Church of the Redeemer Chestnut Hill

The Church of the Redeemer in Chestnut Hill (Boston), MA is auditioning for a professional Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass Section Leader to start in September 2022 or sooner. Auditions will remain open until the position is filled.

The principal function of a Section Leader (SL) is to lead the auditioned Parish Choir (which consists of approx. 18 members, including the 8 paid SL’s) and to sing solos within the choir from time to time. The choir sings the 10am service all year round; in addition to occasional special services such as Advent and Christmas Lessons and Carol services, Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday and various Holy Week services.

There is also weekly Choral Evensong sung on Sundays at 5pm from the Sunday after Labor Day through mid/late May. These services are mostly sung by the eight SL’s only. We would like to hire professional singers who ideally can sing both the 10am and 5pm Sunday services, but are open to hiring singers who may only be able/interested in singing the 10am or the 5pm service. (Some singers maybe interested to know, starting from September 2022, we are embarking on singing the complete Herbert Howells Evening Canticles at Evensong over the next four seasons).

There are no mid-week rehearsals, but a brief rehearsal following the 10am service during the academic year which finishes by 12 noon at the latest. There are sometimes Saturday afternoon rehearsals during the Sept-May season, but only 4-6 per season. Dates for these rehearsals and the additional special services are given well in advance/during the summer.

Repertoire consists of traditional music ranging from the 16th-21st centuries and the choir may occasionally perform concerts and host national and international guest conductors. The choir has been featured on various commercial CDs.

Expectations, standards, requirements, attendance policy and pay are all outlined in the job description on the following page. Please submit an expression of interest letter with a resume showing your qualifications, church choral experience and relevant recordings by email to Nigel Potts at: music@redeemerchestnuthill.org

Nigel Potts Director of Music

SECTION LEADER JOB DESCRIPTION

Effective: April 2022

Function:

• To provide strong choral support and solid leadership to the choir

Expectations/Standards/Requirements:

• Solid vocal technique and skills. (A degree in vocal performance/music is usually

expected)

• The ability to sing with straight-tone and blend.

• Significant church choral experience. Knowledge and experience of Plainsong and

Anglican Chant Psalmody is an advantage.

• Excellent sight-reading ability is very important especially with very limited rehearsals.

• Section Leaders are responsible for learning the music in advance of rehearsals /services.

(Music Lists are published in advance)

• Professionalism, punctuality, singing posture (sitting & standing), concentration and attention are expected at all times.

• Section Leaders will be asked to sing solos from time to time.

• Being organized and prepared as an individual and as a leader to those in the choir.

Attendance Policy:

• Advent/Christmas and Holy Week/Easter are mandatory.

• All absences need to be requested by email to the Director of Music and are only given at

his discretion.

• Director of Music may ask the Section Leader to find a sub for their absence. All subs must be approved by the Director of Music.

Pay:

• Section Leaders are paid $90 per call. ($80 from Memorial Day to Labor Day with no post service rehearsals)

• Higher fees apply for some special services such as Easter morning, Christmas Eve etc. as well as occasional weddings and funerals. Annual Review:

• An annual review/audition may take place, if needed