Call for Core and Substitute Singers (all voices) – St. John the Evangelist, Elora ON

Choirs Ontario; Elora; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading regional choir in Elora, Ontario, seeks experienced singers for core and substitute positions. Core singers will participate in weekly services and performances, with competitive compensation and flexibility for other engagements. Ideal candidates will have strong sight-reading and ensemble skills, along with a background in choral music. Applications should be sent to the Director of Music.

Benefits

Competitive fee per call

Paid sick days

Travel supplement for distant commutes

Qualifications

• Experience singing in a choir.
• Ability to sing various voice parts.
• Availability for at least 80% of calls.

Responsibilities

• Participate in weekly services and rehearsals.
• Be available for special liturgies and concerts.
• Perform in various choral settings.

Skills

Strong sight-reading skills

Ensemble skills

Experience in the Anglican choral tradition

Familiarity with early music

Interest in new music

Job description

Overview

Church of St. John the Evangelist, Elora ON | Choir of St. John’s Elora

Call for Core and Substitute Singers (all voices)

The Church of St. John the Evangelist, Elora ON invites applications from experienced singers to join the roster of the Choir of St. John’s Elora for the 2025-2026 season. Core positions are available in the Soprano and Alto sections, while all voices will be heard for potential future vacancies or to be added to the substitute singer roster.

The Choir of St. John’s Elora is a fully professional choir and one of Canada’s pre-eminent ensembles dedicated to sacred choral music. The choir leads the congregation in weekly Choral Eucharist or Choral Matins on Sundays, monthly in Evensong or Lessons and Carols services, and gives several concert performances each season. Its repertoire draws from traditional and contemporary repertoire within the Anglican choral tradition with a growing focus on new music by Canadian and international composers. A growing part of the choir’s work involves musical collaboration with other churches and choirs through performances, joint liturgies, and educational activities.

Season and commitments

The choir season runs from September through June with short breaks following Christmas and Easter. Weekly commitments include one Sunday morning service (10a–12p) or afternoon Evensong service (3–5p) plus a Thursday rehearsal (7–9p), with additional services during Advent/Christmas and Holy Week. Extra calls above the base contract are available throughout the year for services covered by quartets/octets (additional liturgies, summer season, funerals).

Compensation and expectations

The Parish Choir provides core singers with a competitive fee per call (pay-scale based on choral and solo vocal experience), negotiable absences for other professional engagements, paid sick days, and a travel supplement for singers who live outside of Waterloo-Wellington. Core singers are expected to be available for 80% or more of calls as well as during the major feasts and events of the church calendar.

To Apply

Contact Director of Music Patrick Murray ([e-mail]) with a brief introductory note outlining the position you are interested in and your choral/solo singing experience. Strong sight-reading and ensemble skills are essential; experience in the Anglican choral tradition, early music, or new music is an asset. Selected singers will be contacted for more information or to arrange an audition.

About St. John’s Elora

Music at St. John’s Elora
St. John’s Elora sustains a proud tradition as a regional centre of musical excellence with an international reputation, including supporting the professional Choir of St. John’s Elora, two vibrant choirs for adult community singers, the Elora Children’s Choir, and frequent concert events. In 2025, the church celebrates its 150th anniversary.