The conductor signs out the call for a rendition of Ning He ("Tranquil harmony") to be played. The banner-bearers then raise their banners and the conductor sounds the wooden clappers three times. On this cue, the orchestra beings to play with the same 4/4 tempo. The wooden clapper is sounded on each first beat and the Bo Fu drum is sounded on all beats.
However, neither the Jin drum, the Po bell nor any singing is sounded.
Once the music commences, the deacons lead the Principal Presentation Officers to wash his hands before leading him to his position in front of the main altar table in the Da Cheng Hall where he offers incense and bows three times. Other deacons simultaneously lead the Collateral Presentation Officers to wash their hands before guiding them to their positions before the altar tables to the Sages and Scholars of the Eastern and Western Corridors in the Da Cheng Hall.
Here they also offer incense and bow three times.