Classes

We're full up!

Room	10:30	1:30
A	Bodhran and Bones	Dragon Sings
B	Stage Fright	Going Semi-Pro
C	Selling Sensation	Troubadour
D	Improv Games	Hosting a Bardic Circle

Alphabetically ...

Bodhran and Bones
Instructor: Master Alexander de Seton

A discussion of the history of both instruments (which is period, which is not), and practice playing these essential rhythm instruments. Although a few will be available, please bring along any you have.

The Dragon Sings - Midrealm Songs Project
Instructor: THL Lorelei Skye

In a bardic circle-type setting, come learn and sing songs about the Dragon and the regions of the Middle Kingdom.  Handouts provided (any donations towards copy fees appreciated).

Going Semi-Pro: How to Present Yourself Past Being a Beginner Bard
Instructor: Warder Andrew Blackwood

A round-table discussion on how to prepare yourself for a higher level of performance as a bard, musician, or other kind of performer.  We will discuss comportment, dress, accessories, as well as mental and physical preparation before and during performances.  Have a horror story about a performance?  Bring it, and we'll analyze it to see where it went wrong!

Hosting a Bardic Circle
Instructor:  Mistress Maire ingen Dauith

How to host a bardic circle: styles, space, achieving critical mass, etc.

Improv Games
Instructor: Master John Inchingham

Master John Inchingham the Fool introduces newcomers to the wonders of improvisation and provides veteran performers with a chance to test their abilities.  Improvisation is taught both as an art-form in and of itself and as a means of creating ideas for the aspiring bard (and for the seasoned tunesmith with writer’s block).  The class is fun and informal.  Come prepared to move and to make a fool of yourself!

Pulling the Teeth Out Of Stage Fright
Instructor: THL Lucia Elena Braganza

The vast majority of us experience SOME level of stage fright or performance anxiety, whether it's in a bardic space, or the CEO's office. We'll pin down this ugly-muggly monster, dissect some of the elements of anxiety, wrestle our most common buggaboos into the daylight, and practice some spook-busting techniques.

Selling Sensation and Inflammation: Ballads and Ballad-mongers in Elizabethan England
Instructor: THL  Juliane Bechaumpe

When storytelling-by-song married the printing press, human rights, politics, gossip and yes, sex, got a whole new platform. This class is an overview of who wrote the ballads, sold the songs and provided the fodder for a tradition that survives to this day. *MATURE CONTENT; ADULTS ONLY*

So You Want to Be a Troubadour
Instructor: Mistress Amelie d'Anjou

Period music and poetry has some challenges for the modern performer.  This class will discuss the issues and provide suggestions for places to start, whether you want to perform period stuff, write your own poems to period songs or some other combination.  Good sources included on short handout.