Choral Scholarships at St George’s Cathedral, Southwark: between 1 September 2023 to 1 August 2024
1) The Scholarship
St George’s Cathedral, Southwark is offering a one-year scholarship to choral singers seeking to further their experience in the field of church music. This scholarship consists of:
a) £1500 to be paid in increments as a monthly salary from September 2023.
b) Experience and training in:
i) Choral and solo singing;
ii) Sight-singing and musicianship
iii) Choral Conducting and leadership;
iv) Administering the library of choral music;
v) Animateur skills and music outreach leadership;
vi) Other areas to suit the candidate’s needs and skills.
c) Opportunities for extra singing that the cathedral lay clerks cannot undertake, including weddings and funerals, fees for which will be paid additionally to the Scholarship.
2) Commitment: 4 hours per week in term time
a) To assist the Director of Music at Sunday morning services, either the 10am family mass (sung by the Cathedral Consort) or the 12pm solemn Mass (sung by the choristers and lay clerks), including masses at Christmas and Easter.
b) To be present for choir practices on Wednesday 5.30-7.00pm, Thursday 4-5pm and/or Friday 5.00 to 7.00pm either singing, assisting, supervising or undertaking general administration.
c) Occasionally conducting, assisting the Organist at the console Sunday mass as required.
d) To do miscellaneous administrative tasks as requested, for example distributing and taking in music, photo copying or putting up music lists, etc.
e) To attend occasional meetings as required.
f) In exceptional circumstances absence may be granted.
3) Other details
a) Candidates must be 18+ as of 01 September 2023.
b) Candidates of any voice part are welcome to apply.
c) The choral scholars will be responsible to the Director of Music.
4) Requirements
a) This post is open to aspiring singers at any stage in their career, and may suit those studying for undergraduate degrees or those on gap years.
b) The successful applicant will have:
i) The ability to learn music quickly and sing confidently.
ii) A positive attitude and eagerness to learn and develop.
iii) Access to a computer, with fluency in Microsoft Word and the internet.
iv) A responsible approach to all commitments, including excellent preparation and punctuality.
c) All job applicants are treated on an equal basis, without reference to their ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation or age. If the candidate is not Roman Catholic, a general sympathy with the ethos of the Roman Catholic Church will be expected.
d) The successful candidate will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS check.
5) About St George’s
St George’s Cathedral is the Roman Catholic Cathedral for the Archdiocese of Southwark. The Dean is Canon Michael Branch. Mr Jonathan Schranz is the Director of Music and the Organist and Assistant Director of Music is Dr Frederick Stocken.
a) The 10am Sunday Family Mass is in the style of a Parish Mass, with a congregational mass setting, responsorial psalm and choral anthem. The singing is led by the Cathedral Consort, an SATB youth choir made up of 13-18 year olds from across London.
b) The 12.00 Mass is a more solemn Mass, with choral mass settings and Gregorian Chant. The singing is led by the Cathedral Choir – up to twenty boy and girl choristers aged 8-12 and 9 professional Lay Clerks.
6) Applications
Candidates are invited to send a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role to Jonathan Schranz at music@stgeorges.org.uk
Applications should include:
a) Full name, address(es), telephone numbers and email address;
b) Previous singing experience, including any church appointment;
c) Current occupation and wider plans for the coming year;
d) Other relevant leadership experience;
e) Contact details for two referees.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday 26 July at 5pm.
Auditions and interviews will take place on Monday 7 August.