Why Drumming Kills a Bardic Circle

[Vicki Marsh]

THANK YOU, GUNNORA!!
>
>Drummers with a clue need to help discourage drunk drummers. 

Not only did you outline all the problems, you also presented workable
solutions to the problems.

As both a drummer and a bard, I have been working for years to teach "drum
etiquitte" in the SCA, together with other such as Masters Cynric and
Lucaise. I have even been known to grab a drum and end a dance set when it
has gone on too long.  As a result, I have noticed a better interaction
between drummers and bards, at least in my areas.

Change must come from within, but it is sometimes slow and hard to see from
the outside.  If you want to have better trained circles, then you need to
encourage the teaching - have Middle Eastern Dance and Drumming workshops,
find music (yes, real music) for musicians to play for the dancers,
recognize the efforts of those involved who are working to improve this
aspect of SCA life - don't just complain about the drummers. 

The dancers don't like bad drummers any more than you do, but they have to
be willing to tell a drummer to stop playing and allow "their" drummer to
perform for them.  

I have seen the technique of having a leader(or Master of Ceremonies) for
the Bardic/Drum circle work quite well. This leader can ask the drum leader
to stop for a break and then ask invite someone to tell a story, or sing a
song. If you offer drinks or food to the drummers during the break, it will
keep their hands busy and they can't play for awhile;-)

Again, thank you Gunnora.  All too often we complain about the problems, but
few offer workable solutions.

Zara Zina Theanos, Baroness of Elfsea