Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are:

First Community Church is a forward-thinking part of the global Body of Christ, historically christened “the church of the infinite quest.” We are affiliated with The United Church of Christ and The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) denominations, two of our nation’s more progressive theological traditions. We welcome people from any spiritual tradition, or from no tradition at all—anyone searching to become a more complete expression of Spirit in the world.

We are an Open and Affirming congregation, inclusive of persons of any nation, race, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, political or philosophical outlook, or socio-economic status. We strive to follow the way of Jesus as our guide and model toward becoming more fully human; meanwhile, we “recognize other pathways to the Divine,” and are open to truth from any source, religious, scientific, or otherwise.

Job Summary:

The Organist will provide piano and organ accompaniment for the Chancel Choir and soloists for the 11am worship service at First Community North, provide service music on organ and piano for weekly services at FC North, and perform on the organ and piano at other worship services, concerts, and other events as needed. The organist will also serve as the primary musician for weddings and services of memory at both FC North and South locations. This is a full-time job with a robust benefits package.

The Instruments:

Ruth and James Decker Memorial Klais (First Community North)

Completed in April 2022 and dedicated in October 2022, the Klais at First Community North was meticulously designed and executed to be a full serve instrument capable of the most delicate music for worship to the most exciting concert repertoire. At the time of completion, it was the largest installation by Orgelblau Klais in North America. For full specifications, visit Orgelbau Klais Bonn: 1 Kirchenorgeln | Church Organs.

M. P. Moller, Opus 8924 (First Community South)

Dedicated December 23, 1956, with multiple refurbishing projects completed, the Moller organ at First Community South has provided music for worship, special services, and concerts for many years. For full specifications, visit 

Steinway model D 9 foot Concert Grand Piano “The Tennessee D” (First Community North)

This piano was originally owned by the Chattanooga Symphony. Built in the 1980s, it was fully restored by Bryan Hartzler in 2019.  The Symphony had the names of the artists who performed on this instrument inscribed on the interior brass. Those names, well known artists from the classical, jazz, and popular music fields, still remain. Distinctly superior in touch and tone, this instrument was selected from a large slate of new concert grand pianos by Sally Beske, Associate Organist and Suzanne Newcomb, Professor of Piano at Otterbein University. Our “Tennessee D” was purchased by First Community in 2019 through a generous grant from First Community Foundation and is dedicated in honor of Sally R. Beske for her 25 years of music ministry here at First Community.

Steinway model CD 398, 9’ Concert Grand Piano “The Tamplin CD” (First Community South)

This piano was previously a Concert and Artist piano, owned by Steinway and sent around the country for use by Steinway artists. This piano was quite popular and frequently selected for performances throughout the United States. Piano restoration authority, Bryan Hartzler, purchased it for restoration, which was completed in 2018. The “Tamplin D” was originally manufactured in 1976. The piano has 100% new parts including bridges, except for the original Steinway soundboard. Out of a large slate of new concert grands, this instrument was selected for its superior touch and tone by Sally Beske, Associate Organist and Suzanne Newcomb, Professor of Piano at Otterbein University.  It was purchased by First Community in 2021 through a generous grant from the First Community Foundation from the estate of Glen Tamplin.

Essential Functions:

• Choose appropriate preludes and postludes for weekly worship and submit them in a timely manner.
• Attend and accompany the Chancel Choir rehearsals (7pm on Thursdays and 10am on Sundays – others as needed).
• Practice and perform accompaniments as selected by the Director of Music for soloists and small groups, as needed.
• Coordinate music for weddings and services of memory.
  • Develop a set repertory for weddings.
  • Develop a repertory for services of memory that can be easily executed with limited notice.
  • Prepare and perform other accompaniments as approved for weddings and services of memory.

Other Responsibilities:

• Participate in weekly worship planning meetings as needed.
• Participate in Program Staff and Committee meetings as assigned.
• Participate in music area meetings as needed.
• Coordinate the maintenance of the organs and pianos.
• Worship & Arts Administrative responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with organ or piano as primary instrument.
• Graduate work in keyboard performance is strongly desired.
• Mastery of both piano and organ is required.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and practice piano and organ for the time required to master the repertoire.

Core Competencies:

• Musicianship
  • Technical accuracy
  • Musically expressive
  • Ability to follow the conductor.
  • Ability to accompany choirs, singers, and congregation.
• Mission Ownership
  • Display a clear understanding of the mission and vision of First Community
  • Nurture the spiritual and social development of the participants in the music ministry by providing a warm and accepting environment.
• Interpersonal Skills
  • Must be able to relate effectively to people of all ages.
  • Must be able to work in a team environment with colleagues and volunteers and work to solve problems with grace and patience, when necessary
  • Must be open and flexible with the ability to adapt to many musical styles and ideas.
  • Must be able to communicate with sensitivity to people who are experiencing stress or loss.

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