Organ Scholarship
Jesus College elects an Organ Scholar in two out of every three years. The College no longer participates in the September round of organ scholarship auditions and interviews; instead, candidates already holding offers of a place at Jesus College will be invited to apply, with auditions and interviews expected to take place before they join the College.
In his or her first year, the Organ Scholar is Junior Organ Scholar, becoming Senior Organ Scholar in the second or third year. Organ Scholars do not necessarily need to read for a music degree at Jesus. The primary role of the Organ Scholar is to organise and direct the music for College chapel services in consultation with the Chaplain. The main service is Choral Evensong on Sunday evenings of term-time, however, there are occasional extra services such as Commemoration and memorial services. St David's Day is celebrated at Jesus College with an Evensong sung in Welsh. The service of Lessons and Carols at Christmas (see Photoalbum) is the other major service of the academic year. The Organ Scholar is also expected to play for Gaudy services out of term-time (see Duties of the Organ Scholar).
The Organ Scholar has at his or her disposal arguably the finest organ in Oxford. The instrument (see The Organ), built in 1993 by William Drake, is a two-manual tracker-action organ and built in the style of early nineteenth century English instruments.
Jesus College has a thriving Chapel Choir which sings at College services in term-time. The repertoire is varied - each term, music is sung by composers from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The Choir rehearses twice a week, on Thursday evenings and on Sundays before Evensong. Other rehearsals are arranged as appropriate. Jesus College Choir sometimes branches into non-religious music, for example on May morning, when we sing madrigals at 7.00 am in second quad. The Choir is non-auditioning (we have found that 'self-selection' is just as effective) and is one of the largest chapel choirs in Oxford. Membership is open to all members of the College, and there are some members of other colleges. The Choir receives free tea and cakes before the service on Sunday, and free formal hall after the service. It also receives a free 'feast' after the Commemoration service and the St David's Day Evensong. More important than the 'freebies', though, is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere of the Choir. Regular social events are organised - the highlight being the black-tie Choir Dinner at the end of Michaelmas Term. Other recent events have included parties, curry house outings, a summer pub outing, a punt party, and a karaoke night at a wok house.
The Choir tours regularly. In the past it has visited Lichfield, Lincoln, Wells and Shrewsbury Cathedrals, and has toured in Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Prague and Dublin. The Choir have recorded a CD, 'Steal Away to Jesus'. Both the Choir and the Organ Scholar benefit from a supportive Governing Body.
The Organ Scholar generally takes an active role in the College Music Society where there is ample scope for secular music making. He or she will probably be involved with the annual 'Turl Street Arts Festival' (see Photoalbum) during which Jesus College holds events jointly with Exeter and Lincoln Colleges.
The Organ Scholar is allocated one of the best sets of rooms in College for the duration of his or her course. He or she is also provided with the use of a telephone for use on College business and with an electronic piano for private practice. As a scholar, he or she is entitled to dine in formal hall on Wednesdays and Fridays free of charge in addition to free hall after Evensong on Sundays. The value of the scholarship, credited against battels, is currently £450 per year. The College will also pay for the Organ Scholar's instrumental lessons.
Please contact the Admissions Officer by email or telephone (+44 1865 297721) for details of how to apply.
See also Duties of the Organ Scholar, The Organ and A Week in the Life
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