*DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF ORGANIST AND CHOIRMASTER*

I have observed with deep concern, our attitude to work as church Choirmaster. It seems many of us
are only interested in that position for self gratification, self pride and enhancement of CV, without
good understanding of the integrity of the portfolio, which is far beyond ability to play the organ, and
with no relationship with your renumeration (if on church salary).

Permit me to use Choirmaster in my discuss to represent the arrow leadership of the choir. Whatever
your nomenclature, either just Organist, or just Choirmaster, or as Organist and Choirmaster, or
Music director, or Master of music as the main leader of the choir, your responsibilities are the same

The job of a Choirmaster is not about how much you are paid or how you were appointed or your
church denomination, this is about a sensitive and pivotal leadership assignment that must be
delivered with all senses of humility and responsibilities.

You are a teacher, mentor, father (irrespective of your age or the average age of your choristers),
shepherd, future and life moulder. You are accountable to God and not your employer, either paid or
not, less or well paid. Failure to see yourself as described here is detrimental to your status, the life
and future of the innocent individuals (choristers) in your care, immediate and future respect from
your choir and employer.

It is the *duty of a Choirmaster* to genuinely and conscientiously

1. Teach the choir at choir rehearsals

2. Prepare the choir for ministration

3. Strive for musical growth of each member of your choir (voice training and sight reading for all)

4. Organise meaningful regular programs to keep the choir active and progressing

5. Organise regular and sessional (very necessary) rehearsals

6. Teach, prepare and present talented and knowledgeable choristers for graded examinations

7. Ensure music books/materials are always available (your employer will invest if you demonstrate
commitment)

It is the *responsibility of a Choirmaster* to

1. Be humble

2. Ensure good welfare of your choristers and your assistants including other hands under your
leadership
3. Ensure self respect, self discipline morally and financially. Do not take undue advantage of your
position, running after members of the congregation for money gift and sorts

4. Respect constituted authority.

5. Ensure healthy and meaningful choristers leadership role and inclusiveness through the
constituted choir committee

6. Maintain high level of discipline and sanctity in the choir

7. Assist and insist on accountable, judicious and equitable spending of choir funds

8. Insist and maintain prior knowledge and approval of all choir monetary transactions. But, stay
away from collecting, holding or directly spending the choir funds.

9. Be transparent, just, opened and accessible to your choristers and other people around you

10. Be present at all services, regular and occasional (for inability, ensure capable representation)

11. To ensure choristers officiate at all services, regular and occasional

12. Always represent the interest (not self) of the choir at any given opportunity.

13. Develop and maintain good relationship with the pastor/vicar in charge, your assistants and
choristers and other hands under your leadership

14. Encourage, support and harmonise good initiatives from your choristers and assistants (such as
your assistant or capable chorister having sessional rehearsals)

With due diligence and responsiveness, sincere commitment to the duties and responsibilities of
choir arrow leadership (Choirmaster), you can be rest assured of your respect and supports from all
quarters. Of course, if your salary does not commensurate with your job assignment, you can
amicably and logically negotiate for rise in pay, I am confidence that the delivery of your job will
always speak for you.

However, where it seems all needful done but not appreciated. Choristers not responsive and no
positive support from the church, or you felt your salary is simply ridiculous and the church is not
willing to do anything about it, please take to the honourable decision. But, until your last day with
the church, remain dutiful, diligent, dedicated and resourceful, not for the church, but for yourself
and for your subsequent place of work.

This discuss is my reaction to a question on this platform

Dr. Segun Fadeyi

10th February 2024.