Organist Vacancies

We have recently been advised of the following vacancies in the Reading area.

To place a free advertisement for a vacancy on this page contact . Details will also be included in the next edition of BOA's bi-monthly newsletter to members.

 

Easthampstead Parish Church

seeks a

Resident Organist

Located in Bracknell, Easthampstead Parish Church has been a welcoming, community-focused, and faithful Christian presence in the community for over 900 years. We are rooted in our catholic Anglican tradition as an inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven church. We are a growing church with a regular congregation of about 110 that attends, including a high number of children.

Music is an important part of our life together as a church. We sing traditional hymns (predominantly from our hymn books Ancient and Modern), and occasionally anthems. Our organ was constructed in 1869 by J W Walker of London.

The successful candidate will be passionate about helping lead Christian music at our church. They must also be able to help develop and implement a music strategy for the future, as we would like to see our choir grow in numbers and ability.

Other requirements include:

  • Have sympathy with the Christian faith and the ethos of the Church of England, as well as the purpose, vision, values, and mission of Easthampstead Parish Church.
  • Play the organ on Sunday mornings at 9:30am, on the first Sunday of the month in the evening at 6pm, and at major festivals in the life of the church.
  • Once a year to participate in our wedding open day, where you will be asked to play the organ for prospective wedding couples.
  • Play at life events in the church (Baptisms, Weddings and Funerals) as requested. For which you will receive an additional fee.
  • Accompany and rehearse with the choir before services as required.

Salary: £6,000 per annum.

For full information and to apply, please visit the church website

May 2025

The Parish of St Mary and St John, Stratfield Mortimer (near Reading)

seeks an

Organist and Director of Music

to develop the musical life of this Parish 9 miles south-west of Reading.

There is a choir which sings the 10.00 am Sung Eucharist every Sunday and at the major festivals.

There is the possibility of involvement with our two church schools.

For more information please contact: The Rev'd Paul Chaplin. The Parish Office, St John's Church, West End Road, Mortimer RG7 3SY Tel: 0118 933 1718 Email: chaplin953@btinternet.com

March 2025

St Mary's Church, Streatley

seeks an

Organist and Choir Director

Vacancy from June 2025.

Involves playing probably three weeks a month, additionally directing a small but keen choir (practices presently held on Sunday mornings).

The services are sung Matins, BCP and Common Worship Communions and a family service using a piano.

The organ is by Robin Jennings.

Salary to be negotiated.

For full details please contact Elaine Cox.

March 2025

Waltham St Lawrence Parish Church

seeks an

Organist

Our friendly and active village church community has a strong musical & choral tradition, enthusiastically supported by congregation and clergy. Due to retirement in June, we are looking for an Organist to work with our Music Director to continue building our musical capabilities in support of worship.

Duties: to play for Thursday choir practice, for one Sunday service (CW Communion, or Morning Worship, or BCP Choral Evensong), and at occasional festivals (Ash Weds, Holy Week, Ascension Day, Carol Service etc).

Weddings and Funerals in addition (fees apply).

Fine 'Father' Willis 2-manual organ, well maintained.

Robed SATB choir (and Junior Choir, run separately), supplemented by visiting singers for monthly Choral Evensong and twice-yearly cathedral visits.

Musical and worship style is mainstream/traditional, with opportunities to broaden range of music, and be involved in youth music, concerts, our annual Choral Festival etc.

Grade 7+ or equivalent standard. Student organists receiving tuition also considered.

For full details please contact applicants@wslchurch.uk.

February 2025

St Nicholas, Rotherfield Greys

(near Henley on Thames)

seeks an enthusiastic and able

Organist

The impressive Walker organ has just been restored and enlarged, including a modern piston capture system and a new 16' reed, and is a most rewarding instrument to play.

Currently we have two services a month: a BCP Choral evensong and a Traditional words Eucharist (sung to Merbecke) plus an occasional benefice service and of course, the traditional seasonal festivals. For the future, once an associate priest has been appointed, we hope to resume weekly services.

The loyal congregation is very appreciative of music and would be very supportive of our new organist.

The small, friendly and keen choir enjoy regular practice, and an organist prepared to continue this tradition would be ideal - perhaps adjourning to the next-door pub afterwards!

Remuneration and fees by negotiation.

For full details please contact the Rector, Mark Ainsworth on Athmj90@gmail.com.

August 2024

St Edwards, RC Parish Windsor

- a vibrant and busy faith community -

seeks an

Organist

to play at the Parish Church and build and support music in the churches of the Parish and across the new Pastoral Area (which includes the church of St Francis at Ascot).

The parish has a long standing and enthusiastic group of singers with a wide range of talent and is keen to expand their skills and musical repertoire at Mass each weekend and celebrations throughout the liturgical year. Reporting will be to the Parish Priest.

The successful candidate will be a practising Christian, respectful of the teaching, ethos and values of the Catholic Church, and a trained organist with experience of playing in a church setting. You will always remember that the purpose of the role is to enhance the beauty and prayerfulness of the liturgy.

You will be keen to expand and support liturgical music across the Pastoral area for all age groups, being respectful and open to all aspects of the richness and diversity of Catholic liturgical music and be prepared to experiment and take risks.

This role will be on a self-employed basis initially for 12 months at £60 per service/rehearsal for an estimated 100 hours per annum, at a salary of £6,000.

Application forms and full details are available from spatterson@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk.

May 2024

St Luke's Church, Maidenhead

is seeking to appoint a

Director of Music / Organist

To play for Sundays and special services, to lead the choir, to develop further the musical life of the church, and to be a member of the Church's Ministry Team

Salary £4000 p/a

To discuss the post, for further details, or for an application form contact the vicar, Revd. Sally Lynch: sally514@btinternet.com / 01628 783033

May 2023

St Mary's, Whitchurch-on-Thames and
St John-the-Baptist, Whitchurch Hill

seek an

Organist

To play at two Sunday services a month and for special services as required. Services are at 9.30am on the 1st & 3rd Sundays in the month at St Mary's, Whitchurch-on-Thames.

We have a small choir, augmented for special services.

There will be renumeration for services played.

For further details please contact Kenneth Baker (Church Warden) Tel: 0118 943 2778, Email: baker_kenneth2@sky.com

October 2021