Alto / Countertenor Lay Clerk

Introduction

Lay Clerks sing as part of the Liverpool Cathedral Choir at five of the seven principal services each week, and at such rehearsals as are laid down in the timetable below. 

 The standard singing timetable for Lay Clerks is: 

 -THURSDAYS: Rehearsal  5.00 - 5.20 / Evensong  5.30 - 6.00 

- FRIDAYS: Rehearsal  5.00 - 5.20 / Evensong  5.30 – 6.00 

- SATURDAYS: Rehearsal 2.00 - 2.30 / Evensong  3.00 - 3.40 

- SUNDAYS (morning): Rehearsal 9.30 - 10.00 / Eucharist       10.30-11.50   

- SUNDAYS (afternoon): Rehearsal 2.00 – 2.30 / Evensong  3.00 - 4.00 

 The only deviation is on Saints days and other Holy days of obligation where the commitment will be stated clearly on the choir schedule which is issued at the end of one term for the next term.

They may also be required at any additional rehearsal which might be considered necessary and scheduled in advance in the diary. 

All Lay Clerks must familiarise themselves with solos or new music in advance of rehearsal, at which a punctual start is expected. Up to six Lay Clerks are appointed to provide two singers in each part, having knowledge of the music and procedure at the Cathedral services. The six Lay Clerks are supplemented by six Choral Scholars, bringing the total number of each voice to four (12 in total).  

Key responsibilities include: 

- Singing with the Cathedral Choir across 5 services each week

- Preparing music before a rehearsal

- Arranging for deputy singers on occasions where the Lay Clerk themselves cannot sing.

The post holder will undertake other relevant duties as may be requested from time to time and commensurate with the role.

The Cathedral Choir consists of separate boys’ and girls’ top lines which are augmented by the Lay Clerks and Choral Scholars. The role of Lay Clerk therefore requires an enhanced DBS.