Leslie's historic UK Guide Badge Syllabuses

1912 Handbook - Musician

A Guide must be able to play a musical instrument correctly.

Either to read simple piano music, such as accompaniment at sight, or to play properly any kind of flute, and sing a song.

1918 POR - Musician Badge

Must play a march correctly, and with sufficiently good rhythm and time for her Company to march to it.

Must play the National Anthem from memory or ear.

Read simple music at sight.

These tests must be carried out on the piano, harmonium, organ, or any instrument employed in Military or Orchestral bands, excluding instruments of percussion and toy instruments; 

or alternatively

A Guide must either -

Sing a song and play her own accompaniment, or sing a song from memory, accompanied by someone else; and must either sing from sight or sustain the alto part in a part-song already learnt.

1919 POR - Musician Badge

Must play a March correctly, and with sufficiently good rhythm and time for her Company to march to it.

Must play the National Anthem from memory or ear.

Read simple music at sight.

These tests must be carried out on the piano, harmonium organ, or any instrument employed in Military or Orchestral bands, excluding instruments of percussion and toy instruments.

Or alternatively

Sing a song and play her own accompaniment, or sing a song from memory, accompanied by someone else; and must either sing from sight or sustain the alto part in a part-song already learnt.

1921 POR - Musician Badge

Must play a march correctly, and with sufficiently good rhythm and time for her Company to march to it.

Must play the National Anthem from memory or ear.

Read simple music at sight.

These tests must be carried out on the piano, harmonium, organ, or any instrument employed in Military or Orchestral bands, excluding instruments of percussion and toy instruments; 

Or alternatively

A Guide must either:

Sing a song and play her own accompaniment, or sing a song from memory, accompanied by someone else; and must either sing from sight or sustain the alto part in a part-song already learnt.

1924 POR - Musician Badge

Must play a March correctly, and with sufficiently good rhythm and time for her Company to march to it.

Must play the National Anthem from memory or ear.

Read simple music at sight.

(These tests must be carried out on the piano, harmonium, organ, or any instrument employed in Military or Orchestral bands, excluding instruments of percussion and toy instruments).

Do one of the following:

1) Sing a song and play her own accompaniment.

2) Sing a song from memory accompanied by someone else.

3) Sing from sight.

4) Sustain the alto part of apart song already learnt.

5) Be able to point four simple tunes on a staff or tonic sol-fa modulator.

1932 POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play the National Anthem and a march.

2) Play scales and arpegii in major and minor keys.

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Pass an easy sight-reading test.

Note for examiner - Whatever may be the piece chosen, it must be properly played, though there is no exact standard of efficiency.  The examiner will suit it to the girl's age.

1935 POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play the National Anthem and a march.

2) Play scales and arpegii in major and minor keys.

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Pass an easy sight-reading test.

Note for examiner - This badge is purposely made as elastic as possible in order to include any instrument and Guides of widely differing opportunities.

Whatever may be the piece chosen, it must be properly played, though there is no exact standard of efficiency.  The examiner will suit it to the girl's age.

1938 POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play the National Anthem and a march.

2) Play scales and arpegii in major and minor keys.

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Pass an easy sight-reading test.

Note for tester - This badge is purposely made as elastic as possible in order to include any instrument and Guides of widely differing opportunities.

Whatever may be the piece chosen, it must be properly played, though there is no exact standard of efficiency.  The examiner will suit it to the girl's age.

N.B. - An arrangement may be made locally with the tester, by which the badge may be awarded on passing any recognized musical examination approved by the tester, in accordance with Rule 37 (b), with the addition of playing "God Save the King".)

1939 POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play the National Anthem and a march.

2) Play scales and arpegii in major and minor keys.

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Pass an easy sight-reading test.

Note for tester - This badge is purposely made as elastic as possible in order to include any instrument and Guides of widely differing opportunities.

Whatever may be the piece chosen, it must be properly played, though there is no exact standard of efficiency.  The examiner will suit it to the girl's age.

N.B. - An arrangement may be made locally with the tester, by which the badge may be awarded on passing any recognized musical examination approved by the tester, in accordance with Rule 38 (b), with the addition of playing "God Save the King".)

1943 POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play the National Anthem (from memory) and a march.

2) Play scales and arpeggio in major and minor keys.

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Pass an easy sight-reading test.

Note - This badge is purposely made as elastic as possible in order to include any instrument and Guides of widely differing opportunities.  Whatever piece is chosen, it must be properly played, though there is no exact standard of efficiency.  The tester will suit it to the girl's age.

An arrangement may be made locally, by which the badge may be awarded on passing any recognized musical examination approved by the tester, in accordance with Rule 53 (h), with the addition of playing "God Save the King."

1947 POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play the National Anthem (from memory) and a march.

2) Play scales and arpeggio in major and minor keys.

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Pass an easy sight-reading test.

Note - This badge is purposely made as elastic as possible in order to include any instrument and Guides of widely differing opportunities.  Whatever piece is chosen, it must be properly played, though there is no exact standard of efficiency.  The tester will suit it to the girl's age.

An arrangement may be made locally, by which the badge may be awarded on passing any recognized musical examination approved by the tester, in accordance with Rule 53 (h), with the addition of playing "God Save the King."

1950 POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play the National Anthem (from memory) and a march.

2) Play scales and common chord arpeggii in major and relative minor keys up to four sharps and four flats.  (This test is for accuracy rather than speed).

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Pass an easy sight-reading test.

Note - This badge is purposely made as elastic as possible in order to include any instrument and Guides of widely differing opportunities.  Whatever piece is chosen, it must be properly played, though there is no exact standard of efficiency.  The tester will suit it to the girl's age.

An arrangement may be made locally, by which the badge may be awarded on passing any recognized musical examination approved by the tester, in accordance with Rule 57 (g), with the addition of playing "God Save the King".

1953 POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play the National Anthem (from memory) and a march.

2) Play scales and common chord arpeggii in major and relative minor keys up to four sharps and four flats.  (This test is for accuracy rather than speed).

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Pass an easy sight-reading test.

Note - This badge is purposely made as elastic as possible in order to include any instrument and Guides of widely differing opportunities.  Whatever piece is chosen, it must be properly played, though there is no exact standard of efficiency.  The tester will suit it to the girl's age.

An arrangement may be made locally, by which the badge may be awarded on passing any recognised musical examination approved by the tester, in accordance with Rule 60, with the addition of playing "God Save the Queen".

1957 POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play:

a) The National Anthem from memory.

b) A march.

2) Play scales and common arpeggios in major and relative minor keys up to four sharps and four flats.

Note: This clause applies to pianists; it must be adapted for string players, but should not exceed in difficulty Grade 4 of the Associated Board examinations.  The object is accuracy rather than speed.

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Read simple music at sight.

Note: i) This test may include any instruments and is intended to meet the needs of candidates of widely differing opportunities.  The pieces chosen must be properly played though there is no exact standard of efficiency; the test to be suited to the candidate's age.

ii) The tester may award the badge to a candidate who has passed a recognized musical examination provided that she passes clause 1 a).

1960 POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play:

a) The National Anthem from memory.

b) A march.

2) Piano: Play scales and common arpeggios in major and relative minor keys up to four sharps and four flats.

Recorder: Play scales in major and minor relative keys up to two sharps and two flats and one octave of the open chromatic scale.

Note: This clause must be adapted for string players, but should not exceed in difficulty Grade 4 of the Associated Board examinations.  The object is accuracy rather than speed.

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Read simple music at sight.

Note: i) This test may include any instruments and is intended to meet the needs of candidates of widely differing opportunities.  The pieces chosen must be properly played though there is no exact standard of efficiency; the test to be suited to the candidate's age.

ii) The tester may award the badge to a candidate who has passed a recognized musical examination provided that she passes clause 1 a).

1961 (July) POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play:

a) The National Anthem from memory.

b) A march.

2) Piano: Play scales and common arpeggios in major and relative minor keys up to four sharps and four flats.

Recorder: Play scales in major and minor relative keys up to two sharps and two flats and one octave of the open chromatic scale.

Note: This clause must be adapted for string players, but should not exceed in difficulty Grade 4 of the Associated Board examinations.  The object is accuracy rather than speed.

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Read simple music at sight.

Note: i) This test may include any instruments and is intended to meet the needs of candidates of widely differing opportunities.  The pieces chosen must be properly played though there is no exact standard of efficiency; the test to be suited to the candidate's age.

ii) The tester may award the badge to a candidate who has passed a recognized musical examination provided that she passes clause 1 a).

1962 (June) POR Amendments - Minstrel Badge

1) Play:

a) The National Anthem from memory.

b) A march or folk dance.

2) Piano: Play scales and common arpeggios in major and relative minor keys up to four sharps and four flats.

Recorder: Play scales in major and minor relative keys up to two sharps and two flats and one octave of the open chromatic scale.

Note: This clause must be adapted for string players, but should not exceed in difficulty Grade 4 of the Associated Board examinations.  The object is accuracy rather than speed.

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Read simple music at sight.

Note: i) This test may include any instruments and is intended to meet the needs of candidates of widely differing opportunities.  The pieces chosen must be properly played though there is no exact standard of efficiency; the test to be suited to the candidate's age.

ii) The tester may award the badge to a candidate who has passed a recognized musical examination provided that she passes clause 1 a) and 1 b).

1964 (March) POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play:

a) The National Anthem from memory.

b) A march or folk dance.

2) Piano: Play scales and common arpeggios in major and relative minor keys up to four sharps and four flats.

Recorder: Play scales in major and minor relative keys up to two sharps and two flats and one octave of the open chromatic scale.

Note: This clause must be adapted for string players, but should not exceed in difficulty Grade 4 of the Associated Board examinations.  The object is accuracy rather than speed.

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Read simple music at sight.

Note: i) This test may include any instruments and is intended to meet the needs of candidates of widely differing opportunities.  The pieces chosen must be properly played though there is no exact standard of efficiency; the test to be suited to the candidate's age.

ii) The tester may award the badge to a candidate who has passed a recognized musical examination provided that she passes clauses 1) a) and 1) b)

1965 (July) POR - Minstrel Badge

1) Play:

a) The National Anthem from memory.

b) A march or folk dance.

2) Piano: Play scales and common arpeggios in major and relative minor keys up to four sharps and four flats.

Recorder: Play scales in major and minor relative keys up to two sharps and two flats and one octave of the open chromatic scale.

Note: This clause must be adapted for string players, but should not exceed in difficulty Grade 4 of the Associated Board examinations.  The object is accuracy rather than speed.

3) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a classical composer and one by a modern composer.

4) Read simple music at sight.

Note: i) This test may include any instruments and is intended to meet the needs of candidates of widely differing opportunities.  The pieces chosen must be properly played though there is no exact standard of efficiency; the test to be suited to the candidate's age.

ii) The tester may award the badge to a candidate who has passed a recognized musical examination provided that she passes clauses 1) a) and 1) b)

1968 Guide Handbook - Minstrel Badge

1) Play the National Anthem from memory.

2) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a modern composer and one of an older period.

or for Guitar: Accompany three Camp Fire songs (sung by yourself or others) in different keys, using a good variety of chords, and different accompaniment patterns.

3) Read simple music at sight.

4) Play scales and arpeggios as set for your particular instrument as follows:

Piano: Play scales and common chord arpeggios for major and relative minor keys up to four sharps and four flats, two octaves.

Recorder: Scales C major, two octaves and F major, one octave

Descant or Tenor: Scales G major, D minor, one octave.  Arpeggio C major, two octaves.

Treble: Scales F major, two octaves, G major, C major, G minor, one octave.  Arpeggio F major, two octaves.

Strings: 

Violin: Scales and arpeggios G major, two octaves and D minor, one octave.

Viola: Scales and arpeggios C major, two octaves and G minor, one octave.

'Cello: As for Viola.

Double Bass: Scales G, B flat or F major and minor, one octave.

Woodwind:

Flute: Scales and arpeggios D major and melodic minor, two octaves.

Oboe: Scales and arpeggios C Major and melodic minor, two octaves.

Clarinet: Scales and arpeggios G major and melodic minor, two octaves.

Bassoon: Scales and arpeggios D major and melodic minor, one octave.

Brass: Scales B flat, E flat or F major, and G minor, C minor or D minor, one octave.

Guitar: Scales chromatic, two octaves beginning on E, G major and minor, and A major and minor, two octaves.

Note: A simplified piano version of the National Anthem is obtainable from Guide shops.

1973 Guide Handbook - Minstrel Badge

1) Piano: From memory play the National Anthem.

Note: A simplified piano version of the National Anthem is obtainable from Guide shops.

Guitar: From memory play either the National Anthem or an unaccompanied piece of not less than 16 bars involving at least four different chords.

Other Instruments: from memory play either the National Anthem or an unaccompanied piece of not less than 16 bars.

2) Play two contrasted pieces, one by a modern composer and one of an older period.

or for Guitar: Accompany three Camp-Fire songs (sung by yourself or others) in different keys, using a good variety of chords, and different accompaniment patterns.

3) Read simple music at sight.

or for Guitar: Accompany at sight a song which has chord notation included.

4) Scales and Arpeggios (all scales and arpeggios should be played up and down).

On the instrument of your choice play as follows:

Piano

Scales: Major keys C, G, D, A, and F (two octaves, both hands together).

Minor keys (you may choose either melodic or harmonic) A, E, and D (two octaves, both hands together).

Arpeggios or Broken Chords (you may choose which you would like to play): All the above keys (one octave or more, both hands together).

Recorder

Descant and Tenor: 

Scales: Major keys C, G, D, and F (one octave).

Minor key D (one octave).

Arpeggios: All the above keys (one octave or more)

Treble and Bass:

Scales: Major keys F, C, G, and D (one octave)

Minor key A (one octave)

Arpeggios: All the above keys (one octave or more).

Strings

Violin: 

Scales: Major keys G (two octaves), D (1 1/2 octaves), and A (two octaves).

Arpeggios: All above keys (one octave or more).

Viola:

Scales: Major keys C (two octaves), G (1 1/2 octaves), and D (two octaves).

Arpeggios: All above keys (one octave or more).

Cello: 

Scales: Major keys C (two octaves), G (1 1/2 octaves), and D (two octaves).

Arpeggios: (all above keys (one octave or more).

Double Bass:

No scales.  Bring to the test and be prepared to play two technical exercises of your choice in keys G and D respectively.

Woodwind

Flute: 

Scales: Major keys D (two octaves), G, A, and F (1 1/2 octaves).

Minor key - one relative minor scale of own choice (one or two octaves).

Arpeggios: Two of own choice (one octave or more).

Oboe:

Scales: Major keys C (two octaves), G, D, and F (1 1/2 octaves).

Minor key - one relative minor scale of own choice (one or two octaves).

Arpeggios: Two of own choice (one octave or more).

Clarinet: 

Scales: Major keys G (two octaves), D, A, and E (1 1/2 octaves).

Minor key - one relative minor scale of own choice (one octave or more).

Arpeggios: Two of own choice (one octave or more).

Bassoon:

Scales: Major keys G (two octaves), D, A, and C (1/2 octaves).

Minor key - one relative minor scale of own choice (one octave).

Arpeggios: Two of own choice (one octave or more).

Note: For strings and woodwind, scales may be played in any style, e.g. single notes or slurred, at your choice.

Brass: 

Scales: Major keys - four of your own choice (one octave).

Minor key - one relative minor scale of your own choice (one octave).

Arpeggios: Two of own choice (one octave or more).

Guitar:

No scales.  Be able to play the following chords in root position, first, and second inversions, both the straight chord and the chord of the seventh:

Major keys C, G, D, and A.

Minor keys E and A.

1978 Guide Handbook - Musician Badge

1) Make a scrapbook either about a musician or group of musicians whose work you admire, e.g. conductor, performer, composer, orchestra, choir, ballet or opera company; or about a particular type of music you enjoy.  Be prepared to talk about it.  You may amplify your scrapbook with taped or recorded music.

2) Do three of the following:

a) Play three contrasted pieces, including one by a modern composer.

b) Sing or play simple music at sight, or accompany at sight on a guitar a song with simple chord notation printed.

c) Show that you have made a regular contribution to the music of an instrumental group, band, or orchestra over the last six months.

d) Sustain an alto or descant part whilst the tester sings the air to a song of your own choice.

e) From memory sing two songs of your own choice.  You must take the accompaniment to the test.

1978 Guide Handbook - Musician Badge

1) Make a scrapbook either about a musician or group of musicians whose work you admire, e.g. conductor, performer, composer, orchestra, choir, ballet or opera company; or about a particular type of music you enjoy.  Be prepared to talk about it.  You may amplify your scrapbook with taped or recorded music.

2) Do three of the following:

a) Play three contrasted pieces, including one by a modern composer.

b) Sing or play simple music at sight, or accompany at sight on a guitar a song with simple chord notation printed.

c) Show that you have made a regular contribution to the music of an instrumental group, band, or orchestra over the last six months.

d) Sustain an alto or descant part whilst the tester sings the air to a song of your own choice.

e) From memory sing two songs of your own choice.  You must take the accompaniment to the test.

1983 Guide Badge Book - Musician Badge

1) Make a scrapbook either about a musician or group of musicians whose work you admire, e.g. conductor, performer, composer, orchestra, choir, ballet or opera company; or about a particular type of music you enjoy.  Be prepared to talk about it.  You may amplify your scrapbook with taped or recorded music.

2) Do three of the following:

a) Play three contrasted pieces, including one by a modern composer.

b) Sing or play simple music at sight, or accompany at sight on a guitar a song with simple chord notation printed.

c) Show that you have made a regular contribution to the music of an instrumental group, band, or orchestra over the last six months.

d) Sustain an alto or descant part whilst the tester sings the air to a song of your own choice.

e) From memory sing two songs of your own choice.  You must take the accompaniment to the test.

f) Take to the test a composition of about 16 bars in length written by yourself.

1986 Guide Badge Book - Musician Badge

1) Make a scrapbook either about a musician or group of musicians whose work you admire, e.g. conductor, performer, composer, orchestra, choir, ballet or opera company; or about a particular type of music you enjoy.  Be prepared to talk about it.  You may amplify your scrapbook with taped or recorded music.

2) Do three of the following:

a) Play three contrasted pieces, including one by a modern composer.

b) Sing or play simple music at sight, or accompany at sight on a guitar a song with simple chord notation printed.

c) Show that you have made a regular contribution to the music of an instrumental group, band, or orchestra over the last six months.

d) Sustain an alto or descant part whilst the tester sings the air to a song of your own choice.

e) From memory sing two songs of your own choice.  You must take the accompaniment to the test.

f) Take to the test a composition of about 16 bars in length written by yourself.

1987 Guide Badge Book Amendments - Musician Badge

1) Discuss with the tester a musician or a group of musicians whose work you admire, e.g. conductor, performer, composer, orchestra, choir, ballet or opera company, or about a particular type of music you enjoy.  Be prepared to talk about it.  You may illustrate your comments with taped or recorded music.

2) Do three of the following:

a) Play three contrasting pieces.

b) Sing or play a piece of simple music at sight.

c) Show that you have made a regular contribution to the music of an instrumental group, band, choir or orchestra over the last six months.

d) Sustain a second part whilst the tester sings the air to a song of your own choice.

e) From memory sing two unaccompanied songs of your choice.  Take the music to the test.

f) Take to the test a composition of about 16 bars in length written by yourself.

3) Be prepared to discuss with the tester your playing and singing.  Consider your choice of repertoire and answer simple questions on style, expression and why you enjoy this music.

1989 Guide Badge Book Amendments - Musician Badge

1) Discuss with the tester a musician or a group of musicians whose work you admire, e.g. conductor, performer, composer, orchestra, choir, ballet or opera company, or about a particular type of music you enjoy.  Be prepared to talk about it.  You may illustrate your comments with taped or recorded music.

2) Do three of the following:

a) Play three contrasting pieces.

b) Sing or play a piece of simple music at sight.

c) Show that you have made a regular contribution to the music of an instrumental group, band, choir or orchestra over the last six months.

d) Sustain a second part whilst the tester sings the air to a song of your own choice.

e) From memory sing two unaccompanied songs of your choice.  Take the music to the test.

f) Take to the test a composition of about 16 bars in length written by yourself.

3) Be prepared to discuss with the tester your playing and singing.  Consider your choice of repertoire and answer simple questions on style, expression and why you enjoy this music.

1991 Guide Badge Book - Musician Badge

1) Either:

Discuss with the tester a musician or group of musicians whose work you admire.  You might choose a conductor, performer, composer, orchestra, choir, ballet or opera company or similar.

or

Tell the tester about a particular type of music you enjoy.  If you wish, you may illustrate your comments with taped or recorded music.

2) Do three of the following:

a) play three contrasting pieces

b) sing or play a piece of simple music at sight

c) show that you have made a regular contribution to the music of an instrumental group, band, choir or orchestra over the last six months

d) choose a song with two parts.  Sustain the second part while the tester sings the air

e) sing two unaccompanied songs of your own choice from memory.  Take the music to the test

f) take a composition, about 16 bars in length, written by yourself to the test

3) Discuss with the tester your playing and singing.  Consider your choice of repertoire and answer simple questions on style, expression and why you enjoy your music.