Music Director

Job Description

Organisation

Parish Church of Holy Spirit, Clapham

Location

Narbonne Avenue, Clapham, London SW4 9JU

Position

Director of Music

About the church

Holy Spirit, Clapham is a vibrant and welcoming congregation known for its enriching worship experience. The music at Holy Spirit Clapham holds a special place in the church, enhancing the spiritual atmosphere with its inspiring acoustics and the magnificent Hunter organ.

About the choir

Our choir sings most Sundays, performing a wide range of material from the European sacred music repertoire, from Tudor anthems through to modern settings. On several Sundays throughout the year, the choir also sings at Evensong, where a full set of canticles, responses, psalms and anthems are performed. The choir consists of a group of keen amateur singers often joined by semi-professional choral scholars.

Key responsibilities

• Choir direction

  • Rehearse and conduct the choir several times a month, fostering a harmonious environment conducive to learning and growth.

  • Direct the choir during Sunday morning and monthly Evensong services, ensuring synchrony and adherence to the quality standards of Holy Spirit Clapham.

  • Choose a diverse range of accompanied and unaccompanied pieces.

  • Encourage singers to develop their technique, sightreading and quality of sound

  • Arrange for organists to be booked to accompany services when the Director of Music is conducting.

• Accompaniment of services

  • Either play the Hunter organ for Sunday morning services or ensure that an organist is booked to cover.

  • Ensure that the music enhances the worship experience.

  • Select pieces that resonate with the liturgical calendar and the spirit of the services.

• Repertoire development

  • Continually develop and expand the choir's repertoire in keeping with our tradition and ethos

  • Encourage and incorporate new pieces that resonate with both the choir and the congregation.

• Community engagement

  • Foster a sense of community and camaraderie among choir members.

  • Engage with the congregation and church leadership to ensure that the music ministry aligns with the overall mission and vision of Holy Spirit Clapham.

  • Encourage recruitment to the choir, at all levels, including choral scholars.

• Administrative duties

  • Oversee the scheduling, planning, and logistics for rehearsals, performances, and special events.

  • Collaborate with church leadership to ensure seamless integration of music into worship services.

• Optional

  • To support and develop initiatives to extend our music provision to children and young adults.

• Qualifications

  • An accomplished organist with experience directing a choir is essential.

  • Familiarity with a wide range of choral music, from early English to late-Romantic French compositions.

  • Prior experience rehearsing and conducting choral groups.

  • Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills.

  • A commitment to the ethos and mission of Holy Spirit Clapham.

• Salary and holiday

  • Salary will be in accordance with Musicians’ Union rates.

  • The preferred holiday entitlement is 6 weeks per year, but this is negotiable.  Holiday will not normally be permitted in the week including Easter Sunday nor the week including Christmas Day.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter, CV, and any relevant recordings or portfolio items to office@holyspirit-clapham.org.uk. 

Closing date

Our music director of six years has recently stepped down. We are keen to fill this post as soon as possible. Interviews will be arranged as and when applications are received.  Therefore, an early application is recommended.