1. Ceremony Begins
2. First Drum Roll: Joss sticks and candles are lit up over the court. Student musicians, Ba Yi dancers and Ceremonial Attendants stand in sequence on both sides of the palace steps.
Note: The first drum roll
Student musicians hit the Jin Drum on the Da Cheng Gate (or Gate of Hall of Great Achievements), firstly hitting the drum frame once, then hitting the center of the drum with both drum sticks consecutively, with the rhythms going from slow to fast but from strong to weak. Finally, another student musician pounds the Yung Bell in front of the Da Cheng Gate once to end this session.
Jin Drum and Yung Bell (photos)
3. Second Drum Roll: Accompanying Consecration Officers are led to the side of the palace steps.
Note: The second drum roll
Student musicians hit the Jin Drum on the Da Cheng Gate, firstly hitting the drum frame twice, then hitting the center of the drum with both drum sticks consecutively, with the rhythms going from slow to fast but from strong to weak. Finally, another student musician pounds the Yung Bell in front of the Da Cheng Gate twice to end this session.
4. Third Drum Roll: Collateral Presentation Officers are led to the side of palace steps.
Note: The third drum roll
Student musicians hit the Jin Drum on the Da Cheng Gate, firstly hitting the drum frame three times, then hitting the center of the drum with both drum sticks consecutively, with the rhythms going from slow to fast but from strong to weak. Finally, another student musician pounds the Yung Bell in front of the Da Cheng Gate three times to end this session. The purpose of hitting the bell and the drum is to remind everyone, including Presentation Officers, Accompanying Consecration Officers and Ceremonial Attendants, to remain solemn and respectful during the ritual proceeding and to respect teachers and appreciate the cultural heritage of Confucianism.