Tag: SCA

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GNEW 35! Same name, new stuff!

GNEW has been one of 2 events I have never missed since I started in the SCA in 2010. It has seen me at my worst and it has seen me at my best. This year I was in charge of running -all- performance related items as well as had separately been in charge of all performances for “The Deed of Arms”.

The weather was not anticipated to behave and it was also looking to be excruciatingly hot. I had apprehension about attending, but I know I had duties to complete. I had recruited a deputy to help alleviate some of my commitments as well as additional help for one of the classes I was running, but life happened.

Thursday, Wolfgang, Smöl and I arrived on site to realize we had forgotten some things, so off to ye olde Walmart I went. Upon return, I started with a rehearsal for the Deed of Arms. For anyone who doesn’t know, The Deed of Arms is a 14th century immersion battle scenario, inclusive of a gallery. One of my vocalists had dropped last minute and another did not make it back to site. I had created a contingency plan to make this all work. I was lucky that we worked through several quirks of the music and was able to create a more comfortable situation for each of the performers. The music was all 14th century homophonic or polyphonic and to a level that individuals who were not deeply immersed in music could manage in a short period of time. For vocalists we did “Miri it is”, “Sumer is icumen in”, “Dona Nobis Pacem” and “Ecco la Primavera”. Our Bagpipist played “Douce Dame Jolie”, “Stella Splendens” and “Quant je sui mis au retour” and our poet did a 3 minute poem”. In addition, Aalina sang ” Ego Humilitas” from Ordo Virtutum by Hildegard von Bingen and ” Ut Queant Laxis”, an 11th century Gregorian chant. However, I only rehearsed with the vocalist ensemble.

To help my vocalists prepare, I created learning tracks for each of the songs and voice parts.:

Ecco Both Parts

Ecco Top

Ecco Bottom

Sumer is Icumen In

Dona Nobis Pacem

Miri it is

Friday am started with a youth Bardic circle. I only had 2 youth who showed up, but heck did they sing their little hearts out about unicorns everywhere and pandas everywhere.

Rehearsal 2 and I found out that my 4th vocalist who was supposed to double the bottom of Ecco with me was in a car accident and would not be attending for the rest of the day so PLAN B.

A short break and then off to teach my rounds class. I had a women come who asked if she could just listen. I coaxed her to sing with us anyways and she was a very welcome addition. All of my attendees did a wonderful job. One of them was BRAND NEW to the SCA and I got to listen to his beautiful voice as well.

The Deed of Arms came and my amazing vocalists joined me (Plus my student who was fighting in the Deed) and a resounding applause. It seemed we were well received. More planning for next year to see if we can obtain a larger ensemble and more music can be made.

Saturday and back at it. I was not really anticipating anyone would show up to my recorder jam. This was a class to be a supportive measure for newer recorder players and a way to give out resources so they could obtain free music and also music transcribed by other scadians. Much to my surprise, I had 3 attendees. We worked through one of the Carmina Buranas from Al Cofrin’s books. We have varying level of skills in the group but great attitude. This is what we accomplished:

Recorder Class

I ran off to Tiffan’s vigil to present them with a Taranus wheel I had made them but forgot to take a picture. Whoops. Oh well.

Then after I ran an adults Bardic Circle in the Barn. This was unusual. We typically imagine Bardic during the night. We wanted to try to create an accessible bardic space. If you think about those who cannot camp, those who have difficulty seeing in the dark, dealing with flickering lights and those with families, bardic at night can be difficult. We had about 10 of us over 2 hours but everyone got several turns, new friends made and all in all a delight!

Over both days I also organized having a puppet show for the youth each day.

Finally! Reprive! I get to sit for court. I knew many people receiving well deserved awards. Little did I know, one of those people would be me. We were getting towards the end of court and the smöl was still there despite me having offered to let him head back to camp. 4 hours for a 10 year old is ROUGH. I was so proud of him that he sat with us. Then, I had lost attention for a breif moment as a friend was asking about Bardic for the night. I had to sadly admit we were heading home because of the weather when my husband started pulling me up to the Dias. My name was called. Why? I missed who was up there. What did I do?

Apparently, it was time to join the order of the Silver crescent. This is an award for your dedicated service to the kingdom. I do what I do because I love this game, the people, events happening and I can’t watch things burn. To hear I was receiving an award for it blew my mind.

Here is the scroll I received:

Now you all know this bard and their song.
While hours do go by, I’ll keep you apprised.
For the deeds of Solveig should be heard ‘cross the East.
Let all hear my words about the service and fight.
Let’s sing the bard’s song.


Chatelaines are all work and play, welcome us home.
Newcomers will always know her name.
But the bards’ service will remain.
Her hard work will set the stage where performers play.
Their fame lives on due to her service strong.


There’s only one song left to be sung.
Tale of a brave bard called before the throne.
Now the Order gathers to welcome them near.
No one need ask you how they serve the Kingdom.
We’ll tell their story.

So is the fame sung of our bard, one Solveig Bjarnardottir, by Ardri Brennan and Ardrígain Caoilfhionn, who proclaim her inclusion into the ranks of the Order of the Silver Crescent. Their words are received by beloved populace and joyous companions alike upon the field of the Great Northeastern War this fifteenth day of July, AS LVIII (58).

Scroll by THL Lily Aubrey, Words by THL Eleanor Grey

Beyond that there was one more item. The medallion I received belong to my mentor, my Pelican, Rowen Cloteworthy. This was his. My first and only legacy piece.

As a bard, this is the best gift you can receive. There is a story. A story is how someone lives forever. Thank you, Jedi, for this most precious gift. The cord, also beautifully and lovingly crafted by the amazing Astridr Saegersdottir. I feel truly loved.

#FallDownGoBoomNow

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Song for Corotica

*Recording forthcoming*

Pray heed to brave Corotica
Who burns with valiant flame
Gave a voice heard through the realm
Weighting words the same

Reborn in eastern mountains
High above the lands
Warrior unlike all the rest
A cryptid who demands

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

Raven ringlets encompass
Eyes Sylvan and wide
Champ of arts and blade they wield
Fiercely by your side

Gathered cloths of the fabled
lands of Saxon plants spun
Coiled bands of spiraled bronze
for the chosen one

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

Now rest dear Corotica
Your battles come to an end
A rose emblazoned on your heart
A kingdom you did tend

Your words spoke volumes for candor
Your deeds spoke louder than words
Cobalt tygers you did raise
Power now transferred

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

Oh lift your voices
And share their fame
Eastern folk, Eastern kin, we will fight fight fight
For honor of our consort
For the rose and of their name

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Elevation Speech for Corotica-Rose

The Coronation of Brennan IV and Caoilfhionn IV

When I met Corotica, they had barely set foot into our kingdom and yet, it felt like they had been here since its inception. I walked into their life and they bounded into mine. They shared themselves, their art and their shoulder. I would see them soaring from working on their art to adorned in full armor as if invisible wings would carry them effortlessly, but with expediency. I saw fire in them around them. The true passion of the artist and the fire of a fighter, emblazoned in battle. The fighter that is the protectorate with the playfulness of a goblin… nay… a cryptid paladin, ready to fight for the downtrodden, the ignored and forgotten. They were ready to fight the good fight.

However, I am not here to speak of Corotica and how truly amazing of a human they are. I am here to speak of the inspiration that Corotica has bestowed. I would be remiss to only speak of my experiences. When you stand on the dias with other champions, you start to build new bonds. One of those bonds is with the person we are championed to. Inspiration is not just about words, it is about actions as well. Ryan MacWhite shares the story of an arrow. It was a super heated match, if you had not had seen it. The only noise was the sound of bows loosing and arrows making contact with the target. Ryan’s second to last arrow shattered into what felt like 1000 pieces. Only a small section survived. When the round was decided, he took the arrow fletching, which had survived, to her Excellency, Indrakshi and the tip to Corotica. He stated “This is just the first of many arrows I would break in your name”. The finals came and another arrow was shattered. This time, Ryan had presented the fletching of the arrow to Corotica to make their arrow whole, so to speak. Corotica advised how this moment of the event had made their day. Later, after safe travels home. Corotica sent a picture of the arrow parts in a vase in their home. Most folks would say “oh, a broken arrow” and throw it in the garbage but it MEANT something to them and that’s just rare and special.

I bring words from the co-populace, Lady Seigne Ruadh, Woman of the SCA, Archer, artisan and friend. Seigne spoke to me as a woman of the SCA. She spoke, with joyful tears in her eyes, of Corotica, who is female presenting. Seigne spoke of Corotica as a fighter who is a voice for women in the SCA. Corotica has  spoken out for the underprivileged genders and continues to speak out for them. Corotica has made it known that things need to change for women and those who do not fit the mold for the male gender. Corotica has spoken publically about how male presenting fighters were treated and the disparity of the treatment Corotica received when they said the same thing just a moment before. When Corotica became consort, they stated that a change was coming. That our world would change. That is influence. Seigne states “ I am not a fighter, I but am an archer and I am a woman. I think it’s really important that Corotica made it known that you need to listen to people, not a gender and I appreciate them for doing that. I was inspired to create a coat to make them stand out. I did a large documentable piece of research because they had a stunning personality, a warrior and who would appreciate a warm gift.” This is power. This is inspiration. This is the voice that Corotica has given the populace.

To all those assembled today, Corotica is a Rose with thorns. They are a defender of the weak, inspiration for the artist, muse for the warriors. They have long since been a peer. I, a member of the populace, was given a voice today thanks to Corotica. I can recommend no one more than I do them. 

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Order of the Furisine- Wolfgang Holzhauer

They say idle hands do the devil’s work. However, those who fear no devil and serve the community know not but good tidings and love. Wolfgang tirelessly toils for the company he cherishes and strives to better those around him. Without the generosity of his time and the passion for others to succeed we would not have such rich denizens around us. Thus, at a Market Day at Birka, we Baron Keziah and Baroness Dierde do see it fit today to induct him into our order of the Furisine.

Words by Herrin Solveig Bjarnardottir

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Words for Consorts Champion of Bardic 2023

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. 

Words by Herrin Solveig Bjarnardottir 

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The Spirit lives on…Bardic Champs 2023

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.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FthClHAAyJNdolY4QK4H-vLQpjnGJEM5/edit?usp=share_link&ouid=105255312117189439983&rtpof=true&sd=true
Bardic Competition Rubric

With all this, I hope I did enough.

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 Calais
Medallion by Baron Muin maqq Minain
Brooch by Master Roibeard Mac Neil
My 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.

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The Pilgrimage

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.

By The Rose

Music to Me

On Allisoun

Needle and Thread

Siren Song

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.

John Dowland “Flow, My Tears”

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.

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Returning Home

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!

Edi be thu, heven queene

Sheet Music-Edi be thu, heven queene

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.

Rounds Book compiled by Solveig Bjarnardottir

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.

Music Alone Shall Live

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.

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Bardic Around the Fire

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….