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<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=750145219-02082007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>I will -- as of this writing, anyway -- be unable to attend
either session of these round tables. </FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=750145219-02082007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=750145219-02082007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>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.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=750145219-02082007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=750145219-02082007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>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!)</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=750145219-02082007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=750145219-02082007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>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.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=750145219-02082007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=750145219-02082007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>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.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=750145219-02082007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV dir=ltr align=left><SPAN class=750145219-02082007><FONT face=Arial
color=#0000ff size=2>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!)</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial>Adieu, Amra / ttfn - Mike / Pax ...
Kihe<BR><BR>Mike C. Baker<BR>SCA: al-Sayyid Amr ibn Majid al-Bakri al-Amra,
F.O.B, OSCA<BR>"Other": Reverend Kihe Blackeagle PULC (the DreamSinger
Bard)<BR>Opinions? I'm FULL of 'em<BR>alt. e-mail: </FONT><A
href="mailto:KiheBard@hotmail.com"><FONT
face=Arial>KiheBard@hotmail.com</FONT></A><FONT face=Arial> OR </FONT><A
href="mailto:MCBaker216@cs.com"><FONT
face=Arial>MCBaker216@cs.com</FONT></A><BR><FONT face=Arial> Buy my
writings!: </FONT><A href="http://www.lulu.com/WizardsDen"><FONT
face=Arial>http://www.lulu.com/WizardsDen</FONT></A><BR><FONT
face=Arial> </FONT><A
href="http://www.livejournal.com/users/kihebard/"><FONT
face=Arial>http://www.livejournal.com/users/kihebard/</FONT></A></DIV></FONT></DIV>
<DIV> </DIV><BR>
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<FONT face=Tahoma size=2><B>From:</B> bards-bounces@lists.ansteorra.org
[mailto:bards-bounces@lists.ansteorra.org] <B>On Behalf Of </B>John
Hirling<BR><B>Sent:</B> Wednesday, August 01, 2007 8:47 AM<BR><B>To:</B>
Ansteorran Bardic list; Kingdom of Ansteorra - SCA, Inc.<BR><B>Subject:</B>
[Bards] Westgate Bards and Garb<BR></FONT><BR></DIV>
<DIV></DIV>Grace & peace you from Baron Ihon Vinson macFergus, Deputy
Minister of Arts & Sciences for Bardic & Performance<BR><BR>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: <A
onclick="return top.js.OpenExtLink(window,event,this)"
href="http://westgate.ansteorra.org/wwc/bard.html"
target=_blank>http://westgate.ansteorra.org/wwc/bard.html</A>
<BR><BR>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. <BR><BR>Hope to see you at
Westgate.<BR><BR>~i~<BR></BLOCKQUOTE></BODY></HTML>