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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>Amata
wrote:</FONT></FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2><FONT face="Times New Roman" size=3>>As someone
who is more of an instrumentalist, I always feel on the periphery of these kinds
of discussions. That said, when the topic was posed about sashes
designating who is willing to perform, I'm happy to be asked to play the harp or
other instrumental music so I could see wearing some token like this as applying
to myself. I don't see the harp being an entry in a bardic competition without
singing or speaking along with it. I'd be happy to be included in a
college of bards but would probably tremble with fear if people took that to
mean I could tell a story! - Amata</FONT><BR></DIV></FONT>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>That sounds like a very accurate assessment and a
healthy response. The periphery perhaps, but a respected and noteworthy
periphery, and you should always be welcomed by everyone. My view is that
a harp piece certainly is a respectable entry into a bardic competition, but by
itself it isn't very likely to win. But it isn't up to the College to set
standards for any bardic competition unless it holds one itself. The Baron
and Baroness of the Steppes will decide what is accepted in the Steppes
competition, for instance.</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>(Actually, I really like having harp music at a
bardic circle, because I can practice my next poem under my breath
while enjoying your music, but I can't practice a poem while listening to
somebody else's words.)</FONT></DIV>
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<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2>Robin of Gilwell / Jay
Rudin</FONT></DIV></BODY></HTML>