All Saints Church, Guildford, offers two Choral Scholarships per year, each to the value of £450 (payable in five equal instalments on or near the last day of October, December, March, May and July).
The choir at All Saints performs anthems and other items at Sunday morning Communion services (and at a small number of special services during the year), and leads the congregational singing of hymns. It also partakes in joint choral services with other local churches in Guildford. With the musical support and leadership of Choral Scholars, the choir seeks to broaden its repertoire and further develop its contribution to the life and worship of the Church.
Role, duties and schedule
The role of Choral Scholars is primarily to lead and enhance the activities of the choir and its contribution to worship at All Saints Church.
Choral Scholars are expected to attend 3 one-hour evening rehearsals per month (8.00 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. on 2nd, 3rd and 4th Thursdays), and 2 or 3 morning services per month preceded by a rehearsal (2nd and 4th Sundays [and 5th when there is one], 9.15 a.m. - 11.30 a.m.)
Choral Scholars are additionally expected to attend a small number of special services at the church (All Saints' Patronal Festival, Easter services (if possible), and the Christmas Carol Service), and are encouraged to participate in joint choral services at other churches, such as Palm Sunday evening at the United Reformed Church, and occasional joint Choral Evensongs at St Nicolas’ Church, along with associated extra rehearsals as required. Choral Scholars are not required to attend Christmas Day services.
The Scholarships will follow the academic year, running from as early in September as is possible for the appointees, until July of the following year. Scholarships may be renewed for additional years at the discretion of the Vicar.
Appointments will be made subject to application, informal discussion and, if appropriate, audition with the current organist and choir director.
There is potential for Choral Scholars to initiate and develop a children’s choir, subject to discussions with the Vicar and the usual safeguarding processes. Appropriate additional remuneration may be available for this at the discretion of the Vicar.
In order to apply, please contact Jeremy Barham at: j.barham@surrey.ac.uk