10 Commandments for Guardian Directors of Music

BGC/DGG Leadership Training

2012

Commandment #1• Thou shalt NOT play a country’s

national anthem to escort that country’s flag…

– S.I. 21-20 The National Anthem of the country shall be played after the flag is presented west of the Altar

Note: the new Music Ritual contains updated appropriate escort music for all JDI National emblems.

Commandment #2

*NEW* *NEW* *NEW* *NEW*

• Thou shalt play a chord “for the Chaplain to rise after attending at the Altar”

• Change from our previous direction to play a preparatory chord AFTER the Chaplain rises…

Commandment #3

• Thou shalt consider the optional songs:– Chaplain to the Altar for Obligation: may play

either “Holy, Holy, Holy” OR “Sweet Hour of Prayer”

– Optional words for “Onward, Christian Soldiers” (“Forward, all Job’s Daughters”)

– Optional words to “My Faith Looks Up to Thee”– In closing cross, may sing either “Nearer, My

God, to Thee” OR “Let There Be Peace on Earth”

Refer to new Music Ritual for other suggestions…

Commandment #4

• Thou shalt ensure your Daughters are aware of wording changes in new Music Ritual:– “Open the Gates of the Bethel” – 2nd verse is

now “Open your hearts to each other; that Love dwells with us always.”– “Now Our Work is Over” – 1st verse is now

“Now our work is over, God has blessed our hands”; 2nd verse is now “May God give his children calm and sweet repose; With his tend’rest blessing, may our Bethel close”

– No other wording changes…

Commandment #5

• Thou SHALT have choir practices!!!

• That’s all, just…

• …Thou SHALT have choir practices!!

• and think of creative ways to reward the Daughters for their efforts!

Commandment #6

• Play some FUN music!!– Remember that music not in the Music

Ritual may be used for Escort, Coin March, removal of chairs – be creative! (but be legal…)– Involve the Daughters in your choice

of alternate music selections– Consider for the Bethel Librarian’s

report a short instrumental piece played by a Daughter - we have some TALENTED young ladies!!

Commandment #7

• PRACTICE with your Chaplain!!

• She will have great pride in floor work to the Altar done well…

• And you will not have to play extra notes or end early!

Commandment #8

• Encourage your budding musicians

• Loan them a Music Ritual and flag some pages of the simplified songs

• Soon you’ll have an installed Daughter Musician!

Commandment #9

• You need practice, too…

• Try it with a metronome to check the speed at which you are playing…

Commandment #10

• Remember…

• She who sings, prays twice!!