[Bards] Westgate Bards and Garb

[Mike C. Baker]

I will -- as of this writing, anyway -- be unable to attend either
session of these round tables.  
 
While I have commented upon the assorted related subject matter in the
past, and feel that most of that past body of effort still applies in
some fashion, I wish to add something to the general concept of
including performance as part of a Kingdom A&S, LPT, or other
"station-based" venue.  On the whole, it just doesn't seem to work as
well -- overall -- as a dedicated performance area.  Some performers,
esp. those who are well-established already, may be able to overcome the
conditions and even shine in doing so (cheers, hand-clapping, and the
like for Mea's contribution to Steppes Artisan!).  Typically, though,
the acoustics and level of ambient noise are such that "live"
performance at one's table is not always viable.  In the past I believe
that Rhiannon has pulled off an alternate using modern technology (MP3
players with headphones, IIRC), and been able to backstop that with
short live pieces.
 
Also, unless the event coordinator has been able to work minor miracles,
the lack of physical and/or acoustic separation from others wishing to
present performances may create aural havoc should more than one
individual be called upon to perform at the same time.  (I posit -- for
sake of example only! -- Robin reciting one of his more rousing pieces
at one end of a gymnasium and any one of several strong vocalists at the
other end of the hall performing Ragnar's "Drink to the Sword"... and
no, three-way "Dueling Banjos" with shawm, hautbois, and Uillean pipes
would just be Too Much!)
 
I offer that if the hurdle of the acoustics and crowding are daunting,
one option seen in the past has been the scheduled use of a defined
concert space.  The drawbacks here are that the judges and any other
audience must leave the core area of the event for the duration of the
performance(s), and not all sites used for general artistic-focused
events have such segregated spaces available.
 
The alternatives?  If performers are to be chosen for future service
(Gulf War competitor, Premier Bard, local group Titled Bard, etc.), it
is FAR preferable for such competition to be conducted in a dedicated
performance space.  If performers *choose* to perform under the
conditions of a Kingdom A&S, LPT, Artisan, or the like, take the
opportunity to bring your stack of documentation and be willing to take
the time to discuss / defend those efforts alongside the associated
performances -- and if the event is for a body of work (such as Steppes
Artisan), let the attendees and judges see that there is more depth to
you than skill with musical instruments or strength of vocal
performance.
 
Oh, yes, there ARE performance types that Do Not Absolutely rely upon
sound to convey (all) of their meaning.  Mime, prestidigitation, dance,
acrobatics, juggling, and puppetry come immediately to mind.  Study
them, practice them, research them, and come show us what you've got!
(And for those who haven't tried, consider the possibilities -- and how
they might have synergistic effects upon the performance arts you
already pursue!)
 
Adieu, Amra / ttfn - Mike / Pax ... Kihe

Mike C. Baker
SCA: al-Sayyid Amr ibn Majid al-Bakri al-Amra, F.O.B, OSCA
"Other": Reverend Kihe Blackeagle PULC (the DreamSinger Bard)
Opinions? I'm FULL of 'em
alt. e-mail:  <mailto:KiheBard at hotmail.com> KiheBard at hotmail.com  OR
<mailto:MCBaker216 at cs.com> MCBaker216 at cs.com
   Buy my writings!:    <http://www.lulu.com/WizardsDen>
http://www.lulu.com/WizardsDen
    <http://www.livejournal.com/users/kihebard/>
http://www.livejournal.com/users/kihebard/
 


  _____  

From: bards-bounces at lists.ansteorra.org
[mailto:bards-bounces at lists.ansteorra.org] On Behalf Of John Hirling
Sent: Wednesday, August 01, 2007 8:47 AM
To: Ansteorran Bardic list; Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc.
Subject: [Bards] Westgate Bards and Garb


Grace & peace you from Baron Ihon Vinson macFergus, Deputy Minister of
Arts & Sciences for Bardic & Performance

Westgate will hold their Winter Collegium this weekend with the theme of
Bards and Garb.  There are three tracks of bardic classes, the schedule
for which can be found here: http://westgate.ansteorra.org/wwc/bard.html


Over lunch, we will have a round table discussion of Bardic &
Performance including Eisteffodd - how would you like the decision made
regarding location, how should format be decided, should it be the (or
an additional) venue for selecting Gulf Wars competitors; Bardic &
Performance at Kingdom A&S, LPT, etc.; state of the craft; a stand alone
bardic and performance faire (with or without Eisteffodd); any other
subjects that float your boat. Master Finnican Dubh, Premier Bard of
Ansteorra, hopes to hold a similar discussion in the north. 

Hope to see you at Westgate.

~i~


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