UE/R: CHOIRMASTERS AND CONDUCTORS TRAINING WORKSHOP ORGANIZED BY NABODICA EXECUTIVES.

September 8, 2024

3 minute read

By: Gideon K. Adu

The Asungtaaba Women Center in Bolgatanga hosted a two-day training workshop for choirmasters and conductors on September 6^th to 7^th , 2024, which was organized by the Executives of the Navrongo Bolgatanga Diocesan Choir’s Association (NABODICA).

The goal of this planned workshop for music directors in the Diocese, according to Association President Mr. Daare James Saaka in an interview with URA Radio, is to provide them with the tools they need to learn more and advance their musical knowledge, comprehend the significance of the liturgy through music, and develop their leadership skills in the choir. He again said the training workshop was organized with the monthly dues that are paid by the members of the Association.

In his opening remark, the Association’s chaplain, Rev. Fr. Vitus Alnaa, expressed his satisfaction with the organization and stressed that each participant should make the most of the training workshop by actively engaging in order to impart the same information to their respective choirs.

Rev. Fr. Vitus Alnaa

One of the workshop facilitators, Rev. Fr. Samuel Atinga, the diocesan liturgist, guided participants in comprehending the role that music plays in Catholic worship and urged all of the diocese’s music directors to work harder at enhancing the relevance of the liturgy.

Rev. Fr. Samuel Atinga

Mr. Augustine Bugase, a senior music director in the Diocese, also led the participants in a discussion on the seasons of the church and the liturgical calendar. in his presentation, he said the Mass is the authorized form of worship for Catholics – Led by a Priest, Bishop, Archbishop or the Pope with some rubrics added to the different levels, ranks or demands of the celebration:Requiem, Nuptial, Ordination, Pontifical,Con-celebration etc.
He also covered the planning and execution of rehearsals and the need of efficient communication in a choir. he stated that the importants of rehersals includes Vocal training, Co-ordination of various aspects of the liturgy andEnhancing attendance of the choir.

Mr. Augustine Bugase

In a third and final presentation, Mr. Boniface Apuri, also a senior music director in the Diocese took participants through the distinctions between Sacred and secular music so that they might see the value of incorporating sacred music into their music. He proceeded to demonstrate in practice the basic conducting patterns and gestures utilized during singing.”Etymologically, the word “sacred” is from the Latin “sacer” meaning “Holy” or “consecrated” or “dedicated to the gods” It is also related to the word “sacrum” meaning a sacred thing. In modern English “sacred” means consecrated or dedicated to a deity or higher power he explained. He again said Sacred music was introduced in Ghana through the missionaries when they brought Christianity.