Sheffield Cathedral
Tenor Lay Clerk Application Pack
March 2020
Thank you for your interest in the Tenor Lay Clerk position at Sheffield Cathedral. Our Lay Clerks are part of a dedicated team who are committed to the Cathedral and to the central place that the music holds here. We hope that you will find this information pack useful, and that you will consider applying for this exciting and rewarding position. Those appointed will play a significant role in engaging all who encounter the music at this time for the Cathedral.
A recent review of the Liturgy and Music of the Cathedral, undertaken as the Cathedral seeks to appoint a new Precentor, has reaffirmed the essential work of the Choir for the Cathedral’s mission and outreach through worship.
Opportunities for additional future employment in a variety of roles at Sheffield Cathedral may be available for suitable candidates, including singing outreach, singing tutor and animateur work.
To apply please submit your completed application form to Joshua Stephens at the Cathedral (The Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul, Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HA), or by email at [email protected] before the closing date below. You should include the names and contact details of two referees. At least one of your referees should be qualified to write in detail about you as a musician and your suitability to work with children.
The closing date for this post is Friday 27 March 2020.
Interviews will be held at the Cathedral on the afternoon of Tuesday 14 April 2020.
If you have any queries please email the Master of the Music, Mr Joshua Stephens, on [email protected]
Joshua Stephens Peter Bradley
Master of the Music Dean and Acting Precentor
Sheffield Cathedral
Our context
The Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop and a centre of worship and mission in the Diocese of Sheffield, which has a population of 1.2 million people. It is close to some of the most beautiful countryside in England. Sport plays a significant part in the life of the city as do the arts, for which the city has a strong and developing reputation. Local theatres and music festivals are of international quality.
The Cathedral is Sheffield’s oldest building where God has been worshipped for over a thousand years. Some seventy thousand people visit the Cathedral each year, and the Cathedral is well used by the whole community. The Cathedral has changed much over the centuries, but its mission remains the same: to be a place of worship and evangelism, of learning and of justice for the poor: a place for all people.
This is a very exciting time to be joining the Cathedral team as a Lay Clerk. We see the music in the Cathedral as the absolute heart of our life of prayer and as a powerful expression of our mission. The Cathedral Chapter is deeply committed to the development of the choral tradition here, and to properly resourcing the development of the Choir and other areas of musical life. It has recently renewed its commitment to acquire a new pipe organ which will further enhance the musical and liturgical life of the Cathedral. A current review of the Liturgy and Music of the Cathedral, undertaken as the Cathedral seeks to appoint a new Precentor, has reaffirmed the essential work of the choir for the Cathedral’s mission and outreach through worship.
Music at Sheffield Cathedral
The Choir
Sheffield Cathedral Choir is made up of boys and girls who are drawn from local schools and live in Sheffield and its surrounding areas. They are typically recruited and join the choir at eight years of age. Boy Choristers are members of the choir until their voices change, and Girl Choristers are usually members of the choir until they leave school at eighteen. The adult members of the choir consist of Lay Clerks (professional singers) and Choral Scholars (student singers typically – but not exclusively – students at one of Sheffield’s Universities). In addition to singing regular services at the Cathedral, the choir have broadcast live on BBC television and radio, performed for Channel 5’s Carols at Christmas in 2019, made CD recordings to critical acclaim, toured internationally to South Africa, the USA, Holland, Germany, France, Hungary, Slovakia, and Austria and in October the choir are going on tour to Berlin. Additionally, in 2015 the choir performed for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Maundy Service.
The Music Department
The Dean – The Very Reverend Peter Bradley DL
Master of the Music – Joshua Stephens
Music Administration Officer – Sue Firth
Choristers
Lay Clerks
Choral Scholars
Singing Tutors
Choir Chaperones
Governance
Sheffield Cathedral is governed by the Cathedrals Measure of 1999 and by its own Constitution and Statutes which conform to the Measure. The Cathedral Chapter has 10 members; the Dean, Canon Precentor, Canon Missioner and Vice Dean, Treasurer, Deputy Treasurer, two Churchwardens, an Honorary Canon and two further members appointed by the Bishop. The Chief Operating Officer and Chapter Clerk are in attendance. Chapter is chaired by the Dean and meets monthly. Chapter is supported by the Cathedral Executive Team comprising the Dean and Residentiary Canons, the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of Music. The CET meet weekly to discuss operational matters and implement Chapter’s strategy.
The Cathedral has a small but dedicated staff team (15 full time equivalents plus a professional choir of Choristers, Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars) who support of the day-to- day running of the Cathedral for liturgy, events and visits. The Cathedral is also supported by over 150 volunteers who have a wide range of expertise and support Cathedral life and mission.
The role
Role purpose: To sing in the Cathedral Choir when the choir is on duty. Lay Clerks sing Choral Evensong on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, and two services on Sundays, together with various special services and events. To support, mentor and assist an assigned Choral Scholar.
Personal Specification
Essential:
• Experience of singing in a professional (or professional standard) choral ensemble.
• Sight-singing skills at a high level. • A well-trained voice, with good range, flexibility and qualities that work well in Ensemble.
• Ability to provide a strong line when the sole part singer on either side of the choir.
• Experience of solo singing, and confidence as a soloist or verse singer.
• Good all-round musical skills and awareness.
• The ability to work well within a small team, and to respond quickly and positively to direction.
• An understanding of the professional nature of the role, and the drive to undertake adequate personal preparation.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Capacity and desire to learn and develop
• A clear commitment to follow best practice in working with children and to promote their interests in accordance with the Cathedral’s Safeguarding (Children and Vulnerable Adults) Policy, Health and Safety Guidelines, and other applicable policies, and to attend training as required.
Desirable:
• Willingness to engage with the wider Cathedral community.
• Experience of mentoring those in development roles.
• Familiarity with and knowledge of standard cathedral repertoire.
• Interest in a wide variety of music.
Main Terms and Conditions
Key Relationships The post holder is accountable to the Dean and the Cathedral Chapter and reports to the Master of the Music (line manager). They will also work with members of the Cathedral Choir, the Assistant Master of Music, Canon and Precentor.
Hours of Work To sing in the Cathedral Choir when the choir is on duty (see Appendix). To support, mentor and assist an assigned Choral Scholar.
Salary £4,530 per annum, plus fees for special services and broadcasts etc. Subsidised singing lessons.
Term This appointment starts as immediately as the post holder is able to begin and is a permanent position.
Pension The Cathedral operates an auto-enrolment pension scheme – this comes into effect after the initial probationary period.
Holiday Approximately 15 weeks a year
Location The Cathedral Church of St Peter & St Paul, Church Street, Sheffield, S1 1HA. Probation This post will be subject to a probationary period of 3 months.
Application process
We hope that this pack provides all the information you require in order to consider applying for this post. However, if you have any further inquiries please do not hesitate to contact the Master of the Music.
Applications must be made on the Cathedral’s standard application form and be received by noon on 27 March 2020 and may be accompanied by a covering letter. You must be able to provide the names and details of two referees, one of whom should preferably be a priest, minister, or professional contact and the other able to comment in detail on your musical abilities in detail. One of your referees should also be able to comment on your suitability to work with children.
Interviews and Auditions will be held on Tuesday 14 April 2020.
We look forward to receiving your application.
Interview
Auditions and interviews for this post will take place on Tuesday 14 April 2020. Further details regarding the selection process will be communicated at the time that applicants are invited for audition and interview.
Inclusion is a core value of Sheffield Cathedral, and at the heart of all that we do. Applications will be considered from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, gender identification, sexuality, age, physical impairments, or other irrelevant characteristics.
Safeguarding
Sheffield Cathedral Chapter seeks to promote the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults. Our congregations, staff, and volunteers share this commitment. We want everyone to feel and to be safe in the Cathedral, and in all our associated work.
The Cathedral has a comprehensive Safeguarding policy which can be viewed here: https://www.sheffieldcathedral.org/s/Cathedral-Safeguarding-Handbook-19-07-12-v1.pdf
The person appointed to the position of Lay Clerk will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check in accordance with the Cathedral’s Safeguarding Policy, and to undertake training in Safeguarding. The appointment will be conditional on the receipt of satisfactory references. Appendix: our current programme during term
Monday Department rest day
Tuesday 17:00 Rehearsal (Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
17:30 Evensong (Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
18:15 – 18:45 Rehearsal (Lower Voices)
Wednesday 16:30 – 18:30 Rehearsal (Girl Choristers)
18:30 – 19:30 Rehearsal (Boy Choristers)
Thursday 16:30 Rehearsal (Girl Choristers)
17:00 Rehearsal (Girl Choristers, Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
17:30 Evensong (Girl Choristers, Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
OR
16:30 – 18:30 Rehearsal (Girl Choristers)
17:00 Rehearsal (Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
17:30 – c.18:10 Evensong (Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
18:30 – 19:30 Rehearsal (Choral Scholars)
Friday 13.15-14.00 Recital by a visiting musician
16:30 – 18:30 Rehearsal (Boy Choristers, Boy Probationers)
17:00 Rehearsal (Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
17:30 Sung Compline (Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
Saturday 09:30 – 11:00 Rehearsal (Girl Choristers, Girl Probationers)
11:00 – 12:00 Theory Sessions (all Choristers invited)
Sunday 09:30 Rehearsal (Boy & Girl Choristers, Boy & Girl Probationers)
09:50 Rehearsal (all) 10:30 – 12.00 Sung Eucharist (all)
15:00 Rehearsal (Boy & Girl Choristers)
15:20 Rehearsal (Boy & Girl Choristers, Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
16:00 – 17:00 Evensong (Boy & Girl Choristers, Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
OR
09:50 Rehearsal (Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
10:30 – 12.00 Eucharist (Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
15:20 Rehearsal (Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
16:00 – 17:00 Evensong (Lay Clerks, Choral Scholars)
This Schedule may be subject to change.
There is often a Sung Eucharist on weekday festivals. Throughout the school holidays, the Choir are usually free from their Cathedral singing duties. However, occasional variations to this happen around significant times in the church’s year, such as Christmas, Ash Wednesday, Holy Week and Easter. Likewise, Choir tours will usually take place out of term time. This pattern of rehearsals provides for a generous amount of preparation time for each service, and invariably accommodates rehearsal time for other occasions, such as extraordinary services, concerts, tours, and broadcasts.
On Sundays outside term, organists are required for the Sung Eucharist, and for Evening Prayer with hymns. A cantor, from amongst the Lay Clerks, leads singing on Sundays when there is no Choir.