STAFF SPECIALIST

Occupational Summary

 

Established in 2015, the organ scholar program at Duke University Chapel provides an immersive and supportive environment for promising students of organ and church music to develop vocational skills through liturgical planning and leadership, extensive choral accompaniment, continuo playing, choral rehearsal and conducting, and other activities that support the wide-ranging ministries of a vibrant University chapel.

 

The successful candidate will have access to the exceptional organs in Duke University Chapel, Duke Divinity School, a new Bösendorfer grand piano, as well as several harpsichords and practice instruments in the Department of Music. Although the position is akin to a paid internship, the Organ Scholar serves as an integral member of the Chapel Music staff and is expected to maintain the highest level of performance and professional standards in music making, communication, and other responsibilities.

 

Responsibilities

Primary (required) responsibilities include:

 

• Attend all services, regular rehearsals, and special rehearsals or sectionals of the Chapel Choir, Schola Cantorum, and Evensong Singers
• Serve as principal accompanist for the Evensong Singers including anthems, psalmody, and hymnody
• In rotation with the University Organist and Chapel Organist, prepare and play preludes, postludes, and other service music, as well as assist with weekly organ demonstrations featuring the Aeolian, Flentrop, and Brombaugh instruments in the Chapel
• Play 15 weddings (included in salary and not compensated separately)
• Maintain a regular schedule of individual practice using available instruments in the Chapel, Divinity School, and Department of Music
• Research and write music notes for Evensong bulletins and other special services
• Attend monthly all-staff meetings, and manage administrative tasks through weekly meetings with the Chapel Organist, weekly meetings with the conductor of the Evensong Singers, and occasional meetings of the Chapel’s ministry staff

 

Depending on the candidate’s strength and experience, secondary responsibilities may include:

 

• Learn and perform continuo accompaniments for the Chapel’s Bach cantata series, the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, and the annual Chorworks program
• Plan and lead choral music for special projects such as Compline services during Lent or other collaborations with the Anglican Episcopal House of Studies at Duke Divinity School
• Serve as organist for funerals, academic ceremonies, and other special events (compensated separately)
• Lead sectionals or rehearsals for various choral ensembles

 

Finally, as a means of developing vocational skills, the Organ Scholar may pursue these and similar opportunities during their appointment:

 

• Develop a program of study for service playing, choral accompaniment, improvisation, conducting, continuo realization, or other areas of interest with members of the Chapel music staff
• Present a full-length recital, hymn festival, program, or special project akin to a degree recital
• Under guidance of the Chapel Organist or University Organist, prepare for and complete a professional certification (e.g. AGO examinations)

 

Qualifications

Candidates for the position of Organ Scholar must:

 

• Have a degree (BA, BM, MA, MM, or DMA) in organ performance or equivalent certifications from the American Guild of Organists or Royal College of Organists
• Exhibit commitment to continued professional work as a church musician
• Demonstrate previous experience in choral accompaniment and conducting
• Possess advanced proficiency in public performance of organ repertoire

 

The following skills will also be considered in evaluation of candidates:

 

• Sight-reading proficiency