Organist and Director of Music
Jack Stone has been Organist & Director of Music since September, 2019.
He is an ex-student of Chethams School of Music; graduate of the Royal College of Music, receiving the 2016 Harold Darke Prize, and an associated member of the Royal College of Organists. Jack has held accompanist posts at Dean Close School, Cheltenham; Tewkesbury Abbey; Carlisle Cathedral; Chelsea Ballet School and Morley Opera School, London.
Choir
St. John's Choir consists of dedicated singers of all ages. The Choir’s repertoire spans over seven centuries of music, and includes works by composers of the present day as well as ancient composers. Psalms are sung to traditional anglican chant (led by the choir and sung by the congregation) and plainsong is frequently sung.
As well as this traditional routine the choir occasionally sings 'on tour' at other local churches and cathedrals for concerts and services, the most recent being a full weekend of services at Southwark Cathedral in 2021.
The musical standard of the choir can be heard on Sundays and is testament to the dedication of its members.
St. John's music lists as wells as our notated hymn sheets can be found on the Worship page. Click here.
We are always happy to see candidates and auditions take place throughout the year. If you have any questions as to this process please contact the organist:
Mr Jack Stone, 353 Bromley Road, Catford, London, SE6 2RP.
music.stjohnscatford@gmail.com
The Organ
The organ at St John's is a classic example of the late 19th century. The organ was built in 1878 by Alfred Hunter and then rebuilt by Mander in 1948. The instrument was originally from the church of All Saints, South Lambeth and was installed in St John's by Martin Cross Organ Builders in 1982. Cross also built a new oak-panelled drawstop console in the North Transept with EP action throughout. The Swell and Great Mixtures were also revised and a new organ blower was fitted. The organ is now maintained by Bishop & Son Organ Builders of Beethoven Street, London.
to join the Parish Choir from May 2022.
Benefits:
This is an ideal opportunity for a vocal student, music graduate or amateur singer to develop their technique, gain liturgical experience and make professional connections in the choral world. St. Johns provides a very supportive and friendly environment in which a young musician can develop by responding to the challenges of weekly choral liturgies sung to a high standard.
Choral Vocalists will benefit from weekly one-to-one sessions with the Director of Music, a professional vocal coach and pianist. These are offered to each Choral Vocalist for up to two hours a week and may also be used for personal repertoire beyond that required by this role.
Duties:
Choral Vocalists must attend Sunday morning Parish Choir rehearsals at 09:20 and sing for Mass at 10:30 until approximately 11:45am, in addition to attending special feast day services (usually with rehearsals beforehand) over the course of the year. Music lists are provided in advance of each calendar month and you will be expected to practice to a reasonable degree any music that cannot be sight-read.
Periodic leave of absence may be arranged in advance with the Director of Music.
There will be no duties for Choral Vocalists outside of standard academic term times.
Requirements:
St. John's Church regards worship, ministry and mission as the key priorities of the Parish, and is therefore highly supportive of its Parish Choir and of music generally within the Church (including regular recitals of non-liturgical music), which it sees as integral to its aims. It is committed to fostering a high standard of music-making within worship and Parish Choir members are encouraged to consider how their work inspires and provides meaning to our large and diverse congregation.
We are looking for the following qualities in a Choral Vocalist:
• reasonable sight-reading ability;
• supportive of the worship, ministry and ethos of St John's Church;
• a broad interest in varied classical repertoire;
• a keenness to develop personal musical technique through skills such as sight-reading, expressive ability, word painting and the occasional preparation of solos;
• reliable and punctual;
• a team player.
To apply, please send your CV and a brief covering letter setting out your interest in and suitability for the role by email to music.stjohnscatford@gmail.com, or, for any queries, please contact the Director of Music directly at
j.a-stone@outlook.com or 07522 939317.
St John's Church is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young persons, and all employees. Applicants must be willing to undergo a screening appropriate to the post, including checks with the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Church of St John the Baptist
353 Bromley Rd, London SE6 2RP
Copyright © 2020 St John's, Catford - All Rights Reserved.
On this Home page, please scroll down to
St John's News
for a link to Reverend Peter's
YouTube video introduction to the
Advent Course 2023