Choir Management in Ghana: Overcoming Challenges to Sustain Musical Culture and Community Engagement

Authors

  • Kow Arkhurst Department of Performing Arts, Abetifi Presbyterian College of Education, Ghana
  • Isaac Kwame Oduro St.Ambrose College of Education
  • Nii Darku Ofori-Obeng Dodoo St. Ambrose College of Education
  • Maxwell Adu McCoy College of Education
  • Comfort Christabel Edusei Berekum College of Education

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47672/ejpcr.1492

Keywords:

Choir Management, Ghanaian Choirs, Cultural Challenges, Funding Constraints, Cultural Inclusiveness

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to examine the unique challenges faced by choir directors in Ghana and provide recommendations for managing and thriving in this context. It aims to highlight the importance of resilience, resourcefulness, and cultural sensitivity in navigating the funding constraints, limited resources, intense competition, and cultural expectations that characterize the Ghanaian choir environment.

Methodology: The methodology used in this article is not explicitly stated. However, the recommendations and insights provided are based on a combination of scholarly research, professional experiences, and observations related to choir management in Ghana. The authors gathered data through a literature review, interviews, and observations to understand the challenges faced by choir directors and identify effective strategies for managing them.

Findings: The findings of this study suggest that choir directors in Ghana can overcome challenges and contribute to the country's musical heritage by implementing specific strategies. These include seeking diverse funding sources, engaging with local businesses, cultural organizations, and government agencies for financial support, promoting the unique qualities of their choirs, and emphasizing cultural authenticity, repertoire diversity, and innovative performances to attract audiences and sponsors.

Recommendations: The theoretical ideas that informed this article's recommendations and the actual experiences that took place in the Ghanaian choir context validated them. The authors likely drew upon their expertise, scholarly research, and consultation with practitioners to develop and validate these recommendations. They should seek diverse funding sources, engage with local businesses and organizations, and promote the unique qualities of their choirs to attract audiences and sponsors. Policymakers are encouraged to support the development and sustainability of choirs in Ghana by recognizing their cultural significance and providing financial and logistical support. Policies that promote the arts, cultural preservation, and community engagement can contribute to the growth and success of choirs. Additionally, policies addressing funding constraints and resource limitations can alleviate some of the challenges faced by choir directors, enabling them to thrive and contribute to Ghana's musical landscape. The article aims to inspire and guide directors in managing choirs in Ghana, highlighting the potential for cultural enrichment and artistic excellence within this unique context.

 

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Author Biographies

Kow Arkhurst, Department of Performing Arts, Abetifi Presbyterian College of Education, Ghana

 

 

 

Isaac Kwame Oduro, St.Ambrose College of Education

 

 

Nii Darku Ofori-Obeng Dodoo, St. Ambrose College of Education

 

 

Maxwell Adu, McCoy College of Education

 

 

Comfort Christabel Edusei, Berekum College of Education

 

 

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Published

2023-06-07

How to Cite

Arkhurst, K., Oduro, I. ., Dodoo, N., Adu4, M. ., & Edusei, C. . (2023). Choir Management in Ghana: Overcoming Challenges to Sustain Musical Culture and Community Engagement. European Journal of Philosophy, Culture and Religion, 7(1), 64–78. https://doi.org/10.47672/ejpcr.1492

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Articles