Choral Scholarships at Christ Church 2023
Christ Church is the parish church for ‘south central Gravesend’. It is a traditional liturgical church with a choral tradition. Christ Church is a member of the Royal School of Church Music. We currently have a regular choir of 6 adults and 3 children supporting the hymn singing and offering an anthem at our Sunday Eucharist, festival services and
occasional evensongs. We are hoping to enhance our choral singing through offering Choral Scholarships for up to four young people. We require scholars who sing Soprano, Tenor and Bass. This is an opportunity for singers to enhance their knowledge and practice through participation in the musical life of Christ Church. Christ Church also runs the Semiquavers Children’s Choir and is the venue for local musical societies and concerts.
Successful candidates should have
• Soprano, Tenor or Bass voices
• Some experience of choral singing
• Ability to read music
• Willingness to learn and develop
• A commitment to regular attendance
We welcome applications from students
who will start Sixth form in September
through to post-graduates. We would also
accept an expression of interest from any potential organ scholars.
Job description
Choral Scholars will be expected to sing at approximately 30 rehearsals and morning services per year, as directed by the Director of Music. This will be our Sunday morning communion services (9am rehearsal; 10am service), in addition there is a service of Evensong twice a term (5pm rehearsal; 6pm service).
In addition, Choral Scholars will be expected to sing at other major services across the year, including: Nine Lessons and Carols; Christmas Midnight Mass; Ash Wednesday; Good Friday; Easter Day (morning & evening); Ascension Day. Rehearsals will take place weekly on a Thursday evening during term-time (7– 8.30pm) and immediately before services. While there is an expectation that scholars attend Thursday night rehearsals on a regular basis, we appreciate that a certain number of absences (particularly for the purposes of external performance opportunities or professional development) may be necessary. Services will involve solo singing, ensemble singing with other choral scholars, and choral singing with the amateur church choir. It is anticipated that Choral Scholars will take featured roles in two or three
concerts in the church during the year.
Choral Scholars may have the opportunity to work
with the Semiquavers Children’s Choir. This may take
the form of mentorship, leading sectionals or smaller
rehearsal, or singing with the ensembles in concerts.
Choral Scholars will be encouraged to develop their
skills as singers; it is desirable that scholars take
regular singing lessons with a teacher.
We offer training using the Voice for Life RSCM
awards. These are optional and include both internal
and external examinations.
The scholarship will provide a good foundation for those wishing to apply for choral scholarships at university.
Person spec
Successful candidates will: have a strong, developed singing voice of a quality to inspire and lead the church congregation; have either strong sight-reading skills (or be willing to prepare sufficiently in advance of rehearsals so they are able to give a confident lead to their section and the choir as a whole); be able
to sing in time and in tune; be able to communicate effectively; be able to demonstrate their enthusiasm for music in church; demonstrate skills as a musical leader, or an enthusiasm to develop such skills. Choral Scholars will be in sympathy with and support the aims and mission of Christ Church Milton, next Gravesend.
Terms of Scholarship:
The scholarship is awarded by the PCC of Christ Church, Milton next Gravesend.
You will be expected to attend regular services and rehearsals during term time, as agreed with the Director of Music.
Your scholarship will commence on 10th September 2023.
The first 2 months will be treated as a probationary period.
All absence during term-time should be agreed in advance and in writing with the Director of Music.
Scholars are expected to attend on Sundays during term-time (although reasonable requests will not be withheld) and major festivals including: Nine Lessons and Carols, Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, Easter Day and Ascension Day.
You will be responsible to the Director of Music on behalf of the PCC. You will be paid a gross annual stipend of £1,200.
Payment for additional services and other engagements will be made in addition to your scholarship at rates agreed in advance with the Director of Music.
A choir cassock will be provided by the parish for your use.
As part of the parish community, the mutual respect required between all members of the choir and all those connected with the Church is important. Good relations with colleagues, other members of the parish staff team, clergy and choir members are key to a successful partnership. You will be required to behave in a manner in keeping with the high standards expected of the staff team.
Beyond the probationary period, you will be entitled to receive and be required to give two months’ notice should it be necessary to terminate your scholarship.
The post is subject to an enhanced DBS clearance for any successful applicants over the age of 18.
Unplanned absence (e.g. Illness) must be reported in writing to the Director of Music as soon as possible.
The Vicar and Director of Music reserve the right to withhold a scholarship payment if absence (either planned or unforeseen) becomes more frequent than desirable or if the Choral Scholar is reasonably deemed not to be fulfilling their duties to the best of their ability.
How to apply
Candidates should submit a short letter of application detailing relevant experience and qualifications along with the contact details of someone who could supply a reference (music teacher, conductor, director of music).
Applications should be submitted via email to Rev. Dr. Andrew Davey vicar@christchurchgravesend.com
Candidates who are invited for audition will be asked to sing two contrasting pieces, sight read a short extract of choral music and complete a brief aural test. There will also be a short interview.
Closing date for application 18th August 2023
The planned audition date is the afternoon of 27th August. Please state in your application if you are unavailable on this date and give details of any other unavailable dates so we can schedule an alternative.