Huh. There is a great deal of nuanced consideration in the scenario you present.

In terms of annoyance, it would depend on my perception of the individual. Are they implying that I'm not doing my job? Are they trying to develop themselves? Are they someone who would work well with me? How are they at following my direction, generally speaking? Or is this an attempt to undermine what I'm getting done?

Either way, I would certainly speak with the pastor independently. If I felt this wasn't a good fit, I'd address it - either directly or obliquely depending on the circumstances.

I think there are also positives to take out of this.

Coming from a teaching background, I really believe in trying to build up for the future, not just of this particular parish, but of liturgical music in general terms. In that sense, I try to find ways to get people to do a bit more because it pushes them to develop musically and professionally. Maybe it is as low key as encouraging someone to become a cantor or providing opportunities for solo work that they haven't sought out. Sometimes it is actively seeking out other growth opportunities for members... one summer, I had a group of younger women that were interested plan out the summer schedule and support it by playing the organ or singing (by themselves) the music program. Sometimes it is seeking out scholarship options, even for members for whom that might not have been on the radar screen.

Sometimes it is much more involved... like having an assistant that I don't actually need. People learn by doing, so I might have the assistant direct part of the rehearsal or part of the Mass. I might give them certain projects or tasks in line with things that need to happen through the year. I try to do this in a way which encourages and develops rather than trying to be obvious about the teaching aspect that is involved.

Of course, in this kind of scenario there is a fair amount of compromise on my part (often unsuspected by my assistant). Sometimes I have to adjust timelines on projects because they aren't as AR about planning things out. Sometimes they might have suggestions or want to change things that I'm not particularly in favor of, but which I end up implementing so that they see they are part of the process as well. Sometimes those changes / suggestions even work out better than I might have expected!

I guess the bottom line - is the person who suggested this trying to develop and grow themselves? If yes, I'd want to encourage that in some way even if not ultimately making them my assistant. If their reasons are less altruistic... I'd find a way to ensure it doesn't happen.

Incardination is too modest. He excels in cultivating the talents of his choristers and giving those with above-average interest plenty of further avenues to assist, whether vocally or in leadership and accompaniment of the choir. And this unasked, but rather proactively.

Incardination is The Most Interesting Choir Director In The World.

I think his username is actually a tribute to his late lamented laptop, and how it suffered it's untimely demise.

Oh wait. Then his name would be "InCarbonation", wouldn't it? (Too soon, Cardy?)

Too soon, Stim.

:) OK, I'm just kidding! Incarbonation... kind of pops, doesn't it?

It isn't totally clear whether CCooze was blindsided in front of the pastor, found out from the pastor or was told by the would be assistant after the offer was made to the pastor, or the would be assistant spoke to CCooze herself before speaking to the pastor. The way it came up speaks to MJO's comments about loyalty. It is also possible that it was a passing comment in a larger conversation and was an impulsive remark without premeditation. I have been guilty of these kinds of gaffs, because I am not that politically savy, I just like to be helpful. Context is really important here.