CONTEXTUAL FACTORS IN MUSICAL PERFORMANCE IN CHILDREN'S ENSEMBLES: A CASE STUDY OF EKEMINI THEATR TROUPE, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE

Abstract

This ethnomusicological study investigates the interplay of contextual factors and social dynamics influencing musical performance and collaborative creativity within children's ensembles in Ibibio society, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. While existing research often focuses on informal music or individual instrument pedagogy, a significant gap remains in understanding structured children's troupes. This paper addresses this by examining the Ekemini Theatre Troupe as a case study, exploring how social, cultural, educational, and environmental elements shape their performances and collaborative processes. Employing a qualitative case study design with interviews, observations, and document analysis, and framed by Schechner's performance studies paradigm, the research reveals how elements of play, games, theatre, and ritual are integral to the troupe's social dynamics and musical development. The findings highlight the critical role of communal learning, family-like structures, and a blend of competitive and collaborative interactions in fostering creativity and cohesion. This study offers a holistic understanding of young musicians' development in a formal, culturally embedded setting, contributing new theoretical lenses to ethnomusicology and music education.