O Suleiman bin Iskander, O shining star of generosity,
With your hands, glory rises, and joy lights the halls.
You set up sites and adorn the lands, like a gentle breeze that swiftly blows.
You stand unwavering, your presence a beacon of light.
And upon the vast web of the unseen world, you weave a path for those who stray.
How could we not honor the hands that assist setting up greatness and build memories?
So take, O noble one, the Silver Wheel, a radiant gift most deserved by hands of Demon-King of the Three Heavens Reborn and Maharani Indrakshi, Horned Queen of the Night Sky.
As of AS 59 at the Crown Tournament by Rapier Convention, you too may display this honor.
In every generation there is a chosen one. He alone would stand against the mundania of solid colors and boring prints. Muin maqq Minain, first of his name but not last of his bloodline and protector of the plaid-ypus. A man of egg-straordinary tastes who was so brave he always took the whisk! He was the Baron.
I was asked several years ago to compose and athem for Stonemarche. I have had very little faith in my own compositions. The kingdom is filled with very many talented composers and who am I to try to be amongst them? It was brought up again that we needed an anthem and I finally got the gumption to write one. It’s not perfect and it’s a little quirky but so is our Barony.
Below is the recording of it’s first performance and the lyrics are below.
In the snow capped mountains From far away lands Dwelled the folks in 3 towers Who wear white and green bands
We fence and loose arrows We sing and we dance See the gifts that we offer Our love’s not a chance
We’ve a motto in Stonemarche, There’s no famine we said, In Stonemarche, Stonemarche Our home, our hearth, our stead We’ve a motto in Stonemarche, There’s no famine we said, In Stonemarche, Stonemarche Our home, our hearth, our stead
Rolling lands rich with sheep Cross the grass covered hills A gift from lochleven We tend to their wills
Cross the grass spanning lands And as they wander and roam Our children do gather And bring them all home
We’ve a motto in Stonemarche, There’s no famine we said, In Stonemarche, Stonemarche Our home, our hearth, our stead We’ve a motto in Stonemarche, There’s no famine we said, In Stonemarche, Stonemarche Our home, our hearth, our stead
If you come from the outside If you dwell in our tillage All around us are welcome Inside our family’s village
Paint us up a bright chorus Join our Bards in their song We fight and we dance No activity’s wrong
We’ve a motto in Stonemarche, There’s no famine we said, In Stonemarche, Stonemarche Our home, our hearth, our stead We’ve a motto in Stonemarche, There’s no famine we said, In Stonemarche, Stonemarche Our home, our hearth, our stead
We’ve a motto in Stonemarche, There’s no famine we said, In Stonemarche, Stonemarche Our home, our hearth, our stead We’ve a motto in Stonemarche, There’s no famine we said, In Stonemarche, Stonemarche Our home, our hearth, our stead
Through time’s vast veil of ash and smoke, A mystery burns, a tale unbroke. Greek Fire, the tempest, the sea’s fierce bane, A whisper of alchemy, lost in flame.
A weapon forged in secret’s keep, That made the mighty navies weep. A liquid blaze, unquenched, untamed, Its makers lost, its name unnamed.
Yet through the past, with steadfast gaze, You walk where history’s embers blaze. Octavia Veritas, seeker of the spark, You chase the fire through the dark.
In scroll and script, in lab and lore, You trace the past, unlock its core. With wisdom’s torch, you light the way, And bring the lost to modern day.
For knowledge burns as bright as war, But builds where ruin stood before. And so, we honor what you inspire— A scholar’s mind, a soul of fire.
Pennsic 51 was not as full as I would have liked it to be, but maybe it was what I needed. This year was weird and between the weather and a less than full schedule, I don’t know how I managed to still have an over full schedule to not spend much time in camp.
Pennsic this year was hot but manageable. Much more manageable than GNEW by a good 10 degrees or so. Spouse creature and I took 2 days to drive down instead of 1 which seemed to be a solid plan. We got there at a good time when there was no rain, which was huge! He doesn’t mind setting up in the rain, but alores alons, I am a princess.
Before we got to site, the vehicle above was spotted. This brought me a silly amount of joy. It became more joyful when I realized I knew the humans -inside- the vehicle. We were messaging directly for about 30-45 mins. It started to get the hype up for Pennsic in a way that it was going to feel like HOME.
This year we chose to camp topside with our Barony, Stonemarche. I have to give a huge shoutout to camp moms Julienne and her Excellency Dierdre. Camp was perfectly laid out, spacious and felt again, like home.
These flag-a-dos were great and our footprint was laid out for us. That was super nice. However, as mentioned before, I am a princess and do not enjoy hear. Can you tell by my face?
The rest of the day was uneventful. This was also the first year that we would be cooking all of our own meals for the whole 8 days we were there. In years past, I had camped with a group that had fed us the whole week so the only thing I needed to worry about was my medications, snacks and breakfast. I am picky about brekky and don’t really do solid food. Also, to be fair, there were snacks, but I have a specific diet I try to keep to while I am away at events. It helps keep me hydrated as well as within my needs for protein… which are high. However, none of you came here to read about my dietary needs. You can here for the tea on Pennsic and TEA I shall bring… or coffee. Hmm. I could use some coffee right about now…. anyways!
Saturday was my OMGWTFBBQSAUCE rehearsal day. I had 3 rehearsals and a performance today. Sleeping in is not a thing on the ‘getti. I learned this the same way I learn everything… sheer brute force and stubborness. Which… didn’t help. I was up-ish with the sun and spent a lazy morning in camp, drinking coffee out of “Mine-ick”. The cousin of Yorik. Rehearsals started at about 12:30 with my Laurel, Sabine. She is always warm and willing to work with my less than focused brain. We played through duets, trios. It was nice to just -play- with no judgement. My recorder site reading is rusty as I focus more on voice. We picked some pieces which we were going to play for incidental music for the Runnymeade dinner the next day and then off to my next rehearsal I went.
Just down the block, off I went to meet with my Apprentice “Niece” Adelissa. She plays a plethora of strung instruments and so I had asked her if she was willing to accompany me for one of my solo pieces that I was choosing to do. She’s is very good and a fast study. So we worked through that and then off to my final rehearsal with Amalie. She is another classically trained opera vocalist who I have been -dying- to make music with. If you have not heard her sing, you absolutely should. It was like we had always sang together. We blended well, our timbre’s were well suited for one another and we seemed to make good choices around breathing spots in a way that would not effect the music.
From that rehearsal it was time to look cute. Off to Opening ceremonies! I love the pomp that it brings. It really helps make the event for me. However, not much time to stick around as I was heading off to perform at the EK/MID Bardic Showcase.
This year the showcase was centered on stories. I don’t often tell stories because when I do I become a very different persona. Solveig the singer is very demure, well behaved and serious. Solveig the story tell is well? A goblin. I don’t know what does it to me, but telling stories, I want to get down on the ground, play with levels… tempos… emotions. Also, these days, when I tell stories, I tend to dress in more masculine presenting clothing. I can’t tell you why, it’s just what triggers in my brain. My Apprentice “Nephew” Phillipe is also a fantastic story teller. However, he was helping me “Run” this from the background perspective and wasn’t up for telling a story this year.
Thus ends my public post for Saturday.
Sunday was filled with a mix of items. My first group rehearsal for the KWP: The Reckoning By Master Lorcan, I was once again playing in the pit. No new faces this year until the slightly later edition of Phillipe. However, I was also serving as the vocal coach for the 3 performers who were in varying stages of vocal performance. I worked with them for about an hour to 90 mins and by the end of our time together, it appeared to me that they were confident enough to bring that piece to life. oh! and lots of rain
From there I hauled tush to a few tents over where I was teaching my Bardic 101 class. This class is so important for newer folks and I wish I had a class like this when I started. When I started in the SCA 14+ years ago, I didn’t really have a path or anyone I could super talk to about Bardic. I found some folks a few years later, but this class would have been a great guided tour and I am glad to keep offering it. I had 12 people attend this class and a few contact me after for more information. That is always a thrill.
Later in the evening I would be orchestrating and performing in the Runnymeade Dinner. This is a gathering of all the landed Baronages of the East Kingdom. I was originally asked to bring “High Italian Aria” like feeling to their Excellencies. I had also recruited Amalie to sing a solo and a Duet with me. She sang “It was a lover and his lass”. As a duet, we did Machaut’s “Je Ne Cuit Pas”. This piece is in Occitan french so additional pronunciation research had to be done. And I finally finished with I’vo’ Bene. by Firenze The below picture captures 3 generations so to speak. My Laurel, Sabine, Myself and my student, Drustan.
This was also a chance for him to be exposed more and people could see him performing more. Covid killed a lot of folks desires to perform and be seen in public. He is working through this. So, he brought his guitar and a goose quill and he did a lovely job of playing for 20 minutes just as background music.
I had recruited about 8-9 performers to play and there was a lot of quick thinking as 1 of my musicians who I was counting on bowed out and the other did not show due to illness. So, re-organization needed to happen and quickly. I tried to make sure everyone had a chance to be seen/heard but of course, things never go according to plan. I think I should have made sure i had more reasonable backup plans besides “You go here now”.
We had only been asked to play until about 8 or so. From there, the instrumentalists packed up and made a quick stop at Bhakail’s boardgame and music night. I premiered my new song for the first time this week and I think it went well. We had stormed into camp like a flock of geese singing “Well Actually” by Her Excellency Emma Macalmone and then hailed Bhakail with a mighty “WAUGHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!”.
As dark o’clock rolled in we then hit VDK Bardic which is hosted by her Grace Caoilfhionn. Which, she, herself also has quite a beautiful voice. If you haven’t listened to the “Sing for the East” CD, she sings with Drake on “We are the East”. Anyways, I rolled in with the Bard Yard and once again, showed off my new song. This is important to me as I am super anxious about sharing my own work. I always feel like it’s never as good as anyone else’s. I know we cannot compare as all music is it’s own creation, but I want this piece in particular to be an anthem for “The Bards”. I can never tell if anything is well received or not, especially when the audience is small. So, I stuck around for a little bit, chatted with friends and again, back to N33 I went!.
Monday was my first instrumental Reckoning rehearsal, followed by running the annual Pennsic EKCOP meeting but nothing too flavorful for the day.
Tuesday was rehearsal, court and retaining and hitting up Silver Oak Bardic. I brought minstrels memory and a story as this was a group of select Bards who were performing for their own love and they were all skilled “Hand Picked” performers.
Wednesday was the same, but replace Silveroak bardic with the Holy Kingdom of Acre Bardic. Acre is a parallel game to ours. I have made many friends in their game and they are a lovely group of people so I try to make it to their Bardics.
Thursday was a big day for me. I would be teaching my intro to 16th century vocal technique and pedagogy. I am passionate about the voice and showing folks that there is more to singing than just opening your mouth. It is an Olympic sport with lots of research. I was only able to touch on a few key factors from key players into the 16th century for performance, who was singing and what ornaments were being used, but I was pleased that I had 6 participants come to my class, Thursday morning at 10:00 am ACROSS the battlefield.
Later that morning I had the joy of giving a private voice lesson from my camp. I had donated an hour of singing for voice lessons to a young human who had a passion for singing. It had been about 10 years since I worked with someone her age and it was really nice. Her enthusiasm and willingness to grow was so fresh and great to see. Her guardian was also a big support in her growth and I really enjoyed both of them. I do hope they continue to pursue voice with kiddo.
Friday Fri-yay! Just the reckoning on the schedule. A few pictures below, stolen from the beautiful Emeline (Phillipe’s Spouse and good friend of mine as well). Our performance was a performance. I don’t have much to say about it because it’s a pit performance. We weren’t meant to be the shining stars. The Stage actors and Actresses were and they did a phenomenal job.
Like I said… not much to report this year. It wasn’t terrible but it wasn’t amazing either. Hoping next year changes that.
Nothing particularly historically accurate about this scroll. I was given the assignment about 1.5 weeks before the event which meant I had like 3 days to finish the words. Luckily I knew the recipient and was also able to get some last minute research on him, his write up and how I could better attack it. To add a small drop of humor, I had seen the scroll layout before it’s final stage. I had recognized the image the scribe based the scroll off of was their profile picture on social media. I had been chatting with the recipient regarding other things and convinced him to wear the garb he is wearing in the scroll. So, without further adiu, Words, Scroll and Recipient.
In the luminous tapestry of life, there exists a figure of resplendent charm and kaleidoscopic depth. His every movement, a dance of blades, a symphony of precision and elegance. It is as if poetry were etched into the very fabric of his being. This dark creature lives amidst the intricate latticework of pawns, bishops and stones. With a mind as sharp as the edge of his rapier, he dances through nine men named Morris, he battles fox and geese alike and closes the lid, nay, shuts the box with ease. Dark in register and timbre do his melodies shake. With each lyric spun, he conjures worlds of wonder and whimsy and illuminates the world with the brilliance of his spirit. With all the above attributes listed, do we Tindall and Emerson, Royals of the great Eastern lands do see fit to make Sylvain du Soleil a Lord of our court and grant him arms. We announce this to our all gathered at Les Beltaines, AS LIX
Caligraphy and Illumination by Caitríona inghean Uí Shíodhachaín
Another scroll which I was asked to wordsmith for. I didn’t know the recipient at all but I tried to capture a regal form of his service for this scroll. This was for the Baronial Service award
Hear the mighty decree of Baron Muin to his fine flaming salamander kin! Loyal servant to the Barony, Mikael Melrakki epitomizes the essence of service to the Barony, his commitment unwavering, his dedication unparalleled. Offering his home as a bastion of camaraderie, he fosters unity through countless practices, where ranged warriors hone their skills and bonds are forged.
His abode doubles not only as a sanctuary for armaments but also as a repository for the Barony’s treasures, housing supplies essential for events and festivities. Yet, Mikael’s service extends beyond the confines of his dwelling. As the Minister of Lists, he ensures fairness on the field, meticulously maintaining records and overseeing tournaments with impartiality and integrity. His selfless contributions uplift the entire Barony, his passion igniting a flame of inspiration in others.
Let it be known throughout Bhakail and the Known World that Mikael shall be inducted into the Order of the Horse at the Waking of the Salamander, AS 58.
Calligraphy and Illumination done by Gretchen Schroeder
The signet of Bhakail and I have become decently close. Having 2 peers connected to Bhakail, it is a second home to me (despite it being -across- the kingdom. Anyways, Bhakail takes their board gaming seriously. So, to counter that, I felt that a scroll with alliteration was in order. Nothing period about this besides the board games themselves but I have fun writing it.
Bhakail’s board gaming virtuoso, who brings brilliance, boasts breathtaking mastery beyond bounds and battles brainy opponents, is blessed with strategy, which baffles adversaries. They employ bewitching moves that bedazzle both beginners and seasoned players. Today, done by Baron Muin at Bhakail’s Tavern, ______________ is named Bhakail’s beloved Board gaming champion, where they also serve a beacon of camaraderie that binds the Barony together creating a bond that beautifully bridges generations and backgrounds. Brimming with benevolence, the Baronial champion shares boundless board game wisdom, fostering a bustling community of budding board gamers.
Scroll Calligraphy by Gretchen Schroeder Illumination Laura Louise
Back when HRM Tindal was on the throne the first time with HRM Albrecht, I decided I wanted to try my hand at composing a processional. I wanted to capture a piece that captured Tindal, himself.
I titled the piece, “Patronus” which means proctector. Nothing to do with Harry Potter. This was a conscious choice based on Tindal’s 1st century roman persona. It finally got a real performance of it and was performed for it’s intention. I was not there that day, but many thanks to Mistress Deonna von Achen for teaching it and running the group. Enjoy!
Thank you to Angelica Di Nova Lipa for capturing this video for me and Ronan MacCodrum for sending it to me (And always being willing to sing my music either that I compose or teach)
Another recording from Arlyana van Wyck from a different visual/vocal vantage:
This comes from :
Gaius Iulius Caesar Octavianus Augustus
Res gestae Divi Augusti
anno 14 a.C.n
Bella terra et mari civilia externaque tóto in orbe terrarum suscepi victorque omnibus veniam petentibus cívibus pepercí. Externas gentés, quibus túto ignosci potuit, conserváre quam excídere malui. Míllia civium Rómanorum adacta sacrámento meo fuerunt circiter quingen ta.
Wars, both civil and foreign, I undertook throughout the world, on sea and land, and when victorious I spared all citizens who sued for pardon. The foreign nations which could with safety be pardoned I preferred to save rather than to destroy.
I often find myself scared to share my music with other people. Music, if you couldn’t tell, is a very important part of my life. When I share something I compose, I feel vulnerable and as if you could simply step on my heart any time you choose to.
I’ve been trying to be less vulnerable about it. I happened to be inspired to compose a piece. I haven’t really written like this is a very long time. Sure, I write filks… those are just words. Sure, I do scroll assignments…. those are just words.
This? This -was- music. This was -my- music. This was my soul.
What makes this even more terrifying is the person I composed this for is also a composer and performer as well. I have an incredible amount of respect for them. Despite them being very close to me and knowing they would never do anything intentionally hurt me, I was still scared. What if it sucked? What if they didn’t like how I composed? We have different skill sets. We have different instruments. I was -terrified-.
This person is full of passion for selkie lore and the sea itself. I can also see the parrallels of their actual life to that of a selkie. I wanted to create a new Selkie piece. One that was not the helpless maiden. Not one where there would be failure, but partnership. So… I began to write….
I set myself an artificial deadline to have it done by so I couldn’t back out. I did test a bit of the motif out on them without them knowing (or atleast, I don’t think they knew at the time) to see if it might be to their taste. With a positive enough of a reaction, I continued on.
As I worked on it, I started to share it with friends who I felt were safe to listen to my track. I send them a voiceless midi with the sheet music. I probably sent it to a good 10-15 people to desensatize myself during the process.
This last Friday, I finished the pieces moments before (minor edits the day of, the piece itself was done the night prior). I asked them, when I saw them, when I might be able to present them with their gift and in what format.
I had done a quick recording of it day of in case they said they wanted to listen to a recording of it in private. They advised live but had some things they needed to manage first. The time came. I fumbled for my midi acommpaniment that I had also composed and played it. I was able to look up at them a few times while I was singing it to them to see if I could get a reading. I could not. They were purely listening to it.
I finished. I closed my black choral binder with the sheet music inside, covered by page protectors and waited for a reaction. They had no words. As of today, I still don’t know, but I, at the very least, know they enjoyed it.
I am no recording/mixing artist so this is likely the best you’ll all get uintil I can take some mixing/recording classes.
Meddlings of the Minnesinger 