Pray attend and heed the decree of the mighty Brehennis Corotica. For today, a cacophony of mighty words, movements, magic and song were put on display for all of the great eastern populace to behold. Various and a sundry of challenges were presented to the finest performers in our kingdom. Unrelentingly did each Bard compete to hold the sacred title of Champion to our most noble and cherished Consort. It shall be written in the tomes of time that _________ was awarded the title of Consorts Bardic Champion at the East Kingdom Bardic Championship, February 4, Anno Societatis 57.
It was finally time to step down. Although I have been serving as Consorts Bardic champ since only May, it still had a major emotional impact on my life. This is not a negative reflection serving as champ, but quite the opposite.
When I was chosen to serve as consorts champ, I was overwhelmed with pride and plans. I was going to make a change and I was going to change the world, minds, judgements. I was going to make people feel welcome. New Bards, Old Bards, those who didn’t like Bards and those who loved bards. I had plans.
I put out monthly challenges, trying to inspire folx to capture the history of our kingdom, to capture to memories, to challenges themselves and stretch themselves and mayhap try something new that they hadn’t done before. I taught classes in whatever capacity I could. I ran the ad hoc choir, I ran impromptu rounds circles. I taught privately and I shared my knowledge with anyone who would have me and would listen. I served on the A and S team and I showed the deep breadth of knowledge and information that went into preparing a single piece of performance. I performed at their majesties whim and I filled time in court. I continued to run EKCoP (East Kingdom College of Performers) events and helped established a budget for the college so we could spread our reach. I took a new student.
I created a rubric to support the kingdom and have a more fair overview of bardic judging and how to be fair about the review when comparing apples to dolphins.
I traveled down ahead of time with my best mundane friend, Jena (Going by Faelinn in the SCA). In introduced her to Rein’s, in Vernon, CT as a treat. Unlimited pickles and just a gosh darn good sandwhich. She was originally going to compete, but health got in the way. She still went down with me to support me. We may have also stopped at the fabric mecca, the $2.99 fabric store.
After the drive was completed, I spent the next few days with family. My sister lives about an hour from the event site, so I spent a few days of quiet with my Sister, B.I.L, nieces and their elderly dog, Beaujolais.
Friday night, Wolfgang (Husband) flew down and I picked him up from the Philly airport. He wanted to support me running the competition and stepping down. He’s a good egg that way and the best partner I could ever ask for.
The next day came….
It was time to turn over the sash. I worked diligently with my co- champ, Leyli Shirazi to concoct a fair competition. I worked with her on the wording and we split up the work to spread the word. I worked with the amazing Event Steward, Alison Wodehalle and she made sure the performers would everything they needed and more.
Day of, it was time for the sash to go. Had I done enough? Had I served my kingdom enough?
I was in my wedding dress. It fit a lot better now since it has been taken in 4 clothing sizes. I had transformed since I had taken this job. Physically and mentally. My hair was gone, I had seen things but I had my armor. I think I was ready for the day to begin. My best friends and my family surrounded me. The Bardic community is that. Family. We are not in competition, we are there for one another, all just trying to get the same job.
About 2 weeks prior, my friend… my -dear- friend, Isabeau was taken from us. It hurt. She was going to be there. She was going to sit beside me… us… and help us bring in the new kingdom champs. She was taken from us. It wasn’t fair. She was too good to have been taken. The world still needed her music, her gentle beauty, inside and out. I was anxious trying to find a way to serve her memory.
At the end of court, I spoke these words… This… this is what happened.
Greetings your majesties, highnesses, excellencies and all in attendance. Welcome everyone to the 2023 Bardic Championships! I want to thank each and every one of you for joining us today. Although this is a day of competition, this is also a day of celebration. We are a community of music, story, theater, magic and pure joy. Today will be a day in which we continue our legacy and find the newest successors for the crown. As we support our community, I am saddened to note that we are without one of own. Mistress Isabeau d’Orleans was taken from us a couple weeks ago and the loss of her music and joy is felt amongst us all. Isabeau was a pillar of the music community in the East Kingdom and beyond. She served as Consorts Bardic Champion in 1996 and always there to be found performing, teaching, and sharing music. With the permission of the competitors, I would like to dedicate the day to her.
In addition to the dedication, instead of a moment of silence, I think it would be more befitted to Isabeau to have a moment of song. I’d like to ask everyone to join me in singing for Isabeau. Dona Nobis Pacem is what I would call the summoning of Bards. Feel free to sing a long.
I figured if I had read it aloud, it wouldn’t be real and I could get through it.
The room was full of song. It started and ended naturally. Did I do enough? I hope so. She deserved the best.
We had 11 competitors. All of varying skills. We had singing, poetry, stories and magic. Pieces ranging from Eastern to Western Culture and from early to late period. Every performer shared a piece of their hearts and was vulnerable. We were all vulnerable that day. Performers are vulnerable because not only are they working hard on their craft, but they are sharing a piece of their heart with you… a stranger, friend, in between. I didn’t want to have to cut anyone from the competition. Each individual who competed would have made an excellent champ.
For the final round of judging, we, the non royal judges, recused ourselves and let the royals pick their final choices. I didn’t want that responsibility. I’m glad they agreed with us and allowed me to just listen to the final competitors for who they were.
Left to right
Aneleda, Leyli, Estgar, Ian, Eithne, Myself and Taliesan
We had recommended that their majesties and highness choose a challenge based off the competitors resume so if there is something they wanted to see each of them do that they hadn’t seen yet, they had that option.
Estgar was given the task of boasting the outgoing champs. See the video below:
Before the last court I finally got to sing with my people. We had an impromptu rounds sing along. People swarmed in like a flurry of … flurried things to sing. We sang old rounds and new ones.
Court began, I held the sword of state one last time (I had the privilege, 3 times during this reign, to do so) At the end of the day, Estgar was named Consorts champion and Taliesan was named Sovereign’s champion.
At that point I thought the day was over. I got to rejoin my husband, sitting in court, my friends who were not on the Dias and friends I had not met yet. I was sad I didn’t get to see the new scrolls given out in court. I was always so overjoyed when I got to see the scrolls as they were being read. I got to hear the speech between the recipient and the royal and now I would be sitting back with everyone else. It was really nice feeling special and seen for the last 9 months. I still got to pop up to greet those in the orders I was a part of, but somehow, it wouldn’t be the same.
Court was soon coming to a close and then something strange happened. My name was called. Maybe an additional thank you for running the event? Who knew?
Her Majesty, Corotica, who I had known since about her time moving to the East started speaking about my term as her champion and still, nothing sank in. You can see how still I am sitting in the video below as I am trying to listen to every word she is saying. Heck, maybe she is giving me a cypher. Usually those happen at decoronation but you never know.
This is the aftermath:
Calligraphy by Mistress Collette D’Avignon, Illumination by Mistress Camille des Jardin Words by THL Agnes Marie de CalaisMedallion by Baron Muin maqq MinainBrooch by Master Roibeard Mac NeilMy one eyed emotional supper jerk and I love himmmmmmm
This has been a long journey for me. One I never thought I saw despite how much love and passion I put into my music. I love my art. It is literally what has kept me alive for all these years. It gives me the adrenalin. Brain weasels are a thing as well. Do I belong in this group? Some day it will settle in.
All I really remember from that moment was Audrey reminding me not to cry on the scroll. I was greeted with a flurry of hugs. It was incredible to say the least.
My friends came all the way from New Hampshire to be there. To support me. Baron Keziah, Ástrídr Sægeirsdottir, Alric the Younger, Wolfgang (husband), Agnes (from MA), Damhan (from MA) Audrey (from MA), Cecelia (from MA), My student, Eithne to compete (Also from MA), my apprentice cousin Adelisa and my Pelican, Rowen. All to support me. My poor Laurel, Sabine would have been there as well, but this stupid plague got her.
Dinner and camaraderie afterwards and then the voyage home. I have the best people in my life. (Also, look how cute my emotional support husband is!)
I’m sure there is a lot more to process and a lot I missed, but this is what a couple days and coffee have gifted me for brain.
I have quickly discovered that driving to DC from NH the week before pennsic is perhaps not the best thing I could have planned. To be fair, I didn’t think Pennsic was in the cards this summer. Oh, what a fool I am.
After already being exhausted from the 9.5 hour drive each way + additional tops and working a convention for 4 days, I came back to speed pack and finish up procrastination projects that needed to be done for pennsic. I know this is a new concept, but hey. #speedfinishgarb, #finishgarbforking, #learnnewmusic, #finishtokens.
Friday am, Husband and Consorts Bard hit the road at 6 am and drove straight to Slippery Rock. Ahhhhh, more poor choices. We got on site just in time to set up the rain fly on our tent and the heavens opened up. I am lucky husband was with me, even though this was his first pennsic, he is no stranger to setting up camp effectively. As the skies opened, I shrugged, closed the trunk of my SUV and took a nap. It was a glorious couple hours. I have learned that in a pinch, my car can be comfy enough to stay in for a couple days.
Around 10 pm, Collette the Bard graced Mermaid’s Song with their presence and we did a quick run through so not everything was fresh on Sunday. Not my best, but it had been over 3 years since I’ve sang harmonies with another human.
Saturday was fairly open and the only thing on my agenda was Opening ceremonies. This will probably be the only time I get to head up the line, but it was fun! Pomp and circumstance-y. Walking with my friends, fancy-ish garb and feeling important in our game.
Sunday was probably the biggest highlight for me. We met around 3pm to rehearse for our 6 pm concert. There were multiple reasons. First and foremost, I have been dreaming of singing with my very skilled friend since I met them. Also, typically, I am running the choirs or singing solo. Getting to not be the center of attention for once was super nice. I love being the supportive role. Many go “But Solveig, don’t you have a soloist voice?” Ah ha! If you are a skilled singer, you know how to blend with other singers, change vowels and vibrato density and be a unit, not just a soloist. Below are some of the tracks I was honored to be able to sing in.
Vocalists were Collette the Bard(Collette le Trouvere), Bird the Bard (Julianna Bird) and Aibhilin inghean Daibhidh.
That night, I had been invited to VDK Bardic by Caoilfhionn inghean Fhaoláin, 3 time past queen of the east, warrior and passionate performer. I was honored to be able to even join. It’s amazing what weird ideas humans can have about one another. Many years as we have been passing ships in the night, it was assumed that each of us hated one another. This could not have been any farther from the truth. I tried to put on my brave girl pants and chat with her further to see if I could find out why there was stress on our relationship, but instead, I treated her as if there was none. This was probably the best option I could have done. We commiserated over our children, life events and bonded. It was beautiful and I am so glad that we got to strengthen our friendship further. I decided to open up with my new song, “The Spark”, which I had been gushing to Caoilfhionn over, which is what pushed me over as she seemed excited about the concept. Caoilfhionn was also having a rough time with her voice due to exertion from melees… which is to be expected. Someone requested her to sing “We are the East”. She advised she couldn’t remember the words. I happened to be opened up to that very page in my bard book and offered to sing with her so she had the opportunity to perform. We may have sang in unison, but it made my heart happy to finally join voiced with this amazing human. Soon after my husband whisked me away for dinner since it had been 11 hours since my last meal. Woops.
Monday was shopping day with husband. He had been spending a good amount of the time at the range. We had lunch and a shopping date. Before we met up, I found a singular bass gemshorn which I snapped up quickly. This was my new precious. If you haven’t seen this instrument, it looks very much like a drinking horn. Keep this in mind for court the next day. At night, we hit Pirate Bardic and Chalkman. I don’t normally get to sing Sea Shanties/Maritime Songs or do belty chest voice. This is where I just let it loose. I still had to be careful with Wednesday coming and the A and S Warpoint.
I woke up super late on Tuesday, unsure why. Guess my body was angry. Still getting used to calorie intake and such. However it was EK Court time. It was exciting as always to see folks get recognized. There were a few well planned shenanigans and it made my heart swell with joy. I did, finally, get the nerve up to do my “job” in court. I brought my gemshorn to court and played when there was time between calling recipients. The best response I received was from those who had never seen a gemshorn before. I received such responses as “Did… did you just whip out and play a drinking horn?” followed by, “Didn’t you just buy that yesterday… and you already know how to play it?” That was the highlight of court for me.
Wednesday was the big day for me. I was asked by Sefa to serve as an A and S alternate for the war point. This was huge for several reasons. 1) I would be the first performance for the A and S warpoint in the History of the Pennsic War. 2) I have only competed in A and S twice and neither time did I have anything beyond 1 page of documentation. This time, I had 9 pages of documentation, a piece of music that is 100% period and I even dressed in garb that was appropriate for time time period, composer and world location. Although I did not actually get to compete for points, I was excited to be included this year. I was excited to meet performers from other kingdoms. I was excited to show that performance is not just “Learn a song and sing it pretty”. The best part was sharing my passion and knowledge of music with others and explain things in a way they could understand. Music can be scary and intangible for many. I had atleast 3 separate folx who told me that I taught them something that many others had tried and had not succeeded before. My heart gushed. Later that evening I had the pleasure of hosting the East/Mid Bardic Showcase. Every year the East and Mid alternate hosting it. This would be the first year back at Pennsic in 3 years, so it was weird. It was supposed to be hosted by the Mid, however, the mid has no current royal bard. Also, their stand in, Jolicia, happened to have other commitments that night, so I took it over. I made sure to introduce the circle, provide a warm space for all to perform, make sure every performer was gifted a token for their effort simply enjoy. All in all, I found this to go well.
After that was over and the temperatures had dropped, I dragged my husband to see Volgemut so he could understand the majesty and awesomeness that they are and then off to visit with the Kingdom of Acre. They are SCA adjacent. I made friends with the soon to be King of Acre, Nico several pennsics ago and promised I would stop by. I whipped out my ladino song because it makes my heart happy and I wanted to sing of my love for Nicco and husband. When I was done, I received several “Wow” and “Oh shit” and that made my heart glow.
Thursday I ran and facilitated the EKCOP Meeting. Lots of good stuff coming this year! Check the EKCOP page for minutes. After I ran to the 1 act short plays and got to play Hermes and the Greek Chorus. This gave me another idea for classes to bring back to the East for more classes for those who performance is new/scary and make it a safer place for them.
Friday… home….. the worst. We split up the drive and now I am le sad. So… here we are.
Gnew has been and likely always will be my favorite event. Yes, it’s hot but you know what? It’s home. This year the plan was to take it easy. I am still re-learning my body as I am going through changes as I continue to lose weight and see how my instrument is working. Minor other health issues but nothing to bring up here.
Since I had earned consorts champ, I have been trying to put up monthly challenges, serve as a mentor and teach. I chose to provide 3 classes at GNEW as I would not be fencing.
My first class was Friday for 12. I was presenting my ad hoc choir. This was not the best time for this class to be successful, but beggars can’t be choosers. We had a mixed skill level group but not much for vocal variety. Click below to listen to the group perform the piece they learned day of!
Later in the day, I met with several performers who had an interest in the Bardic Arts. Aalina and I hosted a Bard round table to discuss questions, stories, fears and all in between. We had the full gambit of questions and I feel like the new generation of performers is strong and ready to flourish.
From there it was off to teach my son about the joys of service in the SCA. He is 9.5 so doing for others if somewhat foreign to him still. I ran off to retain with Their excellencies Stonemarche. I was given a plate of delicious items to share with the Deed gallery. There was nor formal gallery this year so tasty treats for all!
Saturday I started my day in morning court, seeing folks celebrated and then off to my final class. I did my rounds class. This class had originally been inspired by Aneleda Falconbridge. I had taken it over when she was elevated to Laurel. It had started as her labor of love and I have been continuing it. Inspired by this I have been putting together a book of all period rounds. It is a work in processes, but I hope it will continue to be a tool that folks will use to keep singing in a safe space.
Here is a small recording of the folks singing in my group. This song is originally in German, but I am using the English translation with my students.
The rest of the time in between was a blur until court. Previously, I had been asked if I would serve as an alternate on the A and S team. This was an absolute honor. I didn’t put much thought into it, but it has really kick started my desire to go into further documentation with my pieces. However, look at this group of amazing folks!!!! I am so excited to do this. Look out Pennsic. More to come on that post Pennsic.
Last but not least, for Saturday, my love was to be recognized in court and become a Lord. Wolfgang was to receive his silver brooch. I have a mold of the silver brooches I had made before. if you look back in past posts, you can see what they look like. However, this time, to make his special, I enameled it for him so it represents the heraldic picture of the award. That night, my house mate was being being apprenticed and I had the joy of heralding him and wandering camps to sing and do Bardy things. Just a good ol’ shennaniganless night. Irish coffee without the irish and songs for old and new friends.
Sunday was pack up day. The saddest day of all. Sure, it was hot and gross all weekend, but this is where my heart lies. As I was packing up, some old friends from Malagentia asked if I would mind mentoring their child in Bardic Performance. I was honored and moved. I have watched this amazingly warm human grow and nothing would give me greater honor. I cried back in camp. This… this was my passion, my joy. To bring bardic to the world, be safe and be a teacher. I cried for joy. We drove home…. washed off the GNEW tan and that was the end of this tale.
Another bardic another safe place. Not much to report on this one besides we had 5 completely new folks to Bardic/The SCA. People who I have never seen before got up and performed. I did learn that although my circle is a safe place, I do need to mention that politics have no place in my circles even though they are mutually followed and agreed upon.
Also, I think I may need to find a safe and kind way to tell folks that their piece may not be appropriate in general, even with trigger warnings etc….
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.
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.
Words for Onana Frizzell- Lamp of Apollo By Solveig Bjarnardottir Inspired by Oedipus
Auspicious Onara Frizzell, stretch the skilled hand The delicate digits, until they embroider and paint for us Fine Tapestries and illuminations Athena, Artist Make with prism of colors upon the fabric! Oh, amethyst virtuosa, O fine crafter of brush and needle O Stonemarchian-Rhapso not be belittled to Nike Inspire on and share with all you can Come with outstretched palm as you raise yourself and others Baron and Baroness of Stonemarche Keziah and Deidre, inspired by your skill Elevate you, an order to join Apollo, Lamp, golden bright This Palio, Anno Societatis 57
Words for Spyridon Tou Nkrizou Lykou- Lamp of Apollo By Solveig Bjarnardottir Inspired by Oedipus
What is Dionysus singing in his profound Pytho of burgundies and brown Until now, we were strangers to the taste As we have been strangers to water Could we enjoy but the fine tastes that he presents Without knowing how refined they were But now, friends As we are no strangers to this land Make this proclamation If any person knows by whose tongue have but tasted The brews et all Knows the finery they share Let it stand as promised to those before him that he too be noticed Spyridon Tou Nkrizou Lykou, Brewer of fine beverages, That the Baron and Baroness of Stonemarche Keziah and Deidre, inspired by your skill Elevate you, an order to join Apollo, Lamp, golden bright This Palio, Anno Societatis 57
Meddlings of the Minnesinger 