Joscar Poerschke        Masonic Avant-garde

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Statement

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Florida Masonic law recognizes the authority of the Worshipful Master over the conduct of the lodge and recognizes the office of Organist/Musician within the Craft. The music provided is intended solely as accompaniment and is not intended to alter, replace, or modify any portion of the approved Florida Forms and Ceremonies. All ritual work remains under the authority of the Worshipful Master and in accordance with the Digest of Masonic Law.

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Masonic Law Compliance

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The music provided is intended solely as accompaniment to the degree, meeting, or event and is not intended to alter, replace, add to, or modify any portion of the approved Florida Forms and Ceremonies. All ritual work remains under the authority of the Worshipful Master and the laws, regulations, and decisions of the Grand Lodge of Florida.

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DISCLAIMER

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​​If you are concerned that music will throw off your degree performance or you are against music in lodge entirely, then perhaps you really don’t know the degree as well as you should and should stop now. Music is intended to enhance the atmosphere and solemnity of the degree. As with any accompaniment, officers and degree participants should remain proficient in their ritual work and not rely upon musical cues.

 

Questions, Comments, and Requirements

 

1. Has the lodge previously used an Organist, Musician, Choir, recorded music, or other musical accompaniment during degrees, installations, funerals, memorial services, or stated communications?

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• If “Yes,” you’ve established that music is already part of your lodge’s culture and expectations.

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    2. Has the Worshipful Master approved the use of musical accompaniment during the portions of the degree where he deems it appropriate?

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• This also means during dialogue with the exception of prayers and obligation. 

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(It is suggested that I be able to attend at least one practice session with the degree or lodge officer team to demonstrate the music along with the degree or meeting.)

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    3. Does the lodge have a piano or electronic keyboard? 

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(Understand that a Piano and an Organ are two different instruments.  An organ is not considered a keyboard for this purpose.)

 

    4. If yes, what kind of piano (upright or grand) and model (Steinway, Wurlitzer, Baldwin, etc.) or keyboard and model (Casio, Korg, Roland, etc.) is it and what condition is it in?

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• Has it been maintained and recently tuned within the last 6 months?

 

    5. If the lodge does not have a piano or keyboard available, can it obtain one?

 

• I can supply a suitable keyboard if none is available or satisfactory. 

 

    6. Does the lodge have a sound system?  

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• I have an amplifier available for the keyboard if no sound system is available or if the lodge is unable to supply a suitable keyboard, amplifier, and speaker(s) for the event.

 

    7. What is the approximate size of the lodge room or room where the event is to take place?

 

    8. The officers or degree participants should know their material and be able to project the dialog.

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•  The use of microphones is highly recommended if the lodge has an audio system or if any of the degree participants are soft-spoken or difficult to hear.

 

    9. Musical selections, volume, and placement will be determined in consultation with the Worshipful Master. The Worshipful Master retains final authority regarding the use of music during any lodge function or degree.  Volume levels normally are finalized during the practice session.

 

   10. I request that only one (1) person be designated to inform me about the volume of the music during the event.  To ensure consistency I will designate the Worshipful Master, my technical assistant, or designated lodge member to provide me feedback regarding volume levels during the event performance.  

 

   11. There should be at least one (1) practice session with me and the event team so they can practice with the music and suggest any changes, enhancements, or volume levels.  

 

   12. What is the anticipated date and start and end time of the degree or event?

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• I will need at least 30-60 minutes prior to the degree or event to set up the equipment and conduct a sound check.

 

   13. How many candidates are expected to receive a degree?

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• Pacing and atmosphere can change significantly depending on whether there is one candidate or several.

 

   14. For outdoor degrees, please advise regarding:

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• Electrical power availability

• Weather contingency plans

• Lighting conditions

• Covered area for instruments and equipment

• Security of equipment during the event

 

   15. In order to work within the budget of a lodge, my minimum requirement is reimbursement of travel expenses (fuel/transportation/mileage, lodging if required, and meals). Additional compensation (honorarium) is left to the discretion of the lodge based upon its budget and level of support.  Please contact me with your Lodge Name and Number, where you are located, the date and time of the degree or event and I will provide you with a travel cost estimate.

 

Updated 5/30/2026