In Lodges where there is no piano or organ, an electronic synthesizer keyboard can be an inexpensive addition. Fortunately, Everett Lodge No. 137 had a Piano when I was Installed as Master. Since it was an "Open Installation", my wife was Piano Accompanist when I got to sing "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" from the Musical Theatre show "Les Miserables".
When we remodeled the Lodge room in Centralia some years back, we had the Grand Piano moved into the dining room, and replaced it on a temporary basis with an electronic keyboard. But then the fellow who played passed away, so the Grand remains in the dining room and the keyboard goes unused.
One lodge I was a member of had speakers in the lodge that I'd connect via Bluetooth before the meeting. Id play Mozart or something similar before lodge, at a low volume.
My lodge in NM, we would sing a verse from America the beautiful at the start of every meeting. The musician would play the piano before and after the meeting, as well as while we balloted. It definitely helped create the space for us to work.
I've always found music during balloting to be really handy. It keeps the conversations among those who have already voted down and private, helping to maintain the solemnity of the occasion.
Adding music to the lodge meeting experience is an important piece in creating a mood of solemnity and importance for the evening. Since the candidate is blindfolded during degrees, adding music adds a vital element. When coordinated with the ritualists' words and their floor movements and done with expression, it brings life to a degree. I was my lodge's musician for 25 years and enjoyed finding ways to adapt all types of music to the ritual presentation. The instrument doesn't have to be a piano or organ. A skilled musician on a guitar, violin, or any other instrument will work as well. Also, as mentioned, someone with recorded music is practical too.
Adding vocalists during meetings and the degrees is another way to incorporate music and create a sense of brotherhood. Here is a link to a piece I adapted for a vocalist to use in the degrees to be sung immediately after the candidate enters the lodge and after his obligation. https://masonsleadbetter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Come-My-Brother-Score-Key-of-A.pdf
I would love every Lodge gathering to have SOME music, every time. And digital music is available everywhere, but then it's harder than people realize to set it up and have it done properly.
I personally keep a list of New Age / Celtic pieces that go well with various parts of Ritual.
I used to often listen to a sort of crazy DJ who would play instrumentals from South America. I think many of those would serve a Lodge well too. And I think you offer a good solution, if a Lodge has no musician, why not do it digitally.
I've not attended very many Jobs Daughter's events, but I believe that they continue to sing frequently. At least singing has always been a part of the more public JDI events I've attended.
In latter days, before TV, radio, internet, and ubiquitous networking, life was simpler.
Folks would actually sing, read poetry, share thoughts and quietly contemplate life. How quaint!
Masonry was advanced in such an era; less complicated, and, by and large, more understandable.
I recall my grandfather reciting poetry at family gatherings and all of us singing America the Beautiful on July 4. It was something wonderful we just did. It brought us all together.
Churches use communal singing to bring a sense of community to the congregation. It has worked for centuries.
In my browsing of Masonic stiff I have stumbled upon several Masonic song books. I forget where I found them but I recall I found them to be quite fanciful and questioned their usefulness. However, given the given question it might be useful to resurect a few of them and give it a go at a Lodge meeting. I would be interested in knowing the result.
Personally I find poetry comforting, but,being tone deaf, singing not so much.
We have so many demands on our attention that it is difficult to imagine Lodge members bursting out in song, but I'm not opposed to giving it a go.
>>>In my browsing of Masonic stiff I have stumbled upon several Masonic song books. I >>>forget where I found them but I recall I found them to be quite fanciful and questioned >>>their usefulness. However, given the given question it might be useful to resurect a few of >>>them and give it a go at a Lodge meeting. I would be interested in knowing the result.
I think it would be a good experiment for a Lodge. Not a solo by someone who can't sing I hope (having seen that in a Lodge) but a group thing. Experimenting certainly couldn't hurt, and it could help.
A lot of the English bodies still have a organist. Additionally in our manual the music is still included. York Rite also calls for music in the chapter degree. But yes. I have several music books in my library. I love reading them.
I don't think that we ever formalized music into our Standard Work here (except for the hymn in the MM Degree) but I have run across Masonic music books through the years. I don't possess any though.
We used to have music in our ledge meetings. For some reason it has gone by the wayside. It was nice to have during opening and closing, as well as other times deemed necessary. It seemed to either eliminate or at least cover some of the side conversations that can be so distracting.
The Lodge in my hometown had it for a long time. But then the fellow who knew how to play the piano died. So a Brother stepped up with his electric guitar. That was quite superb, but then he shifted his focus away from the Lodge towards the Appendant/Concordant bodies. We haven't really had music since.
Very cool! Both of my Lodges in Seattle have musicians, and I think that it adds a great deal to our meetings. But my rural/suburban Lodges do not. There is simply no one who knows how to play.
I think just about every lodge I have been to, except for one, has a piano sitting unused in the NE corner. I've also seen those ubiquitous electric organs sitting around gathering dust. The problem, as noted, is a lack of the younger generations learning how to play instruments.
I play guitar (well, I used to, haven't picked one up in years) but I don't think a lot of people would enjoy my playing "Master of Puppets" during the opening ritual.
Personally, I think that guitar music is quite superb in a Lodge. One of my Lodges used to have a fellow who would play his electric guitar in place of the piano, and he played during my GM Installation.
It is modern, and I often think that our Fraternity would do well to embrace a bit more modernity.
I've been my lodge's Musician a few times, and even provided music when I wasn't. I don't know my way around a keyboard, I'm a guitarist. And I don't know any classical music but find there are plenty of contemporary songs that fit nicely into a the lodge meeting. For installations I've played "Here Comes the Sun" for the Master and "To Sir With Love" for the Immediate Past Master. And I've played "Walk Don't Run" when the Marshall escorts Brothers to the East for installation.
When I've served as Treasurer I would sometimes bring my guitar so I could provide something that I'm pretty sure is unique to my Lodge: A Treasurer's Report you can Dance To.
I've attended an awful lot of Installations through the years. I remember my own of course, but most all of the others have faded from memory. Two though stand out:
1. A Lodge Installation so poorly done I don't think I'll ever forget it.
2. An OES Installation where the music played while the new head of the OES Chapter walked in to that Journey song with the line "smell of wine and cheap perfume."
Music can often really cement something into our memory.
Yes you should absolutely bring it back.
I think that in order to do so, many Lodges will have to look beyond the piano and organ.
Aer there volumes of the music that used to be played or sung in Lodges? Some central source? That would be the place to start.
In Lodges where there is no piano or organ, an electronic synthesizer keyboard can be an inexpensive addition. Fortunately, Everett Lodge No. 137 had a Piano when I was Installed as Master. Since it was an "Open Installation", my wife was Piano Accompanist when I got to sing "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" from the Musical Theatre show "Les Miserables".
I think we might still have the piano. There are 2 in the Lodge room at the Valley of Everett. Unfortunately, I dont believe anyone plays.
You sound like Centralia. We've got a Grand and an upright in the dining room, but no one who plays.
When we remodeled the Lodge room in Centralia some years back, we had the Grand Piano moved into the dining room, and replaced it on a temporary basis with an electronic keyboard. But then the fellow who played passed away, so the Grand remains in the dining room and the keyboard goes unused.
Recorded music, in the hands of someone who knows what to do, is better than nothing.
Agreed. We can learn, and Lodges can invest a few bucks in proper equipment.
Keep the pianos, even unused, until future generations rediscover their value.
It’s sad that beautiful instruments are sometimes given away or even junked simply because tastes have changed - for a while.
An excellent point. Thank you. Everything fades into and out of style.
One lodge I was a member of had speakers in the lodge that I'd connect via Bluetooth before the meeting. Id play Mozart or something similar before lodge, at a low volume.
My lodge in NM, we would sing a verse from America the beautiful at the start of every meeting. The musician would play the piano before and after the meeting, as well as while we balloted. It definitely helped create the space for us to work.
I've always found music during balloting to be really handy. It keeps the conversations among those who have already voted down and private, helping to maintain the solemnity of the occasion.
Yes please! I have the ritual music on vinyl.
Can you have it digitized?
Very cool, and a real treasure! I've not seen Lodge music on vinyl.
Adding music to the lodge meeting experience is an important piece in creating a mood of solemnity and importance for the evening. Since the candidate is blindfolded during degrees, adding music adds a vital element. When coordinated with the ritualists' words and their floor movements and done with expression, it brings life to a degree. I was my lodge's musician for 25 years and enjoyed finding ways to adapt all types of music to the ritual presentation. The instrument doesn't have to be a piano or organ. A skilled musician on a guitar, violin, or any other instrument will work as well. Also, as mentioned, someone with recorded music is practical too.
Adding vocalists during meetings and the degrees is another way to incorporate music and create a sense of brotherhood. Here is a link to a piece I adapted for a vocalist to use in the degrees to be sung immediately after the candidate enters the lodge and after his obligation. https://masonsleadbetter.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Come-My-Brother-Score-Key-of-A.pdf
This is awesome! Thank you for sharing it with us!
I would love every Lodge gathering to have SOME music, every time. And digital music is available everywhere, but then it's harder than people realize to set it up and have it done properly.
I personally keep a list of New Age / Celtic pieces that go well with various parts of Ritual.
I used to often listen to a sort of crazy DJ who would play instrumentals from South America. I think many of those would serve a Lodge well too. And I think you offer a good solution, if a Lodge has no musician, why not do it digitally.
I remember when I was a Job’s daughter music was a big part of our meetings. We would learn a lot of songs.
I've not attended very many Jobs Daughter's events, but I believe that they continue to sing frequently. At least singing has always been a part of the more public JDI events I've attended.
Yes, music was always a big part of our group back in the 70’s and 70’s., I’m not sure if that has continued.
I definitely think the music has to continue in the lodge’s
I think it can, in most Lodges, if we look beyond the Piano and Organ if we don't have anyone who can play those.
In latter days, before TV, radio, internet, and ubiquitous networking, life was simpler.
Folks would actually sing, read poetry, share thoughts and quietly contemplate life. How quaint!
Masonry was advanced in such an era; less complicated, and, by and large, more understandable.
I recall my grandfather reciting poetry at family gatherings and all of us singing America the Beautiful on July 4. It was something wonderful we just did. It brought us all together.
Churches use communal singing to bring a sense of community to the congregation. It has worked for centuries.
In my browsing of Masonic stiff I have stumbled upon several Masonic song books. I forget where I found them but I recall I found them to be quite fanciful and questioned their usefulness. However, given the given question it might be useful to resurect a few of them and give it a go at a Lodge meeting. I would be interested in knowing the result.
Personally I find poetry comforting, but,being tone deaf, singing not so much.
We have so many demands on our attention that it is difficult to imagine Lodge members bursting out in song, but I'm not opposed to giving it a go.
Brian Thomas
Your Humble Servant
>>>In my browsing of Masonic stiff I have stumbled upon several Masonic song books. I >>>forget where I found them but I recall I found them to be quite fanciful and questioned >>>their usefulness. However, given the given question it might be useful to resurect a few of >>>them and give it a go at a Lodge meeting. I would be interested in knowing the result.
I think it would be a good experiment for a Lodge. Not a solo by someone who can't sing I hope (having seen that in a Lodge) but a group thing. Experimenting certainly couldn't hurt, and it could help.
A lot of the English bodies still have a organist. Additionally in our manual the music is still included. York Rite also calls for music in the chapter degree. But yes. I have several music books in my library. I love reading them.
I don't think that we ever formalized music into our Standard Work here (except for the hymn in the MM Degree) but I have run across Masonic music books through the years. I don't possess any though.
I have a really cool one. I also have some recordings. Ping me on this side and Ill send you a link.
Will do! Thanks!
We used to have music in our ledge meetings. For some reason it has gone by the wayside. It was nice to have during opening and closing, as well as other times deemed necessary. It seemed to either eliminate or at least cover some of the side conversations that can be so distracting.
The Lodge in my hometown had it for a long time. But then the fellow who knew how to play the piano died. So a Brother stepped up with his electric guitar. That was quite superb, but then he shifted his focus away from the Lodge towards the Appendant/Concordant bodies. We haven't really had music since.
We are very fortunate in our Craft Lodge to have two Organists ( both music teachers as it happens) and soon to have a third one joining.
In West Lancashire , England there are many Lodges and other units that have access to pianos or organs. I believe music adds to the ceremony.
Very cool! Both of my Lodges in Seattle have musicians, and I think that it adds a great deal to our meetings. But my rural/suburban Lodges do not. There is simply no one who knows how to play.
I think just about every lodge I have been to, except for one, has a piano sitting unused in the NE corner. I've also seen those ubiquitous electric organs sitting around gathering dust. The problem, as noted, is a lack of the younger generations learning how to play instruments.
I play guitar (well, I used to, haven't picked one up in years) but I don't think a lot of people would enjoy my playing "Master of Puppets" during the opening ritual.
Personally, I think that guitar music is quite superb in a Lodge. One of my Lodges used to have a fellow who would play his electric guitar in place of the piano, and he played during my GM Installation.
It is modern, and I often think that our Fraternity would do well to embrace a bit more modernity.
OK! "Hot for Teacher" it is then! Might follow that up with "Mr Crowley".
I needed some Mr. Crowley for my Installation at Doric Lodge! It would have fit perfectly with the theme!
I've been my lodge's Musician a few times, and even provided music when I wasn't. I don't know my way around a keyboard, I'm a guitarist. And I don't know any classical music but find there are plenty of contemporary songs that fit nicely into a the lodge meeting. For installations I've played "Here Comes the Sun" for the Master and "To Sir With Love" for the Immediate Past Master. And I've played "Walk Don't Run" when the Marshall escorts Brothers to the East for installation.
When I've served as Treasurer I would sometimes bring my guitar so I could provide something that I'm pretty sure is unique to my Lodge: A Treasurer's Report you can Dance To.
I've attended an awful lot of Installations through the years. I remember my own of course, but most all of the others have faded from memory. Two though stand out:
1. A Lodge Installation so poorly done I don't think I'll ever forget it.
2. An OES Installation where the music played while the new head of the OES Chapter walked in to that Journey song with the line "smell of wine and cheap perfume."
Music can often really cement something into our memory.