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<P class=MsoPlainText>Greetings,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN>This was my first
year to compete in Eisteddfod and it was both an intense competition and one of
the most enjoyable experiences I have had. The competitors, though not large in
number, were incredible in talent. I had put off competing for the last few
years for fear I wasn't ready for it. I have very little experience with
documentation other than giving a brief introduction to a piece before
performing and I wasn't sure what was expected because here in the North you
rarely ever see a competition where documentation is required or even requested
so it was something new. I can say now that I have done it, I plan to work even
harder to prepare for next year starting now. It was nail-biting and edge of the
seat, but I have to agree with some of the other bards competing, it was
amazing, fun in the same way a roller-coaster is fun. Granted I generally feel a
little like that before any competition, just more intense at Eisteddfod. I
encourage anyone to try, if for nothing else but the experience. <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN>I feel fortunate
to have found myself in the final round this year for I was in incredible
company. And congratulations once again to Dona Antonia, well deserved, I hope
to be able to hear you perform more often. <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN>Also, if anyone
knows how to contact Ana, surname unknown, I wanted to pass on some information
I had on Sephardic music to her but I didn't get her e-mail address.
<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN>HL Sibeal inghean
ui Ruairc<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><SPAN
style="mso-tab-count: 1"> </SPAN>Better known as
Bella O'Rourke<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>-----Original Message-----<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>From: bards-bounces@ansteorra.org
[mailto:bards-bounces@ansteorra.org] On Behalf Of Biggs, Truly<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Sent: Monday, January 05, 2004 2:55 PM<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>To: bards@ansteorra.org<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Cc: tim@roseneath.ca<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Subject: [Bards] From Eleanor Fairchild - on
Eisteddfod<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Hello All!<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Let me first offer congratulations to Dona Antonia for her
marvelous performances in the competition this year. I have high hopes for her
tenure as Kingdom Bard.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Also, let me say what an honor and a privilege it was to
judge the Kingdom Eisteddfod this past weekend. The competition was both
friendly and excellent, and I enjoyed watching each performance. I have to say
that as both a performer and a judge, this style of competition is my favorite,
as all performers compete against the whole group, rather than one-to one.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>For those of you who were not able to
attend, the judges were:<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Robin of Gilwell (past Premier bard)<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Ulf Gunnarson (past Premier bard)<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Eleanor Fairchild (past Premier bard)<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Snorri (Sponsored by Pendaran Glamorgan)<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Garraed Galbreath (visiting bardic laurel from
Ealdormere)<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Pendaran Glamorgan (outgoing Premier Bard)<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>I also want to extend a thank you to Antigonus
Bearbait(Tiggy) for helping the competition to run smoothly. Wonderful job - as
usual.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>As I remember the competitors were:<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Dona Antonia <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Bella (Many apologies, my lady - I did not write down your
surname)<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Eleanor O'Rourke<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>William Wyrm<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Gerald Of Leesvile<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Muirenn ingen Senáin uí Dúnlaing (Simone)<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Ana ....(Oooh - don't have her surname
either)<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Ouisin MacFinn<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Please do forgive me for misspellings and omissions.<SPAN
style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>I want to applaud those who entered for the courage to get
up in front of your peers and offer your performances up to be weighed against
the work of others. The documentation that was presented to us for support was
outstanding, and the preparation that went into the pieces was readily evident
and greatly appreciated. <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>A few notes on documentation, which I hope will be helpful
to all.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>As a judge, I find it helpful to have both the history and
references regarding your piece, and a printed copy or Xerox copy of the piece
attached (if song or poem or monologue.)Calligraphy is nice - but hard to read
quickly. If it is a piece I know backwards and forwards - one quick glance at
the printed poem or song will allow me to watch your performance rather than
sort through your documentation.<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes">
</SPAN><o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>If you cite a website in your documentation, also do list
any references that website gives, or who contributed to it. Ly Ana, whose
surname I have misplaced, did an excellent job of supporting her references, and
I urge you to seek her out and see what she did if you have further
questions.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>If your piece is original - a copy of the words is
helpful. Also, include a sentence to let us know if both the tune and the words
are your own, and if they follow a historical style, or if they are more modern
in nature.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Several of the performers provided documentation for all
the pieces they had prepared to perform - which was most impressive. It is nice
to feel so very informed, whether a piece is modern or historical. I don't
always know what pieces I intend to compete with, so it's something I have never
done<SPAN style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </SPAN>but I was certainly impressed
by the time and preparation.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>So - on another note, I would like to ask the group at
large - <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Why did more of you not compete? This question is in no
way meant to shake a finger at anyone, as I have only competed in one kingdom
Eisteddfod myself, and had a different reason each year for not competing until
then. I have participated in/judged many baronial and shire title bard
competitions which had twenty or more competitors, and I wonder what the
difference is. I am asking to see if we can help strengthen the community by
discovering what the reluctance is to enter the title bard competition.
<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Is it:<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Not wanting to document pieces?<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Not having any/enough documentable pieces?<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Not knowing how to document pieces?<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Not having any original pieces?<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Not wanting to receive negative commentary?<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Not knowing enough pieces to compete with?<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Not having enough pieces that you feel good
about?<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Not wanting/having time for the responsibility of being
the Kingdom Bard?<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Not thinking that you will do well?<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Enquiring minds want to know.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>You can respond either publicly to this list or privately
to<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Truly.biggs@hp.com<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Thanks for your time, <o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>And for sharing your music and poetry with us
all.<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText>Eleanor<o:p></o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P>
<P class=MsoPlainText><o:p> </o:p></P></FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>