The Choir and Singing Band have been known for their activities and superiority in worship in the church , yet are characterized by same way attitude and rather losing the interest of the congregation in their ministrations. I have witnessed with pity that we don't have a planned direction for these groups. It's not a surprise the congregation can now predict what we can do or sing. The yearly re- dedication has rather become a traditional act rather than a spiritual empowerment- because we ourselves don't understand what it means by "dedication". Our attention is been driven by approvers and what we think members will enjoy rather than the purpose of our service to God. Is it not strange that choristers rarely fall sick? Yet we take it for granted and portray holistic worship. Of what gain will it be that you will sing all you think you have and the maker says you only made noise. It's a shame to admit that choristers make the most noise when the word of God is being shared. They jump all they can and doze off after praises. They don't take notes neither do they listen, so the question is- what is your service? We sing words of faith but do not act of faith. We barely see choristers taking the faithful step in "Giving". I'm not saying we don't, but even those who do can be counted among many. I don't blame you, because most of us are either self-employed or surviving workers so we think the giving is only for the rich. What then is your service I ask again? I don't know why I'm writing this, but I believe by the inspiration of God I'm reminding you of why we were the surplice or jabot. From the little observed which may not be new to the executives and members, I see that;
●Choristers are not ready to learn (improve upon themselves),yet we complain over the charismatics using our hymns and smile with joy seeing the inter-denominational choirs like the Harmonious and Gramophones. Are we not the same people in those choirs? You hypocrites
●The egoism of progressing is appalling . Should I say we are rather interested in what people say/see about us than the work we do? I witnessed a chorister who was cautioned of her wig over her jabot only for her to adjust in humility, it appeared the wig is precious to be tempered with than the purity message conveyed of the jabot.
●Choristers are weak to try to sing out. We are not all perfect fellow choristers, but we have been given the power to do all things through Christ who strengthens us. What is the attitude of shyness or fear of singing out? Maybe you should be an usher to learn to speak with people. Conductors shamefully and forcefully have to always ask you to come close to the microphone. Diana Asamoah God bless you.
●Choristers can't collaborate to sing. There is a saying that "two rights do not make a wrong". Once you have agreed to sing in a particular way or tone,that makes you a choir. What are these differences, then you get upset within you of why the other is not singing like you. Of all your years in the choir, you can't blend?
_Administratively,_
○The choir has no new dynamism in singing. Are we scared to be creative or those who lead us are too old and archaic? What is the fear in trying something new from our usual way of singing?
○Same old singular individuals to sing yet are not equipped in training. We tend to rely on same singular people whom we think are good but have no intention of training them or others. Remember there is "wear and tear".
○No new preparatory style for rehearsals or programs. It was surprising and a shame for all these years to witness that choristers wait till it's time for their program before they start asking for microphone and who is checking sound. Unfortunately they don't know how to arrange themselves on stage.
○No particular focus in the administration of the choir. I'm not talking about secretary's job here, but is it not rather strange to watch our members grow old and yet have no particular interest in chasing for recruitment? Yet we tend to be very furious to say Sopranos or Altos are not singing well. Well I think all their shouting was used in the labour ward you can't blame them. The truth of the matter is we are not really bothered.
○No personal development of young ones. Some societies don't even bother of Junior choirs, but I think the issues stated above is as a result of this. Even those who do have the junior choirs, how much time and resources do we invest in these choirs. We even hold them back when they want to organise programs.
But don't be surprised as we have awaiting Challenges;
¤The choir has no future in this state
¤The choir possess no particular year plan and this will eventually distort the reliability of the incumbent members.
¤We will be singing for entertainment rather than service to God if we can't remember to even organise retreats as ministers. They won't come right? Well that's the environment we have created.
But let me ask this, how does it feel when the organist is not around? Maybe that day we will complain of a wasted time to come for rehearsals or probably idly sit to chat. The issue is not with you, it's with the fact that there is no plan for the future. This year please look at the reason why you wear a cassock and or jabot... God bless you
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