Delta
Omicron
Initiation
Rituals
1984
Pledge
Ceremony
Chapter
members form a triangle with the president at the apex. Before the president is
a small table on which are placed:
-
a lighted white candle
-
a Bible
-
a bowl with Lilies of the valley
-
pledge pins or ribbons (rose end gray)
-
Chapter Pledge Book in which is written the Delta Omicron Pledge and the name of
former pledges.
The
candidates are led into the room by the first vice president and assisted in
forming a semi-circle facing the president. Each candidate is then joined by
her/his sponsor.
Chapter
members sing the Keynote",
PRESIDENT:
We, of
Chapter of Delta Omicron, are gathered here to greet new candidates
for membership in our professional fraternity.
We
welcome you who have expressed a desire to become members of Delta Omicron and
now wish to pledge yourselves to that end.
Who are
the candidates for pledging?
SPONSOR(S),
in turn: I present
(name of candidate).
PRESIDENT:
It is my privilege to acquaint you with the purpose of the organization which
you have expressed a desire to join. Delta Omicron was founded to create and
foster fellowship among musicians during their student days with the idea of
attaining the highest degree of musicianship individually. Membership in Delta
Omicron is extended to students who are seriously pursuing the study of music.
The fraternity has grown in breadth and scope to include the furtherance of
music appreciation in any community;
the giving of material
aid to worthy students; the promotion of American music and musicians; and the
furtherance of the work of women composers.
If you
are in accord with the purpose of this organization, answer
I am.
CANDIDATES:
I am.
First
vice president holds Bible for candidates. When there is an objection to the use
of the Bible, an objector may raise a hand as a personal pledge.
PRESIDENT:
Then place your hand on the Bible and repeat after me: I do solemnly pledge
to further the purpose of Delta Omicron
as I know it to be
To act at all
times as befits a Delta Omicron
To abide by all the rules and regulations of
the fraternity
ever striving to make myself worthy
to wear the lyre of
gold.
Sponsors
pin pledge pins or ribbons on candidates.
PRESIDENT:
Let this pin (ribbon) be a constant reminder of the pledge you have just taken.
Wear it at all times until you are proved worthy to wear our beloved lyre of
gold.
This is
your first step toward full membership. In the weeks ahead you will become more
knowledgeable about Delta Omicron, its purpose and its aims. You will learn
about our founding and continuing development throughout the past
(number
of years since 1909)
years.
You will progress toward the day of initiation into
Chapter and into
fellowship with Delta Omicron members throughout the world. That will be the
time when you can proudly proclaim belonging to our fraternity; the time when
you are worthy to wear our lyre of gold.
Sponsors
lead pledges to book to be signed.
PRESIDENT:
We will close our service with the singing of The Prayer Delta Omicron.
Initiation
Ritual
Ritual
Formation
The
ritual formation is significant of the Seal as designated by the Founders of
Delta Omicron. This is the secret coat-of-arms and is used only in the
Initiation ceremony. It is portrayed on the banner.
The
triangle, formed by the members, stands for Delta.
The
circle (actually a semi-circle), formed by the candidates, stands for Omicron.
Initiation
Paraphernalia
Two
connecting rooms; one large enough for the ceremony, the other in which the
candidates await their entrance into Delta Omicron.
Officers
and candidates should be clothed in white.
Silver
candelabra for the Queen/Kings table
Three
rose-colored candles
Silver
flower bowl
lilies
of the valley - artificial, if necessary
Bible
Gavel
Ritual
Banner
Pointer
(optional)
Chapter
membership book and pen
Ritual
Music
Songbook
Sufficient
chairs for officers, candidates, and members to use at a given point in the
ceremony.
A
table covered with a white cloth, the Ritual
Banner
hanging over the front edge.
On
the table
are placed thee silver candelabra with three lighted candles, fraternity badges
to be presented to the candidates, the Bible, gavel, the silver bowl holding
lilies of the valley, and the pointer.
Chapter
membership book and pen should be near at hand for use during the ceremony.
Ceremony
Members
are standing in a triangle.
The
QUEEN/KI NG is seated in back of the table, facing the entrance, at the apex of
the triangle of members.
GRAMATEUS
is seated to the left of the Queen/King.
TAMIA
is seated to the right of the Queen/King.
PHYLAX
stands guard at the door, just inside the room used for the initiation ceremony.
HEGEMON
remains with candidates in the outer room.
Silence
QUEEN/KING
raps three times. At this sign, PHYLAX opens the door slightly.
The
guide, HEGEMON, leads the candidates to the door.
HEGEMON,
to candidates:
This ceremony in which you are about to participate originated with the founding of Alpha chapter, and hence the founding of
Delta Omicron in 1909. Its symbolic format unites us historically and
philosophically with all other initiated members of Delta Omicron. The ritual is
patterned after the Greek rhetorical style.
Pause.
You now
stand at a portal which, once passed, never swings outward for your return.
Pause and consider well that you are about to make a vow of loyalty to the
fraternity which shall be binding as long as you live. If you still desire to
take the oath of Delta Omicron, answer, "I do".
CANDIDATES:
I do.
HEGEMON
leads the candidates before the QUEEN/KING forming a semi-circle of candidates
within the triangle of members, then takes a position in the Circle at a point
nearest the QUEEN/KING's table. PHYLAX remains on guard at the door.
QUEEN/KING:
Once more we are gathered in Delta. The Wheel of Ixion as when Orpheus sang,
stands still; the serpents now are artless.
Music,
Play softly.
Let soft
strains of music gently lead us along paths of beauty, uplifting us and bearing
us ever through pain and sorrow, lightness and joy, sickness and health, always
with a song in our hearts.
Music
ends.
QUEEN/KING:
Let us all be seated while we hear again the legend of our founding.
Begin
Ritual Music, Part 1. Legend. Play softly.
QUEEN/KING:
This tale was told to me
by one who heard it
from another still more aged, and thus it comes from ancient times far back when
gods did dwell upon the heights and demons groped in blackest depths.
And so
it happened, in these strange times, three young
women disheartened because their ideals seemed so far beyond their attainment
wandered one day into a land of dreams.
Through
a forest dark with shadows, half despairing, they made their way. With weary
footsteps and heavy hearts they struggled on, praying the gods who guard mankind
to lead them to the light.
Suddenly
they came upon a clearing. In front of them appeared a lake
whose rippling waters
reflected a sky of gray streaked with rose from the rays of the setting sun. All
around grew sweet lilies of the valley, while soft breezes sang through the
branches in golden, harp-like tones.
In the
midst of the clearing they beheld a queen tended by her court. Drawn by some
unknown power, the three young women, trembling with fear, came and knelt be
fore the Queen. They did not dare to lift their eyes for fear of punishment
because they trespassed hallowed ground. Their fears were soon dispelled. The
Queen tenderly spoke thus:
"Your
goal is reached. Now you may join us as we seek to give to the world our message
of love."
Overjoyed
and grateful to the Queen, the young women rose. The Queen bade them make ready
to depart. Softly she spoke, "This duty is awaiting you: you are to
dedicate yourself to music, and for the sake of music bring together a
fraternity and name it Delta Omicron."
To each
she gave a golden lyre, an emblem of this duty.
Treading
softly back to mortals and light of day, they brought with them a page of prose,
a page of rare and tugged beauty, to guide them all their lives. This has been
handed down to us as the Creed of Delta Omicron.
Music
ends.
QUEEN/KING:
This rule of life we share with you. Tamia, will you lead us in the repetition
of Our Creed?
TAMIA,
rising: Will all
please rise?
Officers,
members and candidates rise. Established chapters may prefer to recite the Creed
in unison.
TAMIA:
Repeat after me. This truth comes to us more and more
the longer we live
that in what field
Or in what uniform
or with what aims we do our duty
matters very little
or even what our duty is
great or small
splendid or obscure
only to find our duty certainly and somewhere
somehow do it faithfully
makes us good
strong
happy
and useful
and tunes our lives
into some feeble echo
of the life of God.
QUEEN/KING
to candidates:
You are now within the portals of Delta Omicron, but before you may see the light, further progress involves an obligation. It
is a pledge assumed by each member who has gone the way before you. Listen to my
words:
I do
solemnly promise that I shall never reveal, by word or deed, what I discover
here. I shall ever be loyal to Delta Omicron, abiding by all its rules, and
shall forsake Delta Omicron for no other.
I shall
ever remember my duty to make myself good, strong, happy, and useful, tuning my
life into some feeble echo of the life of God.
I will,
in my conduct and demeanor, exemplify the beautiful, not only in music, but in
all endeavors, so that I may command honor and esteem for me and my fraternity.
I will
evidence a kindly spirit of friendship toward other Delta Omicron members,
treating their actions with charity and putting the best construction upon their
words and deeds. In hours of need I will minister with sympathy and devotion,
offering humble consolation to lighten any grief, and, giving generously of my
time and ability, will endeavor to aid with problems and give relief.
I will
willingly contribute my share toward the support of Delta Omicron, whether it be
financial or in the line of duty or the spirit of cooperation. I will do my part
in preserving the spirit of harmony, subordinating my prejudices for the good of
the fraternity.
I will
promote the interest of my Alma Mater by faithfully and constantly endeavoring
to improve scholarship; and with enthusiasm and loyalty, zealously contribute to
the school spirit.
To all
of this I pledge myself asking strength from above to keep my solemn promise.
Amen.
Hegemon,
will you take the Bible.
HEGEMON
quietly instructs candidates to place a hand upon the Bible or to raise a hand.
When there is an objection to the use of the Bible, any objector may raise a
hand as a personal pledge to Delta Omicron. If necessary, divide into smaller
groups, and repeat the following pledge for each group.
QUEEN/KI
NG: If you so
promise, repeat after me: I pledge myself
asking strength from above
to
keep my solemn promise. Amen.
QUEEN/KING:
Will all be seated.
When
everyone is seated, the Queen/King continues.
QUEEN/KING:
As our sisters of long ago departed from their mystic Queen, you too must now
go among mortals, wearing over your heart the symbol of your duty. You must ever
bear in mind our Creed, that it may be a constant guide in your daily life.
You have
yet to learn the myth upon which our fraternity was founded. It is that of
Orpheus, whose spirit hovers over the world of music; the echo of whose golden
harp whispered among the trees where our sisters of long ago first found and
learned their duty.
Gramateus,
will you tell again that famous myth.
Begin
Ritual Music, Part II. Play softly.
GRAMATEUS,
rising: Of mortals
who have visited Hades and returned, none has a sadder or sweeter history than
Orpheus, son of Apollo and the muse Calliope. Presented by his father with a
lyre and taught to play upon it, he became the most famous of musicians. Not
only his fellow mortals, but even the wild beasts were softened by his strains.
The very trees and rocks were entranced by his charm, and so also was Eurydice,
whom he loved and won.
Hymen
was called to bless with his presence the marriage of Orpheus and Eurydice, but
he brought no happy omens with him. His very torch smoked and brought tears into
their eyes.
Fulfilling
this sad omen, Eurydice, shortly after her marriage, was seen by the shepherd
Aristeus, who was s truck with her beauty and made advances to her. In fleeing
from him, she trod upon a serpent, was bitten in the foot, and died.
Orpheus
sang of his grief to all who breathed the upper air, both gods and men, but
finding his complaint to no avail, resolved to seek his wife in the regions of
the dead.
Descending
through a cave, he entered the lofty portals of Erebus and the grove that is
murky with black terror, and came to the Stygian realm. He passed through the
crowds of ghosts and presented himself before the throne of Pluto and Persephone.
Accompanying
his words with his lyre, he sang in mournful tones his petition for his wife.
Without her he could not live, would not return.
In such
tender strains he sang that the very ghosts shed tears. Tantalus,
in spite of his thirst, paused for a moment in his struggle to reach water;
Ixion's wheel stood still; the daughters of Danaus rested from their task of
drawing water in a sieve; and Sisyphus sat on a rock to listen, Then for the
first time, it is said, the cheeks of the Furies were wet with tears, and
Cerberus, his triple mouths agape, forgot to snarl. Persephone could not resist, and Pluto himself gave way calling Eurydice
from among the shadowy ghosts.
But not
yet was Orpheus to behold his wife. Only could he see her after he had led her
to the upper air. There was to be no looking backward, no glance toward
her who followed in
his steps. Such was Persephone's severe decree, To this he gave his promise.
Thus they proceeded on their way, unmindful of any but themselves.
All
Hades held its breath. Faster he stepped, all eager to embrace her who followed
close behind. A sudden frenzy shook him; was she truly in his wake? He stopped,
and, on the very verge of light, looked back. In that moment all his toil was
lost. Three flashes of blue lightning; three peals of thunder gave the sign that
the ruthless tyrant's pact was broken.
Eurydice
cried out, What madness, Orpheus, what dreadful madness has ruined my unhappy
self and thee? For lo! the cruel Fates recall me now. Chills lumbers press my
swimming eyes. Farewell! Night rolls a round me as I spread my helpless arms.
Thine, thine no more:"
Thus she
spoke, and like a vapor vanished into air, nor beheld her helpless lover as he
clasped the void and sought to speak. in vain. He tried to follow her, but
Charon would not ferry him again across the
Beneath
a cliff overlooking Strymon's freezing stream, for seven long months he
lingered, and, deep in an icy cave, unfolded h is sorrows.
The
rocks were moved to pity with his mean;
Trees
bent their heads to hear him sing his wrongs.
He
soothed the tiger, moved the oak with song.
The
Thracian matrons ─ who the youth accused
Of love
disdained, and marriage rites refused ─
With
furies and nocturnal orgies fired,
At
length against his sacred life conspired.
Whom even the savage beasts had spared, they killed,
And
strewed his mangled limbs about the field.
Then,
when his head from his fair shoulder torn,
Washed
by the waters, was on Hebrus borne;
Even
then his trembling tongue invoked his bride;
With his
last voice, "Eurydice", he cried.
"Eurydice",
the rocks and riverbanks replied.
The
Muses buried the fragments of his body at Libethra where the nightingale is said to sing more
sweetly over his grave than elsewhere in all
The lyre
of Orpheus was placed by Zeus among the stars.
The
spirit of Orpheus was permitted to pass a second time to Tartarus ─ to
join his Eurydice.
Music
ends.
GRAMATEUS
is seated. QUEEN/KING rises.
QUEEN/KING:
To us in Delta Omicron, Orpheus personifies Love ─ love which soars above
the commonplace, the mortal Eurydice, ─ up to the desire for absolute
perfection, personified by the spirit of Eurydice.
Pause
slightly; continue slowly.
Thus,
with the vision of what they, as Disciples of Orpheus could do for youth in its
search for perfection in music, our
three Founders. Hazel Wilson. Mabel Dunn, and Lorena Creamer, translated the
immortal searching of Orpheus for his Eurydice, ─ the striving of man to
reach absolute perfection, into the ideals of Delta Omicron, and, on the sixth
day of September, in the year 1909, at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music,
founded this fraternity with the purpose of creating and fostering fellowship
among musicians during their student days, so that the highest degree of
musicianship might be attained individually.
It is
now my privilege to explain to you the secrets of our fraternity. The Greek
letters stand for the English letters D and O. These mean to all of us Disciples
of Orpheus of whom you have this day learned.
Our
colors are pearl gray and old rose, which were the colors of the sky when our
sisters first learned their duty.
Our
flower, chosen for its simplicity, is the lily of the valley, which surrounded
the mystic Queen in the land of dreams.
Our
badge, which you must treasure as a sacred symbol, represents the lyre of gold
upon which Orpheus so divinely played.
The
QUEEN/KING calls each initiate
forward by name and presents a badge to each one saying slowly while pinning it
on the initiate:
QUEEN/KING:
Wear this, and may it ever recall to you our purpose.
After
each badge is pinned HEGEMON leads the initiate to sign the Chapter Membership
Book. Note: Another officer or member may be in charge of the book. Other
biographical details may be filled in after the initiation is over. HEGEMON then
directs each initiate back to the circle.
QUEEN/KING:
You now wear the lyre of gold over your heart. Remember that it must never be worn otherwise. You must keep yourself worthy of
this symbol, ever remembering our motto to love another as you love yourself.
HEGEMON
points out each symbol on the banner as QUEEN/KING continues:
QUEEN/KING:
Our ritual formation
is shown on our banner. Delta is the triangle. The wheel in the center of Delta
represents the one of Ixions which stood still as Orpheus played, symbolizing
the power of music.
The circular rim forms the Omicron initial of Orpheus, the most famous of
musicians. The triangle and the circle which these two letters form are two of
the most perfect of all forms. The triangle through the centuries has symbolized
unity, stability, and
upward thrust; the circle, completeness, beauty, and eternity. The torch is that
of Hymen which smoked at the wedding feast, reminding us that we are warned
against breaking our vows. The serpents represent the means of Eurydice's death,
symbolically suggesting that if we truly aspire to perfection there may be sore trials
awaiting us, but that even these may bring forth some of the sweetest strains
of music. The upper star represents. Zeus, who placed the lyre of Orpheus in the
stars reminding us that music is a heavenly art. "The only art of heaven
given to earth; the only art of earth we take to heaven." The javelins through the star represent the means of the death of Orpheus,
which came about because his music was a constant effort to be united with love
and perfection.
Pause
slightly; continue slowly.
Our
secret motto is "Love one another as you love yourself."
Our open
motto is "Continenter nitentes, consequimur", which means,
"Continually striving, we attain."
Our
password is Calliope, who was the mother of Orpheus, the most famous of all
musicians.
Our grip
is an ordinary handshake, with little fingers interlocking and the forefinger of
each bent back into the palm of the hand.
The
QUEEN/KING demonstrates
the grip with HEGEMON, who then returns to her/his place.
QUEEN/KING:
You have now learned the secrets of our fraternity. We are indeed proud to
welcome you as sisters (and brothers) in Delta Omicron.
Let us
stand and bow our heads in the Prayer of Delta Omicron.
All,
singing: O Lord,
Thy blessing now shed down
Upon
dear Delta Omicron.
May all
her ties and friendships be
Strengthened
and honored, Lord, by Thee. Amen.
QUEEN/KING:
We are about to separate. For a time we have gathered here and heard again the legend of our sisters of old. We
are reminded again that in a world of striving and attaining, in ancient times
or modern, it is love that conquers all, and in the words of St. Paul:
"If
I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,
but have
not love, I am a noisy goog or a
clanging
cymbal. And if I have prophetic
powers,
and understand all mysteries and all
knowledge,
and if I have all faith so as to
remove
mountains, but have not love. I
am
nothing.
Love is
patient and kind: love is not
jealous
or boastful; it is not arrogant or
rude.
Love does not insist on its own way;
it is
not irritable or resentful; it does
not
rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the
right.
Love never ends.
So
faith, hope, love abide, these three;
but the
greatest of these is love. "
QUEEN/KING:
Let us bow our
heads in silent prayer.
Pause.
SOLO:
I Walk with Love.
QUEEN/KING:
To the only wise God be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and
forever. Amen.
QUEEN/KING,
followed by officers and members, informally greets the initiates.