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INTRODUCTION
It is no strange conception that the emergence of a strong and Noble Catholic University as Madonna University is endowed with a powerfully dedicated society being the Madonna Central Choir (MCC) Which has Uninterruptedly grown in strength both spiritually and physically. Looking at the choir today one can say that the lord has indeed gathered his people in numbers to give him Praise and Worship of which we forever remain Thankful.
ORIGIN OF THE MADONNA CENTRAL CHOIR
Through the relentless efforts of pioneer students of Madonna University, Sisters of Jesus the Saviour Convent and maximum encouragement from the pioneer Reverend Father in the person of Rev. Fr. Dr. Chris Ngene, the MCC came into existence on the blessed morning of the 30th July 1999,When the first mass was celebrated in the university library. Because, there were no choristers to sing during the mass, Rev Sister Nicholet called upon students who could sing to come and assist in the mass either by singing or by playing some exiting instruments. The outcome was a maximum of fifteen(15) students who emerged and sang for the benefit of the mass, among which where Aghoghovbia Agusta E, Agwasim Prisca, Alu Samuel O, Anunobi Ebere, Chukwunagorom Richard and a host of others. This was to be the genesis of the choir in Madonna University Okija.
However, following these events, a day was set aside for choir practices. and many agreed to Saturday by 7 pm. Consequently upon the poor turn over of students for practices and lateness, Practice hours were never adhered to and gradually many potential choristers dropped out leaving the choir with only a handful of choristers. Nevertheless, The choir staggered on with the available few. In about 2 weeks time came an invitation to perform at the ordination of 2 Reverend fathers at St Martin's Catholic church Ihiala by cardinal Arinze. On this occasion the choir presented two songs: One composed by Br Justus Nwadimma and the other song by Sis Agusta Aghoghovbia, Both songs were beautifully presented paving way for another invitation at Nimo where the choir as well presented two songs during the Silver Jubilee Celebration of Rev Fr Ngene in the month of September 1999.
Consequently, due to the introduction of March, July and October batches of admission, more students joined the choir thus an increase in the population. The communism of choristers could as at then be described as a catholic Family gathering characterized by a choir mistress and a Choir Master in the person of Sis Agusta Aghoghovbia and Br Richards Chukwunagorom. Some other choristers like Mr. Paschal Ezeofor contributed to the growth of the choir by utilizing his skills with the piano, which at that time was an expected dream. This action improved the quality of the songs produced by the choristers and even boosted the choir. Subsequently, the use of Solfas slightly started surfacing and before any one knew what was happening the use of solfa songs in practices was introduced and thus practice day was extended to Friday and Saturday evenings. This encouraged many who had left and those who still wanted to join. Around February 6th 2000, the choir was called yet again. The call was triggered by the death of Papa Edeh ( i.e. Fr Chancellor's Father). His burial was one which gathered every tribe and culture and so the MCC was there again.
On June 19, 2001, the MCC was democratized, the election was a free and fair one, The democratic Leader and President of the MCC was no other than; Mr. Bernard Aguda, a student of this noble university. Following him was the Vice President in the person of Sis Uche Udoemena. Election for other assisting positions were also carried out. The coming of the election was followed by a trend of orderliness, full respect and dedication in the house of God. This notion gave to the choir a brand new view and as much they embedded the Slogan " Sing Praises To The Lord!" This interesting slogan however gave the whole chorister a new and homely identity, since the choristers took to the slogan in nick ness. Due to the election of officers, the need for a constitution came up and some choristers were obliged to rally round and compose some laws and eventually it came out successfully and with these, there were abiding rules and regulations necessitating lawfulness in the MCC. Truly, there was indeed a clear difference from where we stated. Again, following the democratic trend, the choir marked its sense of development through the help of the Sisters of Jesus The Saviour as she acquired a modern musical instrument - The Keyboard added more flavour to the singing masses. In August 15th 2001 the MCC was called again, this time to present a song composed by the then Vice President which reflected the cause for celebration i.e. The Silver Jubilee of the Chancellor of Madonna University in the person of Very Rev. Fr. Prof. E.M.P. Edeh C.S.Sp. This was a big hit in which everybody contributed in one way or the other to the song.
Similarly, On the 10th of February 2002, the MCC was invited to the ordination of Nnewi's first installed Bishop in the person of Rt. Rev Fr. Larry. Although songs were not necessarily rendered but the conduct of the members who were called upon to represent the choir was one that called for admiration of the choir as a whole. Throughout, the existence of the university has been characterized by different events where the choir had had to participate in events like Matriculation of students, Easter and Madonna Christmas nights. The MCC ha really demonstrated its Course, Aims and Purpose which has spelt the significant of worshiping God in praise, It would be incomplete without mentioning the 2nd of June, 2002 when the second election and handing-over was conducted, which gave very important notice to other religious organizations in the school to be a witness to this election. Due to performance of the past officers, some were re-elected again for a second term in office. to run for one post or the other.
However, in the month of September 2002,the choir acquired yet another modernized musical instrument-the jazz drums through the help of sisters of Jesus the Saviour and the MCC executive. Indeed by now you need not be told the outcome of every praise and worship every Sunday at mass. Glory be to God who made all these possible. Presently, the population has increased owing to new choristers who have joined the family and old choristers who laid down the foundation.
The MCC can now be seen as a standard choir where the melodies are harmonized with that of the choirs of Angels. There is no stopping or limitations to the achievement of greater height in the MCC. Presently, the MCC is now dissected into various functions and various groups like the vocalist group, the instrumentalist group and other functionaries now in existence cumulatively building the life and structure of this ministry.
However, the choir today can say that through the help of God Almighty many hurdles have been skipped within the past few years, and many more will be skipped. This of cause will be possible with full reactivation of the whole basic being of a chorister. Therefore, one has to be fully dedicated, serious and forward headed remembering that it is to the lord that we sing praises. The MCC looks forward to full recognition of what it stands for in every event, circumstance and place. It is still the Ernest desire of the MCC to produce songs composed from the hearts of choristers. These songs could be produced in tapes and videos, where it would minister to people far and wide about the wonders of praise; therefore, it is time to sing praise to the lord.
LONG LIVE MADONNA CENTRAL CHOIR!
LONG LIVE MADONNA UNIVERSITY!!
The Madonna Central Choir now consists of two branches;
Madonna Central Choir Elele &
Madonna Central Choir Okija
This being brought about by the separation of some departments in the university. The university now having its science students in elele and its art and social science students in okija. The separation although dividing the choir did not deter the growth of the MCC which is united even in their separation. They still come together to sing at most functions. The choir now in two campuses have dimmed it fit to have a head in both campus and so Alor Patrick the President who is a medical student retained control of the okija branch while From an election Chukwukere Joseph was elected the responsible in charge of the Elele branch The Choir is divided into departments which are headed by different persons
The motto of the Association is LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
The anthem of the Association is STAND UP FOR JESUS (CHB, 35)
The slogan of the Association is SING PRAISES TO THE LORD (Ps.68:32)
The days of meetings are; General Meeting -------- First Sundays of the month while Executive meetings are held prior to the general meeting and any other instance of the executive council.
Membership is open for anybody of reputable character.
Days of practice : Okija ---- Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and Elele -----Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
The choir has five(5) commandments ;
Punctuality
Regularity
Cordiality
Good Moral Conduct
Sacrifice
The Choir has the following Executive officers :
Main Officers
President
Vice President
Secretary
Assistant Secretary
Financial Secretary
Treasurer
Chief Provost
Deputy Provost
Chief Music Co-ordinator
Deputy Music Co-ordinator
Bible Co-ordinator І & ІІ
Public Relations Officer І & ІІ
Welfare Officers & Deputy
Minor Officers
Chief Choir Conductor & deputy
Chief Vocalist and deputy
Chief Instrumentalist and deputy
Chief Part Leaders and deputy
Ex-Officer І & ІІ
As usual the choir has 4 parts ;
Soprano numbering 228
This will give a total estimate of
about 563 choristers. The
choir is made up of different unit and departments which handle different
responsibilities in the choir. They are :
Music Department
: This department is headed by the Choirmaster Iheanacho Daniel who is
regarded as the chief music co-ordinator and assisted by Ugeh Osita Francis .
This department also consists of choir conductors who assist in conducting at
masses and other functions. These conductors are selected by the chief music co-ordinator.
The music co-ordinator and assistant are in charge of all musical trainings and
activities in the choir. They teach during choir practice,
and make copies available to the choristers. It is also in the portfolio of the
music co-ordinators to organise music classes in order to get the choristers
acquainted with musical signs, symbols, notations, terms and languages. The
Instrumentalist unit and Vocalist unit are under the music department.
Instrumentalist
Department : The instrumentalist unit is headed by Uche-Obasi Philip
and he is assisted by Henry Diogi . The head of the instrumentalist unit is referred to as the chief instrumentalist. He appoints the members of the
department and organises practice for the members. He also supervises the
members of his department.
Vocalist Unit :
This department is headed by Ebere a.k.a. Madam chorus. The unit is open
to all choristers who are willing to join. It is in her jurisdiction
to train its members and select those who are to sing choruses during masses and
at other functions. Also they are involved in the presentation of songs for guests of the
institution e.g. Welcoming ceremonies, Entertainment of International guests
etc.
Bible Unit : The
bible unit is headed by Opara Justus . Its functions in the choir include
Praying for the choristers and the choir in general, they lead the opening and
closing prayer as well as take the exultations during the meetings and
practices. Its members are about 30 in number.
Drama and Cultural
Unit : The unit is a new unit in the choir which is only
present in the campus at elele. The unit was promulgated by the veto power of
the Responsible of the choir in elele campus during an executive meeting
in the campus held on 15th January 2005. This unit is headed by the P.R.Os and
represented by them in the choir executive meetings. The following executive officers were then elected in the unit. Stage Director : Ugeh Francis Osita Stage Manager: Omene Mac Omamerhi Costume Managers: Mark Chukwuma &
Ann Eziashi Secretary: Ifeanyi Ehirim
Alto numbering 230
Tenor numbering 50
Bass numbering 55
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