D. Stephen E. Sallows
London,Ontario
Summary
After 46 years in the funeral industry as both a funeral director and operations manager and 28 years as a church organist and choir accompanist, I retired in July, 2023 to London, ON. I am now looking to use my musical skills as a supply organist/pianist in London and surrounding areas. I can assist with a short term or longer term need in a variety of church denominations.
I am now looking to work part time in an environment where my attention to detail, organization skills and dependability can utilized.
Overview
48
48
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Organist/Choir Accompanist
St. Matthews United Church
05.2000 - 11.2023
- Demonstrated adaptability by swiftly responding to last-minute changes in service plans or music selections without compromising performance quality.
- Assisted choir director in selecting soloists for featured performances based on individual strengths and abilities.
- Developed a repertoire of diverse musical styles, catering to different denominational preferences and traditions.
- Enhanced worship services by skillfully playing the organ for Sunday services and various congregational events.
- Played at weddings and funerals of church and community members.
- Improved service flow by coordinating with clergy on hymn selection, pacing, and transitions between elements of worship.
- Maintained the organ in excellent condition through regular tuning and prompt repair of any issues.
- Collaborated with choir directors to select appropriate music, ensuring seamless integration into services.
- Transposed music to alternate keys with speed and accuracy.
- Observed choir director or soloists for cues or directions in vocal presentations.
- Attended and participated in all scheduled rehearsals.
- Performed pieces on piano and keyboard for special occasions.
- Performed at special events such as weddings, funerals, and holiday services, providing a memorable atmosphere for attendees.
- Established a strong reputation for professionalism and reliability through consistent punctuality, preparedness, and effective communication with church leadership.
- Provided piano and keyboard accompaniment for weekly rehearsals, supporting the consistent progress of choir members.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Part Time Funeral Director
Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home
07.2019 - 07.2023
- Displayed highest level of professionalism and sensitivity when dealing with grieving family members.
- Picked up deceased at private homes, hospitals and city morgues.
- Improved client satisfaction by providing compassionate and personalized funeral services.
- Continuously updated industry knowledge by attending professional workshops, conferences, and seminars.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
Funeral Director/Operations Manager
R. S. Kane Ltd.
11.1975 - 06.2019
- Discussed nature of funeral service, disposition of remains and funeral costs with family members.
- Embalmed human remains
- Coordinated transportation of remains between medical facilities, funeral home and burial locations.
- Streamlined operations with effective communication between staff, clients, and vendors.
- Increased customer retention, skillfully addressing concerns and resolving conflicts.
- Established trust among clients by consistently delivering exceptional service while maintaining sensitivity towards their needs.
- Displayed highest level of professionalism and sensitivity when dealing with grieving family members.
- Served diverse clientele by offering a range of culturally and religiously appropriate services.
- Secured and filed burial permits and made funeral arrangements.
- Organized staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage during peak hours or high-volume periods.
- Enhanced workplace safety by implementing strict procedures and regular staff training sessions.
- Completed death certificates, burial permits and other legal documents for families.
- Collaborated with clergy members to plan meaningful and respectful memorial services.
- Picked up deceased at private homes, hospitals and city morgues.
- Supported grieving loved ones through difficult time and aided with details such as obituary notice wording.
- Worked with cemeteries to schedule grave opening and closing.
- Continuously updated industry knowledge by attending professional workshops, conferences, and seminars.
- Identified issues, analyzed information and provided solutions to problems.
- Gained strong leadership skills by managing projects from start to finish.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Cultivated interpersonal skills by building positive relationships with others.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Empowered employees to take ownership of their responsibilities, leading to increased accountability and improved performance outcomes.
- Demonstrated a high level of initiative and creativity while tackling difficult tasks.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
Organist/Choir Director
Riverside Emery United Church
11.1995 - 04.2000
- Maintained the organ in excellent condition through regular tuning and prompt repair of any issues.
- Ensured seamless transitions between musical elements by expertly adapting tempo, dynamics, and phrasing to match the mood of each segment.
- Worked with church leadership to select music and plan performances.
- Promoted unity among diverse congregation members through thoughtful selections that represented various cultural backgrounds and traditions.
- Performed pieces on piano and keyboard for special occasions.
- Demonstrated adaptability by swiftly responding to last-minute changes in service plans or music selections without compromising performance quality.
- Attended and participated in all scheduled rehearsals.
- Played at weddings and funerals of church and community members.
- Improved service flow by coordinating with clergy members on hymn selection, pacing, and transitions between elements of worship.
- Performed at special events such as weddings, funerals, and holiday services, providing a memorable atmosphere for attendees.
- Established a strong reputation for professionalism and reliability through consistent punctuality, preparedness, and effective communication with church leadership.
- Selected and led congregation in different hymns and praise songs.
- Managed sheet music library efficiently, ensuring easy access to materials needed for rehearsals and performances.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Cultivated a positive rehearsal environment by fostering collaboration, mutual respect, and camaraderie among choir members.
- Arranged music, solos and instrumental accompaniment for special performances.
- Conducted rehearsals to keep performers prepared for performances.
- Enhanced choir performance by implementing innovative rehearsal techniques and strategies.
- Coordinated, planned and led practices for musical components of church services.
- Maintained calendars of events and assisted in event planning.
- Developed a diverse choral repertoire, incorporating various musical styles and genres to broaden the choir''s appeal.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
Education
Bereavement Facilitator
Hospice Thornhill/R.S. Kane Ltd.
12.2000
Classical Voice
Royal Conservatory of Music
12.1989
Funeral Service Education
Humber College
Toronto, ON06.1977
Skills
- Audience Engagement
- Selecting music for worship
- Music Interpretation
- Organ and piano proficiency
- Staff Scheduling
- Compassionate communication
- Grief support
- Written Communication
- Organizational Skills
- Verbal Communication
- Dependable and Responsible
- Multitasking Abilities
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Certification
Funeral Celebrant training - Insight Books/Doug Manning (completed 2005)
Timeline
Part Time Funeral Director
Kane-Jerrett Funeral Home
07.2019 - 07.2023
Organist/Choir Accompanist
St. Matthews United Church
05.2000 - 11.2023
Organist/Choir Director
Riverside Emery United Church
11.1995 - 04.2000
Funeral Director/Operations Manager
R. S. Kane Ltd.
11.1975 - 06.2019
Bereavement Facilitator
Hospice Thornhill/R.S. Kane Ltd.
Classical Voice
Royal Conservatory of Music
Funeral Service Education
Humber College
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