CHORAL AND ORGAN SCHOLARSHIPS AT ST JOHN BAPTIST, CIRENCESTER

St John Baptist, Cirencester is recruiting choral scholars for all voice parts (SATB) and an organ scholar at an annual salary of £1,500 plus fees from occasional services (usually upwards of 10 per year). The scholarships are particularly suitable for music college students, young professional singers and those aspiring to university choral scholarships but equally are open to all ages and backgrounds.

The Choir

The Parish Church Choir of St John Baptist, Cirencester, sings for the 10am Eucharist and

4pm Choral Evensong (twice a month) Sunday services at the church and is regarded as one of the best choirs of its type in the area. At these services it performs a wide range of music, both well-known cathedral-style repertoire and more unusual music. The choir is directed by the Organist and Choirmaster Hugo Kennard. The choir is a hugely valued part of worship at St John Baptist and the congregation is extremely welcoming and appreciative of the rich and diverse music we provide. The clergy work closely with the music department and are extremely supportive of the choral tradition.

The choir is rebuilding itself after a dip in recruitment drive but still consists of 18 adults, of high musical ability, and a growing number of trebles. There are four paid choral scholars, one per part, who sing with the choir and also as a quartet at certain services.

Beyond the regular service schedule, the choir tours regularly to cathedrals in the UK. Other highlights will include an annual ‘Deanery Evensong’ many combined choir events and a busy social calendar. Highlights are the summer BBQ, Christmas Party and frequent other gatherings.

The Scholars

Scholars at St John’s provide leadership and support to their voice parts in rehearsal, services and concert engagements. Those applying should have good sight-reading skills and musicianship. Experience of church music and the Anglican choral tradition is useful but not essential.

Choral scholars at St John’s gain experience of a wide repertoire of sacred music, while developing their technique in solo work, small ensembles and with the full choir. Other opportunities include participation in choral concerts. It is a fine introduction to the choral scene, and provides useful training and contacts for those wishing to sing with professional choral ensembles.

The organist and choirmaster is keen to use the choral scholars’ skills in many ways, and there will be opportunities for them to enhance or develop skills in choral and instrumental arrangement or composition as part of the position, should they wish to. We support an active programme of encouraging young composers and, depending on schedule and suitability, have performed several compositions by members of the choir in recent years.