[Bards] Instruct me, please

[Genie Barrett]

At 08:31 AM 5/27/2008, you wrote:
>I have "played" off and on (mostly off) for a couple years but I 
>have often found it difficult to understand how a new person begins 
>to find their way into the entertainment arts of the SCA.  I 
>wondered if any of you would mind thinking back and telling me what 
>it was that lead you to where you are now.  Perhaps I just don't 
>have the personality for the arts, but I have always been one to 
>listen to teachers and the instructs of others.. and I will pursue 
>this dream to life or any dying end.

I had performed mundanely often enough that I knew that I loved to 
perform.  My first performance in the SCA was at an informal bardic 
circle on a Friday night at an event in Artemesia.  It was fun, and 
no one was discouraged so my very folk and very not period piece was 
very welcomed.

Having thought about that, I realize that here, in today's SCA, that 
is a lot less possible.  Master Robin, you are right, we need to camp 
so that we can host informal bardic circles.

>As for talents?  Only mundanely, of course, I do sing decently.  I 
>play guitar although it seems that guitar tends to be looked down on.

Guitar is not discouraged...at least not by me.  I see it as an 
advantage--as long as you don't try to impose it on someone else's 
performance without asking first.

>  I will be attending Kings College in Steppes (I believe it is) in 
> a couple weeks.  My hope is that it will help me tremendously.

There are several bardic classes that will be taught at King's 
College (June 14th).  Kat will be teaching a basic bardic class, I 
will be teaching one on bardic etiquette, there's a filk class (is it 
period?), a vocal projection class, and several others.  There's even 
a bardic circle, which would be a great place to try something out 
for the first time.

>Mostly, I find it difficult to step out of my shadow unless 
>challenged.  I lack self confidence to "promote" myself.  I am 
>uncertain what constitutes good SCA bardic material.

Well, good friend, if you need a challenge, I give you one.  Kat's 
class handout will have pieces from many good bards.  Or, go 
here:  http://bard.ansteorra.org/links.html    and pick one.  I 
challenge you to come find me (I live in Steppes but travel north as 
often as I can) and perform it for me.

So I throw down the gauntlet, will you take it?.
Maggie MacPherson
Northkeep Bard (for one more week)