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”; 2 nd
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!!