• Collaborate with the Music Director on hymns, service music, and choral repertoire.
• Provide dependable musical support for rehearsals and worship services.
• Work effectively with volunteer and professional musicians.

Instrument Care

• Assist in maintaining the parish’s musical instruments during the period of the temporary appointment.
• Communicate concerns regarding the condition of the organ, piano, and other musical instruments to the Music Director.
• Coordinate with the Music Director regarding any immediate instrument needs that may arise.

Qualifications
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Advanced proficiency on organ and piano.
• Experience accompanying choirs and vocalists.
• Strong sight-reading and accompanying skills.
• Ability to prepare music independently and perform at a high level.
• Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills.
• Professional reliability, punctuality, and effective communication.
• Ability to work constructively with the Music Director, clergy, choir members, parishioners, and guest musicians.
• Familiarity with organ maintenance and coordination with organ technicians is desirable.

Schedule & Time Commitment
The position is temporary and part-time, with an expected commitment of approximately 3 hours per week during the summer and 6 to 8 hours per week during the choral season. The regular schedule includes Sunday worship and choir rehearsals, with additional
responsibilities for designated feast days and special liturgical services (e.g., Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Easter).

The specific dates of the long-term substitute appointment will be communicated to the selected candidate during the interview process.

Safe Church & Parish Policies
The successful candidate must abide by the personnel policies of St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the Safe Church requirements of the Diocese of Pennsylvania.

Compensation
Salary Range: $12,420.00-$16,020.00 ($45.00/hour)

How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit the following materials:

1. Cover letter expressing your interest in the Long-Term Substitute Organist position and describing your relevant experience.
2. Current résumé/CV outlining relevant education, professional experience, church music experience, and musical accomplishments.
3.  Three professional references, including contact information.
4. Two video recordings demonstrating your musical abilities. Videos may include worship accompaniment, solo organ performance, choral accompaniment, or other performances that demonstrate your suitability for the position.

Please submit all application materials electronically to:
Dr. Derrick Thompson
Music Director
St. Peter’s Episcopal Church
[email protected]
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Qualified candidates may be contacted for an interview and/or audition.