THE OPUS 327 ORGAN SCHOLAR PROGRAM

Drawing on a rich parish history of excellence in Music, Liturgy, and Formation, Opus 327 is pleased to announce an opening for our 2024-2025 Organ Scholar at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Evanston, IL. Designed to encourage and support a young musician (high school or college age) in their education as an organist, the Organ Scholar will act as intern to the music programs at St. Luke’s, receiving hands-on experiences and mentoring. This position offers both fledgling organists and established players the opportunity to receive training in a unique music ministry, steeped in the Anglican tradition.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist the music staff in rehearsals and performance

• Perform occasional service music, accompaniments, and voluntaries as assigned 

• Practice and prepare assigned music carefully and thoroughly 

• Assist with occasional organizational duties (Choir Library/Vestments)

• Assist at occasional external events and concerts held at St. Luke’s, including Opus 327 and AGO Chapter events

• Attendance at all Full Choir rehearsals and performances

• Optional: Assist with Treble and St. Cecilia Singers rehearsals

• Occasionally research and prepare brief Music Notes for publication in the bulletin and/or newsletter

• Assist and attend organ maintenance appointments as able

• Maintain an active presence in the local AGO Chapter and community

• Pursue AGO/RSCM certification 

• Perform at Opus 327 events, potentially up to a full recital

 

Compensation

In exchange for their time and services, the Organ Scholar shall receive:

• Weekly, one-hour lessons with St. Luke’s Assoc. DoM/Organist, tuition-free

• Dedicated practice time on the parish’s world-class E.M. Skinner, Opus 327 organ

• Monthly stipend in the amount of $200 ($2,000/program year)

• Occasional coaching and mentoring in Conducting, Musicianship, Voice, Theory, and other skills as needed

• Performance and Conducting opportunities at St. Luke’s and Opus 327 events and services

• Membership in the local American Guild of Organists Chapter

• Assistance in preparing applications, auditions, and professional documents

• Reimbursement for the application fee for one Professional Certification exam

• Possible financial assistance to attend an RSCM, AGO, OHS, or other summer convention or training course

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Time Commitment and Term Length

Because the exact duties of the Organ Scholar are to be determined in conjunction with the St. Luke’s Music Staff, exact weekly hours will vary depending on the candidate and needs of the program. Potential candidates should expect to devote anywhere from 10 to 15 hours per week, inclusive of practice time. The appointment of an Organ Scholar is to last for one program year (typically September-June) with the option of renewing or extending the length of the term at the Assoc. DoM/Organist and DoM/Choirmasters’ discretion. The Organ Scholar will receive an evaluation meeting with the Organist and DoM/Choirmaster once per semester (Fall/Spring). 

 

Application Procedure

The ideal candidate for the Organ Scholar program will display a deep interest in the Organ, Choral Music, and Liturgy in the Anglican-Episcopal tradition. Advanced Organ Skills are not required, though a base amount of training and experience in keyboard and voice is expected. Candidates from all backgrounds, traditions, and experiences are encouraged to apply. To submit an application, please provide a Letter of Interest (one page) and brief Resume describing your relevant experiences, interest in the Organ Scholar program, and desired outcomes if selected by June 1, 2024. Select candidates will be invited to St. Luke’s for a brief audition and interview with the Organ Scholar Program committee. Materials should be emailed as a .pdf file to Peter Morey, organist@stlukesevanston.org . We thank you for your interest in our Organ Scholar program and look forward to your application!

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