[Bards] The lesson is in the failure...

[Emma Haldan]

When the Steppes Bardic group was meeting regularly, they had a wonderful
set up for the performers -- the performer decided if they wanted critical
feedback or not. (Leaning how to take and give useful and honest critical
analysis is just as much of a skill as  your chosen bardcrafts.)

For those who wanted to share stories and songs without prepping for a
competition, or were just venturing out, getting feedback more appropriate
to those on the competition path, or more seasoned performers, having the
option to choose was great. I might add, support for the attempt was always
given and applauded, this was a bardic practice and sharing time, where we
were all there for bardic, so we weren't raining on anyone else's parade if
we weren't scintillatingly perfect.

Emma


On Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 7:41 PM, Gerald of Leesville <
gerald.of.leesville at gmail.com> wrote:

> Nice topic.
>
> In competition, it's something the judges should offer, perhaps a seperate
> "comments" sheet for the performers.  I know I often go into competition
> and, if I don't win, expect a comment on what, if anything, weaknesses
> there
> might have been of the performance(s).
>
> Otherwise, it's something I'll seek if I'm looking to improve a piece.
>  I'll
> ask.
>
> I try to avoid offering commentary on other's performances unless asked.
>
> I believe that there is a lot of good to be had in bardic groups that meet
> on a regular basis to give each other the chance to perform and ask
> questions of the performance.  As long as everyone remembers that it's not
> how "they" would have done it, but what would work best for the performer
> asking the question, it can't help but improve the group as a whole.  Not
> only are we learning to take critique and hone your skills as a performer,
> but we're also learning to listen with a critical ear and eye.
>
> I never take critique as an attack.  I consider everyone I know to be a
> teacher of some aspect of performance or another; some have more to offer,
> some have less, but everyone has something.
>
> When I am asked to judge, I write impressions on the sheet, "The audience
> isn't at your feet, look at them", "Great tone!", "Don't move the head from
> side to side so much while singing", "Wonderful transition",  etc.  It's
> the
> one time I offer critique unbidden, but I make the assumption that the
> performers would like to know what the judge is thinking.
>
> Great question, Mea.
>
> With a song in my heart I am
> Gerald of Leesville
> The Ansteorran Bardic site is http://bard.ansteorra.org/
> On Sun, Jan 18, 2009 at 10:44 AM, <mea.passavanti at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Odd topic - I know!
> >
> > While sitting around these last couple of weeks, I have found that I have
> > many many questions pop into my head. I can think of no better place to
> > field them than with you, so I will be posting many to you over the next
> > several weeks.
> >
> > The first that has come to mind...
> >
> > What is the best way - in your opinion - to recieve critique so that it
> > helps you along your path? I'm not just talking about competition. Do you
> > prefer to wait until you are ready for it and ask a fellow bard? Do you
> need
> > written docs for you to analyze and mesh into your performace? What
> manner
> > is most effective?
> >
> > Questions for thise who judge... next tme.
> >
> > Please...discuss.
> >
> > In service to this community and Kingdom,
> >
> > HL Mea Passavanti
> > Deputy MOAS: Bardic and Performance
> > _______________________________________________
> > Bards mailing list
> > Bards at lists.ansteorra.org
> > http://lists.ansteorra.org/listinfo.cgi/bards-ansteorra.org
> >
>
>
>
> --
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