Collaborative Pianist
/ORGANIZATION:
Canadian Memorial United Church and Centre for Peace
DEADLINE:
Until Filled
ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION:
Canadian Memorial United Church is a vibrant progressive spiritual community and Centre for Peace with a wide array of programming including seeker-friendly spiritual services, outreach programs, social justice causes, peace forums, children youth and family events, seniors programming, and much more. We are also a reflective congregation with four weekly meditation and contemplation groups that meet for silence, book studies, and spiritual growth.
In many ways, we are filled with contradictions –
A traditional building, with progressive theology;
A Casavant Freres organ, with a praise and worship band;
A love of both traditional hymns, and inclusive praise songs;
A war memorial church, with an attached centre for peace;
But somehow it all works in love, harmony and diversity!
Our Ministry Team includes a United Church of Canada Coordinating Minister – Jeff Rock, an Interfaith Buddhist Minister of Community Life – Cathy Merchant, and a Baptist/Catholic Children Youth and Family Minister – Tama Ward. Our congregation, community, and staff team are theologically diverse with many different backgrounds and beliefs. We encourage you to see our website to learn more about us and who we are, and to see our YouTube channel for examples of our worship services and music.
WEBSITE:
https://www.canadianmemorial.org/work-with-us
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Canadian Memorial United Church and Centre for Peace is seeking a Collaborative Pianist to support the ongoing worship and Music Ministry of our Sunday services, special events, and choir.
Remuneration would be $45–50/hour and could be as a contractor or employee.
The Collaborative Pianist will report to the Director of Music Ministry, Sabrielle McCurdy, and will have a weekly check-in and an annual performance review with the Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Weekly Worship: Provide musical talent for weekly worship services from 9am–1pm, including a pre-worship rehearsal, the worship service, and cleanup afterward. Offer music in a diversity of styles under the direction of the Director of Music Ministry.
Music Preparation: Arrange and prepare music selections chosen by the Director of Music Ministry. Provide suggestions, feedback, and input on selections and help enliven them to make traditional songs feel new again and provide contemporary flair.
Worship Band: Play in the worship band and assist the Director of Music Ministry in leadership and recruitment.
Community Choir: Accompany the non-auditioned Community Choir, attend weekly rehearsals (currently Wednesdays from 7–9pm, September–June), and assist with choir leadership as required.
Special Services: Provide music leadership for special worship services, including (but not limited to) Remembrance Day, Christmas Eve, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday, as well as occasional evening services such as Blue Christmas, All Saints Day Vigil, Christmas Carol Sing, and Taizé/Contemplative services.
Weddings/Funerals: Provide piano accompaniment for weddings and funerals or arrange a substitute as needed. Compensation for weddings and funerals is generous and will be negotiated based on responsibility and skills.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Requirements:
Sight reading
Reading and interpreting chord charts
Improvisation skills
Knowledge of diverse styles of music and the ability to play everything from classical to gospel to pop music
Openness to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and comfort working in a justice-oriented, 2SLGBTQAI+ affirming, gender equity-focused, anti-racist, Indigenous reconciliation-seeking peace community
Assets:
Writing and arranging music
Experience leading bands and/or choirs
Experience singing and/or voice leading
Ability to sing harmony, written and improvised
Knowledge of progressive Christianity, diversity in music, and United Church of Canada hymnals
Multi-instrumentalist
Knowledge of audio-visual technology
HOW TO APPLY:
If interested in applying, please email a resume, cover letter, and at least three video or audio samples of diverse musical skills to jeff@canadianmemorial.org and music@canadianmemorial.org. Applications will be considered as received, and the position remains available while posted on the organization’s website.
REMUNERATION:
$45–50/hour, average 8 hours per week
