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From the viewpoint of musicologists, the term choir refers to a group of singers singing sacred or spiritual songs as opposed to secular songs. The term can sometimes be applied to instrumental groups in the orchestra.
The role of the choir in places of worship
The same way good music attracts the attention of people to any traditional worship scene and perhaps turn them into new converts and devotees irrespective of culture, that same way will a good and well trained choir heighten the musical tone of such a place of worship. Spiritual worship in places with reasonable level of good singing culture due to the presence of high caliber choir usually turns out to be the most preferable option by spiritual worshipers when choosing a place to worship. Man’s receptivity to good music is very astonishing and overwhelmingly astounding. Wherever good music is performed, people gather regardless of the kind of music being performed, and this only necessitates the grooming and training of good and standard choirs by spiritual worship centers.
Managerial Issues in Choir Organizations
Because it is an human organization, the choir is most likely to have legitimate problems, which can hinder the smooth running and day to day operations of the choir and its members. These problems may be that of interpersonal relationships, which require immediate and practical solutions to ensure the smooth running of the choir. These problems may range from poor communication skills on the part of the choir administrations, undue intruding into the activities of choir masters or directors by other choir members, to lost of interest in choir activities by choir members and also disrespectful attitude towards the choir administration and vice versa. No matter how small or big any of these problems may appear, they will mar and hinder the smooth running of the choir.
To foster or bring to birth the needed balance for the smooth running of the choir, the leader(s) of the choir must be knowledgeable to an extent in which he/she can draw or tab from past experience(s) or normal life philosophies ideas or tips for solution(s) to the faced problems. The choir leaders have a legitimate responsibility towards the growth of the choir, because of the responsibility placed on them as service workers in terms of the services they render in the choir. They must be well grounded and knowledgeable in terms of sociological, economic and cultural characteristics of the community in which they are working as well as the beliefs of the organization in which they operate.
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Skills for Crisis Intervention in the Choir
The choir administrators are to always exhibit calmness and proper confidence in times of emergency in the choir. These emergencies could be in form of anything, it could be a new and complex piece of music that has to be performed urgently and it could also be a fierce quarrel between choir members. Common sense must be applied by the choir administrators while addressing any form of issue. Applying responsive listening technique and good communication skills to get at the nature or very core of the crisis is very paramount. Thus, choir administrators should also possess a level of competence in the field of human management. Physical gestures like holding the hands or putting an arm around the shoulders of the stressed individual (only if the cultural norms permit) can go a long way in reassuring and bringing back hope to the affected choir member(s).
Simple Theories of Choir Management
Goal setting is very necessary in stimulating the interest of the choir members. Man, naturally is a goal-oriented being and by setting a goal or objective for the choir to strive to achieve, you also appeal to the very core of the choir members and their own true nature as human beings. The achievement of goals Brings satisfaction.
It is the responsibility of the organization whom the choir belongs to, to train or support the effective training of its choristers. A choir that relies heavily on already prepared choir personnels instead of seeking for ways of improving or building its own, lacks the needed vision for growth and productivity.
The choir must be guided by the concept of authority and responsibility.
Effective time management policy should be enforced.
Proper planning and control are necessary in the organization of a choir, for they provide proper avenues for goals to be achieved.
Tit bits for Choirmasters
The greatest role towards the smooth running of the choir rests in the hands of the choir director, choirmaster or mistress. Maintaining standard in any choral organization is a tedious and very challenging task and also a test of endurance. For the success of endeavour, very high enthusiasm is required. A good sense of humour underneath all strictness will also work magic in enhancing proper and healthy communication between the leadership and the choristers.
Tact and naturalness of manner and enthusiasm will make the work of the choirmaster a rewarding one.
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