Tag: Bardic

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Palio di Stonemarche

This year Palio was very small compared to previous years. However, considering it was up against fencing champs and another full war event, we still had a decent sized crowd. It was bitterly cold and rainy at night, but that didn’t take away from the run.

I ran the fencing tournament that day, but I was also in charge of the Golden Tongue Bardic competition. This is very near and dear to my heart because it gives folks who were newer performers a chance to shine. The rules are that you can never have won a bardic competition. We had 4 folks competing this year ranging from age 10 to a bit older (We never speak of a ladies age!) These folks do not proclaim themselves Bards. They have had rough experiences and similar to me, had sworn they would never perform again.

They said that -I- inspired them to give it a chance again. I was speechless. I just want folks to have a safe performance space.

When all was done, I chose, not the best or worst performer, I chose someone who moved me. I gifted them the prize and asked them to make me a promise that they would work on their story and tell it to me again sometime within the year.

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A More Challenging Assembly

You would think after the 3 prior years of running this event, it would be easy as cake. The problem was that the 3 previous years had all been different. Covid-19 is still raging on and that lends itself to many other challenges.

In the first year of the challenge assembly’s inception, it had a large location in an area that was well accessible by many of the performers in the region. Bringing it up north had it’s own challenges. EKCOP has no money of it’s own, so we would need to find a sponsoring location. Luckily, Stonemarche had some extra money in the coffers and could offer us a sum to run this event. Finding sponsors for the challenges was another item as folks were unsure how their challenges were going to be taken and how they would view them.

This year, I was able to have 18 sponsors of 20 unique challenges. Next, getting folks to travel to New Hampshire and be willing to perform. We still had the requirements of masking indoors and performing outside would pose a challenge as there was a baseball game booked on the same grounds we were using. Can’t really complain considering the site was only charging us 75 dollars for the day. In addition we had to figure out how much food to feed people for day board and how we could encourage folks to teach.

The performance community in Stonemarche is decently sized, however, covid was making this all difficult. All in all, we had 43 attendees and actually made a profit of a little more than a hundred dollars for the day and this with charging folks the least amount we possibly could. We also had 12 amazing classes ranging from singing, story telling, history of stories and insturmental. The videos will be up soon… I hope.

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Know World Courtesans Performance

Digital performance is still new grounds for me. I don’t have much space in my living zone right now. Covid has made it worse and using a web cam with a nice microphone is weird. Ideally, I’d have a backdrop or be outside. This is a performance where I am comfy sitting in a chair in my garb. There are ways that I am able to provide good timber, but the lack of a live audience really changes the mood.  I don’t have too many thoughts on this at the moment, but i wanted to share that digital art can still exist.

 

 

 

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I Challenge you… to do this online

My Co-Autocrat and I had spend months and months planning the second iteration of the EKCoP Challenge assembly. This was my first time “running” it and I had found a super sweet location. Weeks before, COVID-19 really started to spread into the US and reared it’s ugly head. The plague doctor could truly not contain this one.

My Co-Autocrat and I made the difficult decision to cancel the even. This was not done lightly. However, not only is this spread via respiratory system, singing/vocal arts were known to be the fastest way to spread it.

I wasn’t willing to go down without a fight. I wasn’t willing to let the performing arts community take a blow to one of their only real chances to gather and perform in a low key environment. Then, it hit me! Why not do this online? What were the logistics?

I spoke to my co-autocrat who has been running monthly online practice to see if this was feasible.  It was!

From there we got everything sorted and up and promoted within 5 hours of this idea. Would this work? Would anyone come? Would the delay kill everything? Are we running it like it was run previously? Who knows! here we go!

We eventually settled on a formal of open meet for an hour, classes till 6 and open performances till 10.

Attendance rolled in, every class was attended and well respected.

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Crown Bardic

Delaware is far! I live in Maine, currently. In order for me to get to Delaware alone I need to fly. I don’t really feel like driving 7-8 hours *without stopping* alone so an airplane it is! Shoot, this is school vacation week as well… Cheapest plane ticket round trip is $300 (still cheaper than driving based on gas, tolls, oil change, wear and tear on tires etc). Oh well. Worth it. Usually tickets are around $150 round trip. Oh man! It’s also my Birthday. Welp, what a better way to spend your Birthday than around friends making music. NAILED IT.
I flew down to spend some time with my Laurel 2 nights before. Her advice and mentorship are always invaluable.
I had spent most of the day when I had silence in the house rehearsing my pieces. It was a luxury to have high ceilings versus my small apartment where I can’t even sing out due to this thing called neighbors. I also hadn’t had much time to practice in front of peers except for at 12th night. I ended up skyping with a few of my trusted friends and fellow performers for feedback. Not only on the performance itself but on my intros. Performance is not just the piece itself; it’s about setting the scene. You want everything to flow and be connected.
The night prior to competition I was surrounded by fellow competitors… no.. friends. That is a better word. Sure, we were in competition with one another, but one of the best things I love about my community is the love and support we share for one another. We all possess several special talents and none of us are the same. It’s a gift that we have such a variety of folks to learn from.

mlady
Day of. Up and at em! A hearty breakfast of nothing but protein to make sure nothing would go awry in my stomach. I made to hydrate well. You should always begin hydrating the night before or you will be playing catch up all day. Your bladder may also decide it needs tango lessons. I was greeted by familiar and nervous faces. Stage fright/competition fright never goes away. It’s something we all still cope with from time to time. It’s not even that we are afraid. It’s that we want something immensely and if something doesn’t go perfectly, you may be upset with yourself. I do try to point out to anyone that art should not be perfect. It should never be the same each time. It should never feel the same each time. I always try to find something new in a piece every time I perform it as well.
Anyways, Birthday wishes rolled in and it was time to begin. My first piece I chose was brand new repertoire to me. No one except for those I rehearsed in front of had every heard me sing it. IN fact, although it was a late period piece, most people had never heard of it.
Here is round 1:

Francis Pilkington (ca. 1570–1638) (The First Book of Songs or Ayres of Four Parts, 1605). This was originally set as a Madrigal. Each verse of text consists of the entire musical work, which then repeats back to the beginning with each consecutive stanza. Internal repetition starts with the nonsense syllables “Lulla, lullaby” to create an unbalanced binary (ABB) form. As such, the rhyme scheme, ababcddc, is divided at the “fa-la chorus,” splitting each octave into two quartets. Pilkington also altered meter between these quartets to create melodic and rhythmic variation

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1PhNWh6t2eObdYBc9C2S-TxtNp3VoG3sH
Rest, sweet nymphs, let golden sleep
charm thy star brighter eyes
Whilst my lute the watch doth keep
in pleasing sympathies.
Lulla lullabye, lulla lullabye,
Sleep sweetly, sleep sweetly,
let nothing afright ye,
in calm contentments lie.
Dream, fair virgins, of delight
and blest Elysian groves
while the wandering shades of night
resemble your true loves.
Lulla lullabye, lulla lullabye,
Your kisses, your blisses
send them by your wishes
although they be not nigh.
Thus, dear damsels, I do give goodnight,
and so am gone;
With your hearts’ desires long live,
Still joy, and never mourn.
Lulla lullabye, lulla lullabye,
Hath pleased you and eased you,
and sweet slumber seized you —
And now to bed I hie.
Lulla lullabye, lulla lullabye,
Sleep sweetly, sleep sweetly,
let nothing afright ye,
in calm contentments lie.

Brief biographical sketch of Francis Pilkington in the Grove Concise Dictionary of Music, 1994, Oxford University Press.

 

I never expect anything regarding moving on. You never know what the judges and the royalty are looking for in their champions. Everyone has a different taste to what they like and they don’t like. The first round was over and I swallowed hard waiting to find out if I had made it to round 2. I did in fact make it to round 2.
I chose a new strategy this. I chose pieces that made me happy and highlighted what I liked to sing. I chose a Dowland piece. If you know anything about me, I love to sing dark pieces. I like to make people feel. I chose Flow, my tears.

Here is round 2:
Flow, my tears” is a lute song (specifically, an “ayre”) by the accomplished lutenist and composer John Dowland (1563–1626). Originally composed as an instrumental under the name “Lachrimae pavane” in 1596, it is Dowland’s most famous ayre,[1] and became his signature song, literally as well as metaphorically: he would occasionally sign his name “Jo. Dolandi de Lachrimae”.Like others of Dowland’s lute songs, the piece’s musical form and style are based on a dance, in this case the pavan. It was first published in The Second Booke of Songs or Ayres of 2, 4 and 5 parts.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1PfSHXUg3tdK9qSFg_paP3opxdZHmDlYl

Flow, my tears, fall from your springs!
Exiled for ever, let me mourn;
Where night’s black bird her sad infamy sings,
There let me live forlorn.

Down vain lights, shine you no more!
No nights are dark enough for those
That in despair their last fortunes deplore.
Light doth but shame disclose.

Never may my woes be relieved,
Since pity is fled;
And tears and sighs and groans my weary days, my weary days
Of all joys have deprived.

From the highest spire of contentment
My fortune is thrown;
And fear and grief and pain for my deserts, for my deserts
Are my hopes, since hope is gone.

Hark! you shadows that in darkness dwell,
Learn to contemn light
Happy, happy they that in hell
Feel not the world’s despite.

Boden, Anthony. Thomas Tomkins: The Last Elizabethan. Ashgate Publishing Limited, Aldershot, England, 2005. ISBN 0-7546-5118-5

Deep

Round 2 had finished. I had made it to the finals the year prior so it was possible I could do it again. I was very blessed to be surrounds by folks around me who were able to hold my hand and support me. Then, I heard it. My name was called? MY NAME WAS CALLED. Oh man… I’m so glad I always have my Bard book on me as a quick reference.
What would the challenge be? What would they have me do? Then, I heard it. “Bring your best”. I quickly ran to my Laurel looking for sagely wisdom. We talked through options. What would make me feel best? What can I emote that shows me off the best? I know I have talked about this piece immensely ad nauseum, but it is never too late to bring out an oldy but a goody. I brought out Amarilli, Mia Bella by Giulio Caccini ( 1551-1618). I also made the specific choice to perform all period acceptable pieces. Although the SCA typically cuts off at 1600, music, due to documentation has been accepted as extended through 1650. I gave my heart to the world as I was the first competitor. I sat and listened to my friends do their things.

Finalist
Here is round 3:

https://video-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t42.9040-2/87452238_1017316311985156_1025122008230264832_n.mp4?_nc_cat=110&_nc_sid=985c63&efg=eyJ2ZW5jb2RlX3RhZyI6ImxlZ2FjeV9zZCJ9&_nc_ohc=KK8jo3K1gzIAX-WSQc3&_nc_ht=video-lga3-1.xx&oh=570b8b2703a3400853f6cdfca12eec45&oe=5E9A28FD

Again, I was not one of the victors, however, in my heart I won. I learned new pieces, I got to see friends grow, meet new performers and I would say this was the best birthday of my life.

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It was the best of times; it was the 12 night of times….

Long island! You are a bit of a haul from Maine. 12th night is one of the most exciting social events of the SCA. It’s usually encompassed by the best garb, amazing food and music! Oh no! Music!!! Twist my arm!
I am fairly close with both Royale Bardic champions, so we communicate a lot. I had found that they had an entire track of music for the day. My heart sung with glee. At first, I thought of what I could sing? Would this be holiday related or just my usual run of tracks. Then I had a stunning idea. The adhoc choir would get a chance to finally get their first real performance!
I sent out an email about 3-4 weeks prior to and got a good feeling of head count. There will always be last minute stragglers, people who aren’t on the lists and people who don’t make it. That’s ok! It’s life and it happens. When I figured out there was enough interest, I reached out to the Event Steward and asked if I could kidnap a space for 90 minutes to learn and run 20-25 minutes of music. He agreed!
Next, the music choices came out. During holiday season, we all want to spread cheer no matter what faith we have or don’t have. It’s a great way to bring the community together. I went through and picked out 7 period and traditional pieces. The Boards Head Carol, Ah Robin, Dona Nobis Pacem, Gaudete, Gloucestershire Carol (Traditional, not period), Here we come a wassailing (Traditional) and The Holly and the Ivy (plausibly period). Due to the nature of documented music for vocalists, it can be a challenge to find pieces that were secular in nature and at the skill level of the performers I am working with. I think this diverse set of pieces would give them some challenge as well as some easier pieces to rely on. I even chose to give out a couple Solos to the performers who wanted to try their hand at it.

Choir
I didn’t hold auditions for various reasons, but the primary reason is opportunity. When you are a full-time performer, you tend to get more opportunities to perform as a soloist. The more skill you had, the greater the chance. Most of these folks are all volunteers who just liked to sing or sang in chorus in high school and that was their last real opportunity to sing. Some don’t even read music. That is just fine. Everyone gets a chance if they want it with me.
After rehearsing the pieces, couple of soloists asked for additional help. One expressed concern on rhythm/notes and the other with the language itself. I worked with each for an additional 20 minutes and by the end, they both felt very confident and ready to perform.
About 1:00 it was their time to shine. Each of them stood proudly in our vocal horseshoe, ready to do a thing. They sang their hearts out with joy. Not even one of them seemed nervous. After about 25 minutes of performance and several pictures being taken, we were approached by a couple of patrons. The one comment that really stuck with me was this: “You made me feel like I was truly immersed in a 12th night feast. The music, the madrigals… I was there. Thank you” and she handed each one of my performers a token of gratitude. Were the pieces perfect? No. Were they enjoyed by all? Yes. Both singer and bystander. My heart flowed for each and every one.

 

Choir 2
I had my own set later. I used this time to work some of my Crown Bardic pieces to get them in front of an audience, because they were new. One of the pieces of advice I give to all of my performers I have every worked with both solo and group is to make sure you get to perform a piece in front of as many people as you can before you go for the gold. My middle schoolers would have an assembly in front of their peers before they sang for their parents that night. What this does is prepare people ahead of time and make it old hat instead of new and shiny. This is also done with professional performers as well. They have full runs and open dress rehearsals to get feedback from the audience. So, this is done by all skill levels.

Solo
The rest of the night was food and merriment as well as serving my amazing queen. In my free time I have been retaining whenever possible. I helped pack up for the night and home I went. I even got to participate as a mummer in my dear friend’s performance during open bardic performances.

Mummers

The Boar’s Head Carol was first published in English during the 1520’s in a book entitled Christmase Carolles Newly Emprynted at London in the flete street, which was written by Jan van Wynken de Worde.
“Boar’s Head Carol”. Christmas-Carols.org.uk. Archived from the original on December 28, 2009. Retrieved December 8, 2009.
William Cornysh (1468-1523)

Cornish. William. Ah Robin, Gentle Robin. Edited by Alberto Gomez Gomez: 2012.
Encyclopædia Britannica Online, s. v. “William Cornysh,” accessed February 10, 2014, http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/138138/William-Cornysh.
“Dona nobis pacem” (Ecclesiastical Latin: [ˈdona ˈnobis ˈpatʃem] “Grant us peace”) is a song with Latin text, often sung as a canon or round (where each section starts with a new voice). It is the invocation to the Lamb of God to have mercy and grant peace to the worshipers. It is said to have been introduced into the Mass by Pope Sergius I in 687,

Gaudete ( “rejoice [ye]” in Latin) is a sacred Christmas carol, thought to have been composed in the 16th century. It was published in Piae Cantiones, a collection of Finnish/Swedish sacred songs published in 1581. No music is given for the verses, but the standard tune comes from older liturgical books.

The Holly and the Ivy was first published in a broadside dated 1710 and have have originated somewhere in the Cotswolds.
The Holly & Ivy; Twelve Articles. Birmingham: D. Wrighton. n.d.

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Sweet hats and bling, so says my Laurel Sister.

I don’t even know where to begin about K and Q Bardic, yesterday. Parts of it were a blur, however, I cannot express how much my community means to me. I suppose I will start at the very beginning. I hear it’s a good place to start.

This is my 3rd year competing in K and Q Bardic. I never try to say ” I am going to win”, instead, I set smaller goals and achievements. It makes everything less stressful.

The evening before I stayed at the home of the amazing Sarah Byrd. She, as the day I met her 2 years prior, was full of kindness, warmth and a immense hospitality. I was unaware she had any staff duties at the event, meaning her hospitality was even more elevated.

The next morning I was fed and coffee’d… as Bards typically do -not- wake up before 11. It’s cruel and unusual punishment. This was heaven in a cup and plate. Sarah, Aegir and I dressed and walked the long and rigorous 4 block walk to site. We were greeted on our way by planned parenthood supporters (while we were in full garb), and wished them well as they stood for hours, in the cold, defending what they believed in. They asked where we were off too and we explained we had a competition just up the road. They cheered us on and off we went.

At site, we have a super secret delivery to a vigil and made that first priority before getting in the correct head space for the day. I talk about head space because as a performer, if you do not connect with yourself in the appropriate way for the day, it could cause your performance to suffer. I originally had a plan to perform “Twa Corbies” the Scottish “parody” of Three Ravens by Thomas Ravenscroft. However, I was unable to find detailed enough documentation to make it fit the day. So, with that said, 2 weeks prior to the competition, I decided to change it out for a much newer piece in my repertoire. I changed the piece to Depairt, Depairt, by Alexander Scott (See below for documentation). It took a while to settle in to my body. This was not my original piece and I was have problems coming to terms with it. However, over the two weeks I took to focus on it, I felt it in my soul.

Round 1) I was the 4th performer to go (out of 19). I do not envy anyone who has to go early in the rounds. It can be very unnerving. I was however blessed to follow two story tellers and a song that was very different from my own style. This allowed me to set the stage for my own unique performance style.  I opened up and out it came. I have no regrets starting with that piece. I only regret not singing out as much, but perhaps that is what allowed me to really open up. I sat the rest of the time, listening to each performer with their own unique performance. I was moved by several. When the round was over, I went to almost every single performer and presented them with my token and a genuine compliment. If you had read my last post, I have made it my mission to become more open about telling people about the talents they posses and not addressing anything negative at any point. I wanted people to enjoy their day as much as possible.

Between rounds I was introduced to a newer performer in the area who had won the novice day prize. I spoke with her at lengths about her passions and listened to what she had to share. I offered any assistance I could and encouraged her to come out to the event next weekend, which would be a friendly performance space. She also had mentioned she wanted to complete but was intimidated by not having enough rep. My friend and I both reassured her she should compete and if she needed help, we would help her find some.

round 2.png

I have made it to round two every year so far. This was good news. The competition for round 1 was super fierce. When I heard my name called I was relieved that I could at the very least continue this tradition. I went second in round 2. Again, I don’t really like going to close to beginning, but with the field narrowed down to 9, I wouldn’t have too much of a choice. I had a piece that Aegir and I really enjoy singing together and in the car. It’s a Ladino piece called “La Prima Vez”. (More on Ladino below) It is possibly period, however, because Ladino was only prominently around for such a short period of time, we cannot document that this piece was indeed period. It’s pretty enough and the emotion is universal. At some point during the performance, the lights went out for a few short moments. I don’t recall it much as I was in the midst of performance, but I don’t remember even hearing a gasp. The lights went back on and I was still going.

Prima.jpg

Round two was probably the best I have ever seen in my performance career in the SCA. I took my time afterwords trying to re hydrate (Just in case). I spent the time between the announcements speaking with fellow friends and mentors. Speaking to my fellow performers and sharing our experiences today. Planning more shenanigans in the future. No matter the outcome today, more music to come!!!

Finals.png

 

The finals: I was surrounded by my family! My friend, Phillipe who I had met the year prior, who inspires me with his flare for the dramatics, his composition and his genuine kindness. Margretta (I can’t make the symbol to spell her name correctly… I guess I’ll figure it out eventually) who is my big sister. I wear her apprentice belt from Sabine. She is amazing in everything she does. She is dedicated to the music and the panache it deserves. She is who I aspire to be when I grow up! And finally Laila, new friend who I just met at Coronation of Wilhlem and Vienna. She met making music. We have connected and have been working on an opera company together. We have been planning to make more music. THIS IS MY FAMILY. There is no losing no matter what.

For the finals, we were challenged two fold. 1) To compliment the person who would be performing after you. This was no challenge, because I love all these people dearly. 2) To perform a piece that embodies kindness.

I didn’t hesitate more than a moment before picking my piece. I walked over to my Laurel and I showed her what I wanted to do. She agreed full heartily to it and so I ran into the hall for my “10 minute” prep time. (I think it ran longer, but i’m not complaining)

Hokay! I was going first. I spoke about Phillipe and then I revealed…. THE PIECE. About a year ago I composed a lullaby for Matilde. I spoke of the event that had sparked it. Though I was not close with her, I was moved by her kindness and selflessness she gave to the kingdom. I saw her having a rough time (while I was surfing the Visage of Tomes  //Facebook) and when I got home from work, I wrote it down, recorded it and sent it to her. I generally do not share pieces I’ve composed in public. It’s a piece of my soul and if it got damaged I don’t know what I would do. I write for people often, but it’s for them in their private moments. I sang it with all my heart. I sang it for a crowded room. I didn’t cry… then, but inside I wept because I shared my soul. This song is posted to my blog, but I suspect not a lot of folks actually read it.

It was decision making time and I didn’t care. We made music and reveled. We sang rounds and songs. We heard others play. My heart sang. I won the day. I was making music with old friends and new.

Court came. I was not announced the winner. That’s ok. I WON. My FAMILY was standing as champions. They are MY champions. They have always been my champions. Baldric or not. I love them. I screamed as they were announced. I cheered as they were addressed.

Not long after they had been announced, her Majesty, Vienna was announcing that she had been inspired by two other individuals in round 2. Myself and my brother, Phillipe. We were awarded a very rarely given award know as the Golden Lyre. (About the Golden Lyre below)

Lyre.jpg

I sat down to enjoy the rest of court. I was reveling again in the day. Surrounded by my community. The Bardic community. However, I was called into court for one more piece of business. The EKCoP (East Kingdom College of Performers) announced a new travel journal to be passed around. This journal is to document someone who inspired you that day (and a few more details). It is to be passed on to them at that event and taken home to the next event. Today, it was presented to me.

Also, throughout the event, I was presented these tokens by the populace for my performances. I added these into my “I guess I don’t suck” box. I keep every single token I’ve ever received as a way to remember on those days when the worms get to me that I am not as terrible as my brain tells me. HAND OUT TOKENS. GIVE COMPLIMENTS. These could help motivate and save your friends or strangers.

Tokens.jpg

 

This was my 3rd year. You bet you will see me next year. Until then, I have won the day. I hope everyone else won theirs too!

 

Depairt, Depairt

  • Alexander Scott (16th-century poet) (c. 1520–1582/83), Scottish poet. Scottish lyricist who is regarded as one of the last of the makaris (or poets) of the 16th century, because of his skill in handling the old Scottish metrical forms. His 35 extant poems are contained in the Bannatyne Manuscript (1568).
  • This was composed in Courtly verse in the grand manner.  Poetry in this manner comprises several elaborate dream-allegories more or less saturated with classical, as well as, rather more incidentally and cursorily, scriptural, allusion somewhat simpler love-allegories and dream-visions and debates, grandiose panegyrics and lament. Almost all of this is in more or less elaborate Chaucerian stanzas, mostly of seven, eight or nine lines of inter-rhyming pentameter lines. Set pieces in the courtly manner are also prefaced or appended to, or introduced into, works mainly in the narrative and didactic modes – as more or less conventional and pretentious prologues and prohemes, and conventional panegyrics and hymns, and some ‘complaynts’ or laments.

 

Depairt, depairt, (depart)*

Allace, I most depairte (Alas)

From her that hes my hairt (heart)

With hairt full soir (sore)

Aganis my will in deid (indeed)

And can find no remeid, (remedy)

I wait the panis of deid (pains of death)

Can do no moir. (more)

Adew sueit thing (Adieu sweet)

My joy and comforting,

My mirth and sollesing (delight)

Of erdly gloir: (earthly glory)

Fair weill, my lady bricht (bright)

And my remembrance rycht, (rich)

Fair weill and haif gud nycht, (have good night)

I say no moir.

 

Daiches, D. (1982), Literature and Gentility in Scotland, The University Press, Edinburgh

Smith, George Gregory (1911). “Scott, Alexander” . Encyclopædia Britannica. 24 (11th ed.). p. 468.

Cranstou, James (1897). “Scott, Alexander (1525-1584), poet” . Dictionary of National Biography.

About Ladino:

Ladino is very nearly extinct in many of these areas. A very archaic form of Castillian Spanish mixed somewhat with Hebrew elements (as well as Aramaic, Arabic, Turkish, Greek, French, Bulgarian, and Italian), Ladino originated in Spain and was carried to its present speech areas by the descendants of the Spanish jews who were expelled from Spain after 1492.

 

About the golden Lyre:

Given to an individual or group whose single work or performance, either displayed publicly or in an arts & sciences display at a Royal Progress, in The Crown’s sole opinion and discretion, manifests and represents the fire and passion of the East Kingdom arts. The basis for bestowing the Award of the Golden Lyre will rely on the artistic use of period mediums, creativity, and/or inspirational value of the work or performance. The work or performance may be a work in progress. Documentation is not required, but is highly recommended. Individuals/groups can receive the award more than once during a reign, but not for the same work or performance. The Award of the Golden Lyre may be awarded by the King or Queen, together or individually.

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Winter nights 2019-To Give a compliment

Typically I would talk about my event and my connection to it. I will briefly, but I want to talk about something more than that in particular so I will provide the lead up to it.

This years winter nights was just a time for me to go and hang with my other Bardy friends(not to be confused with baudy, though these are not mutually exclusive) , get a little challenge. No intent on winning. I went with the intent of celebrating Bard friends and being connected to my community, old and new.

This was also Aegir’s first true bardic event. I wanted him to get a view of my world. The second we got there, he ran off with a friend he had made at another event to go make arrows. Whatever.

Round 1 had 26 competitors and every last one was enjoyable. I had asked Aegir what he wanted me to perform and he picked an Irish traditional piece called ” If I were a blackbird”. It fits the SCA feeling so I decided to go with it. It felt solid and I felt like I performed it well.

Round 2 was my first (and only challenge, spoiler alert). I was challenged to do a late period piece which would “Blow a hole through the roof”. This made me a little nervous as I hadn’t sang in about 2 weeks due to being ill. Whatever, I’ll pull it out. I’m a big girl! (5’11 and built like a valkyrie). I decided to go with a Monteverdi piece, “Lasciate Morire” from the opera L’Arianna composed in 1607 into 1608. I did indeed, blow the roof off. Everything, for the first time, with this piece lined up, like the stars and heavens. I was moved to even take the ground and sing from the ground. This isn’t easy to do, but it felt like the right thing to do.

Fast forward to the end of the event. We were all cleaning up and I was approached by someone who knows me from the outskirts but we haven’t been close. She approached me to tell me how much she enjoyed my performance and was wowed by me singing from the ground. I thanked her immensely for her words. They meant a lot to me.

Shortly after, Aegir advised he had been speaking with the same woman earlier. This is the conversation he provided to me. “She said she almost didn’t tell you that. She said you needed to hear it like you needed another hole in the head because you know it to be true.” So, moral of the story. TELL EVERYONE

The reason I wanted to bring this up is for one reason. If you hear or see something you like, tell the artist. We are our own worst critics. We have our own brain worms.  I can tell you, day after day, I never feel good enough. The only thing I have to remind me I have some semblance of talent are your words and your tokens.

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New Beginnings

If anyone knows me, they know that music is the number one priority in my life. Whether I am singing or playing instruments or encouraging others to perform. I know the power that music can hold and I want nothing more than to make sure that others have this saving grace in their lives as well.

A few years ago I was very involved in a choral group called “Voce di Sonata”. These were all volunteer vocalists from Malagentia. We would run through pieces and work on them. Eventually we would get to have other performance experiences as well. However, after running it for 2.5 years, it was time for my life to explode and I simply couldn’t organize it again at that stage of my life. Life happens.

Even without formally running it, I would have folks approach me and ask for group singing and soloists to perform at their events (and weddings). I would gather ad hoc groups as needed as well as find appropriate soloists. In addition, those vocalists in the group would come and say, “Solveig, we would really love to sing with you”. My heart couldn’t say no, but I just didn’t know when.

In addition, I was also involved in the Malagentian Players. From a solo member as well as a member of their troupe. However, through discord and life, it too mostly went the way of Ol’ Yeller.

This broke my heart.

A few months ago I moved to the Riding of Giggleswick. It is a small riding but with some fiery and passionate hearts. I have a stable place to live and partner. I love my new job. Emotionally, I am in a good place. It was time.

Last night was the first meeting of the Giggleswick performing arts group.  I had 6 people show up! That’s huge for our little riding. There is promise for more to show as well. We had very new performers telling their first story in public, more seasoned performers working on newer pieces. We had rounds. ROUNDS GALORE. Folks who claim they don’t sing, sang with us! It was beautiful and harmonious. We even had a few repetitions of singing through “O Magnum Mysterium” which is no small feat. It was beautiful. The feedback was positive and I am ready to do this again in 2 weeks.

The plan is to have folks perform their pieces. Should they want feedback, they will ask. If not, no feedback is to be given. I am hellbound on making sure this is a safe space for all to perform. There will be workshops and classes to come as well.

For now, a new beginning, like a fresh layer of snow.

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Birka # 10

This is my first of double digit events for me. This is starting my 9th year in the society and I am still so very fond of my first event. This was also my partner’s first Birka. I chose not to fence this year as I wanted to focus on him and make sure he got to do everything he wanted at his first Birka.

Our main concerns today were making several deliveries as well as seeing friends of ours receive awards. Also… Fashion show.

Aegir had provided 3 tree of life necklaces to the auction for the incoming reign. I made the matching earrings for them as he wasn’t comfortable to making them. I happily obliged. After finding his 3 delivery recipients and receiving his auction purchase, I had to make my deliveries and receipt. I had donated a 30 minute private performance for the auction, however, this delivery was of another nature.

Last year, I was inducted into the prestigious order of the Silver Brooch. This is the award of arms level of Arts and Sciences awards in the East Kingdom. We decided to do an artisans gift exchange. My recipient wasn’t there, but I delivered hand made trim to her. I finally met up with my gift creator and I was in TEARS with the gift she presented me.

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Music is the only thing that truly keeps me alive. Someone made music for -Me-. After I cried over this masterpiece, I spoke with the artist, Shoshanna Gryffyth, and asked her if we could collaborate. She happily agreed. Not only did this project yield new beautiful art that may not have been created (It inspired art) but it helped me connect with someone I would never had met before.

Next was shopping! I didn’t purchase too much, but I am excited for the newest member of the family.

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Next, the fashion show! This year, at the coronation of Willhelm and Vienna, there was a challenge issued that we would incorporate Marvel and DC heroes and villains. I’m not much of a seamstress, but I wanted to improve my skills. I am a huge fan of Wonder Woman and German garb, so why not.

I just learned how to embroider. This is my 3rd project for embroidery.  Here are a few pictures of the in progress of the embroidery and then the final project.

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This is Aegir and I in our pieces:

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After the fashion show was over, Baronial court was happening. This was the last court of her Excellency Jocelyn Del Espada. I went to support her and my friends who were to be the incoming Baron and Baroness. After the court was over, I went to thank her for all she had done for me personally. What I didn’t expect was the flood of tears that came from me. She touched me a way that few have ever. She was/is a huge advocate of music. She inspired me to compete. She inspired me to be -HER- Bard/champion. Despite everything she experienced in the past 5 years, between the SCA and Mundane, SHE was my Baronessa.

Kingdom court came and it was time to see my friends receive much appreciated awards. This is always an exciting time for me. However, just before court, my friend, Master Lucien approached me. He was supposed to Herald the Boast for now, Master Scamus. However, he had fallen ill and requested that I do this. I was excited and honored to be able to herald in my friend, fencing teacher and mentor. I had only done this once before, but never for a crowd this large. Luckily, Lucien had written up the boast, so all I had to do was be loud.

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My friends Kenneric and Cat received their silver wheels, which I had crafted for the (see previous blog post) and our company escorted them into court. Additionally during court I retained for the princess.

After court was over, my favorite part of Birka was about to begin. I was once again honored to run bardic at Birka for the 4th year in a row. We had about 25-30 folks show. We had everyone from ages 13-??? (old). We heard song, story, poem. We had folks who this was their first event, 90th event and those in between. Everyone performed well. I learned a new story which I can’t wait to try out at winter nights (If Aegir doesn’t steal it from me first). Also, at the end of the night, a new and exciting voice arose. I quickly ran to him to present him with my token and encouraged him to get involved. I filled him in on allll the bardic stuff going on and gave him my information as the EKCoP Deputy Chatelaine.

All in all, this was an amazing Birka. So many emotions.. not a single one bad.