This year was a really hard time for me around the holidays. I was without significant other, my family lives multiple states away and some completely on the bottom edge of the east coast, but I know that I always have my Stonemarche family.
This year, I went with cheeses and song and hopes for hugs and a chance to learn. I also brought a new class with me.
I started the day with a class/round table called “So you want to be a bard”. The nature of the class was to answer beginners questions such as stage fright management, finding repertoire, breaking in to the scene and entering competitions. I also brought into the pot the black hole that is bardic documentation. If you do not have a formal background in music, it can be an intimidating subject, IE) “Well, I know that this composer was born in period” and that’s all they can tell you. I really being a resource for the nitty gritty and able to talk more about what makes the piece and how it fits in period.
As the day continued, I too myself, got to attend a couple classes. One on how to crochet and one which was a Peer round table. There was copious amounts of valuable information. The reason I bring up this round table is because the path I chose in the society is not like most paths. Those who choose to follow this path is even fewer than any other path. It’s not an easy path and finding a peer who can help lead me is even rarer. Master Tiberius and Master Gwen lead an evocative round table. They talked about the journey, the fears, the misconceptions but most importantly, what it truly meant to be a peer. They were elders, NPCs, there to help you with your journey. They were there not just because of their passions, but because of your passions as well.
As the day was coming to an and, the food consumed and gifts for all, what would a day of festivities be without music. Sadly, the Baronial bard could not make it, so I -had- to make music happen. I say that, not feeling full of neglect, but as a person who needs music to happen. A person who needs music in their soul and it share it with others.
I brought a book of about 12 contrafacts of popular holiday music which embodied the SCA and we sang out hearts out. We started as 5, no practice, different backgrounds and were eventually down to 3. Music rang as we sang.
Meddlings of the Minnesinger 