In the Scottish Rite, we say music "stimulates the mind and elevates the spirit." We also recognize the value and pleasure music brings to all Masonic meetings. Music, in fact, has gone beyond these uses in the Craft and is a major expression of Masonic philosophy. From the earliest days of Freemasonry, music was never omitted from either Lodge meetings, Degree Work or other rites, such as cornerstone ceremonies, building dedications, the installation of officers, and memorial services. During the latter, musical enhancements in addition to hymns might include bugle calls or muffled drums. "Auld Lang Syne," for instance, was not written by Bro. Robert Burns to be sung on New Year's Eve but to be sung at the closing of the meetings of his Blue Lodge.

Great attention continues to be given musically to both Masonic memorial services and Lodges of Sorrow. While music, in the form of specific songs and melodies, was never legislated officially or made a mandatory part of the rituals themselves, it was made a part of the "spiritual furnishing" of the Lodge, Degrees, and other Masonic ceremonials. Thus, for centuries music has been a valuable and essential part of Masonic work.

As Freemasons, we learn in the Fellowcraft Degree of the seven basic liberal arts and sciences serving the needs of mankind. They are grammar, rhetoric, arithmetic, logic, geometry, astronomy, and the focus of this paper, music. Music, in particular, is recommended to the attention of Masons because as the "'concord of sweet sounds' elevates the generous sentiments of the soul, so should the concord of good feeling reign among the brethren." (Albert G. Mackey's A Lexicon of Freemasonry, 1852, p. 318)

Other authors have also emphasized the importance of music. Dr. Rex R. Hutchens, 33°, Grand Cross, in his book A Bridge to Light states: "From the discovery of harmonics by Pythagoras … the ancients … created the idea of 'the Music of the Spheres' or harmony in the universe; a sort of music of God." (p. 286) Similarly, Sir Knight John W. Dadmun in The Masonic Choir states: "Music is an element of power that we Masons cannot afford to dispense with. It will add, incalculably, to the interest of Lodge meetings, and do much to preserve the ancient landmarks of the Order." Also, a passage in Masonic Odes says: "The three Symbolic Degrees of Masonry exemplified without the use of music, is, to say the least, robbing Masonry of one of its most important factors."

Finally, Chester W. Mabie in The Royal Arch Melodia notes: "It has been urged with some force, that the beauties of the Masonic ritual cannot be evinced and stamped indelibly on the mind of the novitiate without the aid of music; the soul-inspiring strains of which add power to the work, adorning its ever-living truths with a grandeur that no other art can supply, stealing upon the senses and elevating the feelings to that purity of conception, without which, to those that tread the road that leadeth to exaltation, light is but darkness and truth a shadow."

Albert Pike, himself a fine musician noted for his skill in playing the violin, greatly admired music and made it an integral part of many Scottish Rite Degrees, often specifying specific melodies. Every Director of Work would do well to take this to heart and make a special effort to include appropriate musical interludes and enhancements to the Degrees, whether Blue Lodge or Scottish Rite. To do so is to touch the heart, move the mind, and lift the soul of all involved for, as an anonymous author once wrote of this sublime art: "Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything. It is the essence of order and leads to all that is good, just, and beautiful, of which it is the invisible, nevertheless dazzling, passionate and eternal form."

Clearly, Masonic music is very important. Its value has been proved by musical legends of the past such as Brothers Mozart, Sibelius, Sousa, and Berlin. Its value continues today through the musical skills and contributions of such well-known Masonic musicians as Ill. Floyd E. Werle, 33°, Grand Organist of the Supreme Council, Southern Jurisdiction. To those other Brethren who possess musical talents but, for whatever reason, have not made them known, I urge you to join this great Masonic tradition and mission. Your talents are needed and will be appreciated. The time to become active is now!