ANST - Children's Bardic Competition at Lughnasad

[Antigonus Bearbait]

Unto the Good Gentles of Ansteorra and their Children 

This past weekend, at the Canton of Loch Ruadhs Lughnasad event, there was a Childrens Bardic Competition.  We all had a great deal of fun, both those of us who ran it,  and those competing.  A hearty thanks to our judges, competitors, and all of those who donated prizes.

Many of our young competitors had never been in a bardic circle before, and some were nervous.  We all know what that can be like.  But, they all persevered and rose to the challenge.  I am immensely proud of all of them.

There were twelve competitors in all, ranging in ages from five to seventeen.  There were enough donations of prizes to offer seven prizes, including three judges favorites.

*  The Best Story went to Tanith Wallis (age 9) for an original story about a battle between the light and the dark dragons. 

*  Best Song went to Rhianna Faulkenberry (age 13) and Danielle Baker (age 10), for a duet of Ireland.

*  Best Performance Under the Age of Ten went most heartily to Ryan Cook (age 5) for one of the most charming performances of  Jack and Jill. Ive ever seen  and , judging from his performance, would never know that he could not read.

*  Best Performance Over the Age of Ten was awarded to Dis Asasdottir for her performance of Red is the Rose.

The awards for Best Performances by a Boy and a Girl, as well as the Best Overall were awarded in court that evening.

*  Best Performance by a Boy went to Cormac Mcomnail (age 14, and I *hope* I spelled that right) for a performance of Jabberwocky  a courageous choice, especially considerering that he had never actually read it before.  The prize was a leather pouch donated by Barroness Dana Mac an Ghabhann and a small knight-doll (made of spools) that was not only donated but made by Their Exellencies Galen and Allessadre.

*  Best Performance by a Girl was awarded to Ursa Asasdottir (age 12) for the performance of another challenging piece  Pucks Closing Speech from Shakespeares *MIDSUMMER-NIGHTS DREAM*.  The prize was another doll from Their Excellencies of a little girl, and a string of amber donated by Lady Simone.

* Best Performance Overall was awarded to Kara Mac an Ghabhann (age 17), for an inspiring performance of  The Water is Wide.  Lady Elanor and myself donated a copy of  *THE ANSTEORRAN CHILDRENS BARDBOOK*.  As a side note, Kara also competed (and very well, might I add) in the adult bardic competition as well.  I look forward to seeing more from this Young Lady, and her brother who, in winning the Premier Bard of Loch Ruadh also won his first competition EVER.

All of the children did well  and I have warning for the big bards of Ansteorra : look out behind you, because the future of our bardic community looks bright.  Loch Ruadh has been living up to its bardic reputation.  As Baroness Dana said to me this weekend: They know how to raise their bards in Loch Ruadh.

One other comment:  This past weekend, I met some of the most gracious, well-behaved, well-spoken, well-mannered, and respectful children that I have ever met in the four years that I have been playing in the SCA.  It was a joy and a pleasure to work with them.  I must commend their parents.

Thank you Wormy, Uri and David for judging.  Thank you Magdalea Mac an Ghabhann for ALL of your help and support.  Thank you to all the merchants and others who were kind enough to donate prizes.  Thank you to our competitors who were the reason we were all there.  Thank you, all, for making this such a joy for both Elanor and me.  I look forward to next years Childrens Bardic, since we have been invited back to do it again at next years Lughnasad.

Also, there is a Childrens Bardic Competition planned for Elfsea Defender next month, as well  so, please, come and support the future of our Bardic Community and our Kingdom.

VIVAT to you all!

Antigonus Bearbait,
Barony of Elfsea,
Kingdom of Ansteorra



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