Chorusmasters

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Those who teach, lead and conduct singing groups, guiding their rehearsals and performances
2. Individuals responsible for instructing and directing a choral ensemble during practice and concerts
3. Trainers who prepare voices and direct the musical performances of a body of choristers

Etymology: "Chorusmasters" is the plural of "chorusmaster," a compound of "chorus" and "master," and it is a near-twin of "choirmaster." The two words are doublets: both descend from the same Greek-derived root, but they reached English by different routes and ended up as separate words. "Choir" came through Old French "cuer" and Latin "chorus," while "chorus" arrived directly from Latin, so the spelling "chorus" kept the Greek-influenced form that the older word had lost. The first element, "chorus," comes from Latin "chorus," borrowed from Greek "khoros," which meant a dance or a company of dancers and singers, often performing in honour of a god. Over time the sense moved from dancing to singing, and from singing to a group of singers. The second element, "master," is an older English word meaning one who has authority over others, or one who teaches. Put together, a chorusmaster is simply the person who leads a chorus, combining a Greek word for organized singing with an English word for the one in charge. The compound is transparent, which is why it reads so plainly.

Synonyms: choirmaster, precentor