Lay Clerk (Bass)
Appointment of a Lay Clerk (Bass) Job Share
Living and telling the Good News of Jesus
Role Details & Responsbilities
Job Title Lay Clerk (Bass)
Reports to Director of Music
Rate of Pay £2345.00 which includes holiday entitlement payment.
Hours Part-time job-share, 9 hours a week (typically 3 sessions a week each of 3 hours duration). 18.5 weeks of the year between September and July based on the academic school year.
Holiday Entitlement 30 hours per annum – 18 hours to be taken outside of the school term.
Background Bath Abbey is a major centre for Christian worship, a leading venue for tourism and cultural events, and a treasured part of Britain’s heritage. It lies at the heart of Bath, occupying a central place in the celebration of worship, special events and the life of this unique and elegant World Heritage city. There are two treble choirs at Bath Abbey – a boys choir (aged 8-14) and a girls choir (aged 11-18) and the 12 Adult Lay Clerks support these children with the Alto, Tenor and Bass parts.
Overall purpose of the post The principal duties of a Lay Clerk are to take part in the services and concerts detailed under ‘Main Duties and Responsibilities’ below, which include all necessary rehearsals. The duties may be varied from time to time after consultation by the Director of Music and the Abbey Leadership Team.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
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To sing as part of the Abbey Choir at Evensong on Thursday (and one Tuesday per month instead of Thursday), and on Sunday at two services: Choral Eucharist and Choral Evensong.
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Additional duties include the Advent Carol Service, the festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, the sung Eucharist on Christmas Eve, and services on Ash Wednesday and during Holy Week.
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To sing in concerts, broadcasts and recordings as required which will attract additional fees.
General Responsibilities
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Maintain the vocal standards required by the Director of Music, and as appropriate to being part of a choir. This includes preparation before rehearsals and services.
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Uphold and adhere to the Abbey’s values, its policies and procedures, and its code of conduct.
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Attend safeguarding and other training courses as required by the Abbey.
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Any other appropriate duties that the Director of Music, Rector, or clergy may require from time to time.
Person Specification & Application Details
Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience Essential
Demonstrate a high level of musicianship, ability, and experience as a choral singer
• Excellent ability in sight-reading
Demonstrate a high level of experience and stylistic awareness in singing music across the choral repertoire
Capable of singing up to two Sunday choral services and weekday Evensongs with limited rehearsal time
To be in sympathy with worship in the Church of England.
Desirable
Education to degree standard
Experience working in a cathedral/church music environment
Skills and Abilities
Essential
Good organisational and interpersonal skills
Excellent team working skills, with the ability to work collaboratively
• A sound and flexible vocal technique
Ability to keep up with correspondence in a professional manner
Work-related personal qualities Essential
Punctual, reliable, with a positive outlook, and integrity
A person who is stimulated by the high expectations of those around them
Flexibility in response to changing circumstances and a positive approach to innovation
• The ability to work well within a team
• Approachable, open, and honest
Dedicated, conscientious, and hard working
Desirable
• A communicant member of the Church of England
Application
To apply please send a full CV and covering letter of no more than one side A4 page which explains why you are a suitable candidate. Please include the details of two references one of whom should be a musician who can speak about your musical ability. References will only be taken up once an offer has been made.
Please send your CV and letter to Huw Williams, Director of Music at the following email address: hwilliams@bathabbey.org
BathAbbey
Address
Bath Abbey
Abbey Office
9 Kingston Buildings
Bath BA1 1LT
Contact
01225 422462