Choir-mastership and liturgical music leadership in the Anglican Diocese of Benin, Nigeria

Choirmasters are important musical personnel in the Anglican Church of Nigeria. They are generally tasked with a wide range of responsibilities before, during, and after church services. This study examines the role of choirmasters and the broader dynamics of liturgical music leadership within the Anglican Diocese of Benin. The paper is based on personal observation from many years of service as choirmaster of Anglican Diocese of Benin, and data from interviews. The study reveals a shift in the role of the choirmasters - from purely musical directing to multifaceted leadership with evolving responsibilities, which extends to administration, pastoral care, personnel and financial management. The study concludes that choirmasters are the musical fulcrum connecting ecclesiastical authorities, the musicians, the choristers, and the congregation. The paper recommends that formalised support structures should be established in Anglican churches to enable choirmasters meet the demands of the 21st century ecclesiastical and cultural expectations.