[Bards] Bardic circle formats

[Gerald Norris]

While we're on the topic of circles, I'd like to talk about modifying the
pick/pass/play format to pick/play.
 
I've noticed , during a triple-p bardic, that there are far too many people
who pass.  I'm not sure whether it's that they're uncomfortable with
actually requesting someone to perform, or they just don't want to have to
make a decision.  Either way, the next circle I host I'm going to try the
pick/play format out.  Unless someone beats me to it, in which case, please
let me know how it turns out.
 
At the recent Gulf Wars (XV for those who need numbers), I hosted the
Ansteorran Bardic Tavern along withthe good folks of the Loch Soillier
Brewer's Guild.  Fair weather with us, we were able to set up a portable
fire pit and arranged a pyro-monkey to keep the fire going and held the
circle outside the main pavilion.  We had something on the order of 30 to 40
people (a few more at various times, less at others), and I more or less
martialed the performers.  Ealdormere, Calantir, Ansteorra; all were well
represented of their bardic community.  With the exception of one drop into
a song about limos and such, the performances were of good calibre and a
good mixture.  
 
In particular, I tried to insure that there were a mix of songs that
involved the audience, whether it was a sing-along (wild rover), a
talk-along (Old Dun Cow), or Michele de Busby's "Um Plucka Plucka Pluck!",
there were moments where the audience was able to be a part of the
performance.  In the end, I was too tired, after a long day of playing, and
went to bed before the circle ended.
 
So.  Pick Pass or Play is fairly democratic, and gives everyone a chance to
perform or hear their favorite, but I think, from time to time, tha the
nominal host needs to request singalongs as well, to make some noise and
possibly stir the audience to think of other songs they'd like to hear.
 
I am gong to be at Stargate, and even though I'm cooking, I'm going to try
to make sure that there's a bardic circle Saturday night.  Also there WILL
be bardic (whether it's a circle or what) at the gate Friday night.  I'll be
there too!  I look forward to the rest of you who plan on showing up to stop
by, have some fun, sing a song, tell a story, and just share the company
with good friends.  Because, really, that's what a bardic cirle is about.
 
In service to the dream with a song in my heart, I am,
HL Gerald of Leesville
A bard of Stargate 

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