The following notes come from Brother Tom Thornton, Cincinnati No. 3, Morristown, New Jersey, Masonic Organist and Collector of old tools specializing in hand cranked grindstones!

Playing music for Masonic lodge - General

The organist is allowed to select and ( with one exception ) play what and when he decides. The easiest way to understand when and what to play is to divide the meetings into small sections and have music chosen ,and rehearsed for each section.

When the musician understands the form of the sections he can tell what is about to happen and select his music accordingly.

For this purpose I have divided the

Meeting as follows;

Open & Closing

Balloting

Visitors entering

Degree work

The first rule is you can play anytime somebody is moving, never while somebody is speaking However dont get in the habit of playing all the time, silence is also needed at times. .

On the following pages is the outline I use for playing a meeting. The selections are about correct in length, but it still depands on how fast or slow the person is moving, so you have to be ready to fast fade or extend the music cause it never exactly fits.

The current music I play is noted, but that can change with the weather. It has been selected mainly because the length of the music about fits what is going on. You get to choose your own . Pick what you like and can play comfortably. and just write it over mine. .

The only special area is the MM degree. You have to play 3 verses of PLEYEL'S HYMN during the procession and brothers will sing, then play last verse when circle is formed.

When visitors enter I use several small marches, Longest Day, or Wait For the Wagon to bring them in with. You just need a few quick short pieces to fill the small spots.

Sometimes you may get a sudden request for the Star Spangled Banner or happy Birthday so it helps to have those two ready . I also carry, America & , America The beautiful However I have heard some organists say simply " I'm not prepared to play that :" so use that phrase if needed.....

On the following pages are the notes as I use them, you need to get acquainted with the various officers positions pretty quickly so you can tell who is about to move. For starters the Jr deacon is by the entrance door, the Jr & Sr Masters of ceremonies are in the west in front of the Sr. Warden. The Sr Deacon is in the east to the left of the WM ( as you look at him from the organ) .

Regarding my notes, I have to read everything so I have my music book set so I just turn the pages to the next happening.. and I'm ready to play when the person starts moving. .

Opening, (prompt; three knocks by Master)

Jr deacon checks doors, - Racing With Moon or Longest Day

Tyler enters - Mack The Knife

Tyler leaves - Hi Ho Hi Ho Off to Work I go

Deacons take the word - Happy Wanderer & Me & My Shadow

Sr deacon attends alter - Stouthearted Men or Rangers march

Closing ( prompt 'Brother secretary is your desk clear ? )

Long form, word to west - Road To Mandalay

Sr Deacon attend alter - How great Thou Art or Auld Lang Syne

Balloting

Box to Wardens - Road To Mandalay

During voting - whatever

Box back to master - Around The World in 80 days

Degree work, ( Prompt: Brother master of ceremonies, retire and ascertain--- )

Sr Master Of Ceremonies Leaves - Hi Ho, Off to Work I Go

Sr Master of ceremonies Returns - Road To Mandalay

Both Masters of ceremonies leave - Hi Ho Off to Work I Go

Prompt: 3 knocks .Cand enters - silence

(EA Only "Conduct to center for prayer" - Sweet Hour of Prayer)

While Forming procession - silence

Procession to WM. - Amazing grace

Perambulation , must leave room for Chaplains part (Talk to Chaplain , find out where he will start)

EA once around, fade at 1st knock in west - Battle Hymn of Republic

FC twice around, fade at 2nd knock in west - Battle Hymn of Republic (Medium)

MM three around, fade at 2nd knock in west - Battle Hymn of Republic, (full)

From Jr Warden to Sr Warden - Rock of Ages

From Sr Warden to WM - Faith of Our Fathers

WM. to Sr Warden - Navy Hymn (be quick

After Obligation. to Jw, Sw, WM - May The Good Lord Bless & keep You

(fade & stop at each station then continue)

Escort out - When You Walk Thru The Storm

(fade & stop while saluting then continue)

Second section, EA & FC no music

Second section MM

Procession forms,silence

When Marshall says forward - Holy Holy

soft until Marshall passes West

Then PLEYEL'S HYMN, three verses, brothers should sing-

stop hard at end of third verse-

Then Holy Holy, softly until circle is formed,

Then PLEYEL'S HYMN (loud and clear) one verse , then silence

end