Tasks of the Leviim

One of the positive commandments of the Torah is that the Leviim were required to serve permanently in the Temple. This was a mandatory obligation placed on the Levite family.
It was important that men of distinction and prominence from a known tribe such as Levi, be given the noble task of serving in the Temple.
They had two primary tasks to fulfill. They were either chosen as watchmen to open and close the gates to the Temple entrances.
Their second task was to be the singers and the musicians in the Temple. They sang as the daily Olah sacrifices were offered each morning and night. They also sang when the שלמי ציבור, the public peace offerings were offered accompanied by wine libations. There was a requirement of at least twelve Leviim singing at the time of the offerings.
There were others who played musical instruments to go along with the singing. There were nine lyres and two harps that were played, along with two flutes, known as Chalil, and one cymbal. These added to the beauty of the Temple service.
Trumpets could be heard each Friday evening, announcing that Shabbat was about to begin.
The Leviim were meant to cherish their special role as the singers and guards of our holy Temple.