Bass Lay Clerk

The College of St George wishes to appoint a second bass as Lay Clerk (although bass-baritones may also be considered) to commence duties at a mutually agreed time, no later than the start of the Michaelmas Term 2026.

The Lay Clerks of the King’s Free Chapel of St George, in recent years twelve in number, are members of the College of priests and laity founded by Edward III in 1348 for continuous worship and intercession. They are therefore required to be not only good singers, but also in sympathy with the purpose of the foundation. They should preferably be communicant members of the Church of England or regular communicants of their own church.

The stipend of a Lay Clerk is currently £8,870.57 and is reviewed annually. In addition, a Lay Clerk is allotted unfurnished accommodation free of rent.

Candidates will be expected to have attained a certified high level in music and vocal studies and will have had a wide experience in practical Church Music making.

Short-listed candidates will be invited to first-round auditions on Tuesday 3 March 2026 in the Song School (accompanied on the piano). Candidates will be asked to present two contrasting solo pieces, and be given aural tests, sight-reading and other musicianship skills. After a further short-listing, second-round candidates will be required on Wednesday 4 March 2026 when they will sing to an audience that may comprise of Chapter members and chapel musicians.

They may also be asked to sing with a group of the Lay Clerks. On this day, candidates will also be required to attend a spoken interview and there will be an opportunity to view the property that will be offered to the successful applicant.

Candidates for appointment should complete a College of St George application form. Please include a covering letter. At least one of the referees will be able to attest to the applicant’s musical competence. No referee should be a relative.

Mrs Heidi Spurdle, The Chapter Office, The Cloisters, Windsor Castle, Berkshire SL4 1NJ
.

Closing date for applications is Sunday 22 February.

Interviews and auditions will take place on Tuesday 3 and Wednesday 4 March as outlined above.