Royal York Road United Church

Applications are invited for an Alto Section Leader/ Soloist to be a part of the Senior Choir in a church with a strong musical tradition.  

Royal York Road is a congregation of five hundred members in West-end Toronto. It is located three blocks south of Bloor which is within easy subway access. The musical tradition of the church has been classical although jazz, gospel, contemporary and global music have been incorporated into worship. Voices United is the primary hymnbook which is used in the worship services. The ministry team includes two full-time ministers, a part- time Pastoral Care minister, and the Music Director. In its worship the church emphasizes excellence and unity in preaching, music and liturgy and values the participation of congregational members of all ages. The choral music program consists of a Cherub Choir, Junior Choir and a Senior Choir. The Senior Choir is composed of twenty members including paid section leaders/ soloists. A hand bell group offers occasional prelude music and accompaniments for hymns and anthems. There are talented musicians in the congregation who also contribute to worship services. A jazz series has been held at the church for many years. This year a new classical concert series “Sundays @ 3” has been created and received well by the community.  

The section leaders/ soloists report to and take direction from the Music Director. Kelly Galbraith, the new Music Director at the church, has a wealth of musical experience. Choral music has been a passion for Kelly ever since she sang in her first choir at the age of five. She is the founder and director of the Cantores Celestes Women’s Choir and the Manulife Financial mixed choir. She has served as the organist and music director at a number of churches. Kelly has enjoyed freelance life as a music producer for CBC Radio One and Two and Sirius 1-37. She was the Senior Producer for the classical music program ‘Music & Company’ on CBC Radio Two. Kelly was also a producer for ‘Choral Concert’ and ‘Saturday Afternoon at the Opera’.  

The new Alto Section Leader/ Soloist will have excellent musical and interpersonal skills and is expected to work well in a group setting. The ideal candidate will have professional qualifications with well-developed singing skills. Additional qualifications which are desirable include a church music background, knowledge of sacred repertoire, experience leading a section and singing solos. The successful candidate will be calm under pressure, reliable, and enjoy leading the alto section and nurturing persons with varied musical gifts in the volunteer choir. 

Singing at regular Thursday evening rehearsals (7:30-9:30), Sunday worship services (10:00-11:30),  three special services (Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday) and two concerts (December and June) during the choir season (September through to June) is integral to the position. Each rehearsal, worship service, special service, and concert is a “call”. The 2010 call rate is $52 for section leaders/ soloists. Soloists may be asked to sing for funerals and weddings; honoraria are paid for these occasions. 

Inquiries may be directed to: Rita Dean, Office Administrator through the contact information listed below.  

Interested persons are to send a letter of application, resume and two references to the: Music Committee, Royal York Road United Church, 851 Royal York Road, Toronto, M8Y 2V3, phone: 416-231-9401, fax: 416-231-3188, email: ryrchurch@rogers.com, web: www.royalyorkroadunited.ca. The receipt of all applications will be acknowledged. Short listed candidates will be contacted for an audition/ interview.  

The Music Committee will begin to review applications on March 1 and will continue to accept and review applications until the position has been filled. 

Posted January, 2010