The North Oaken Bardic Lagniappe of Entertainment

Cup shown is not actual size, composition, or design

The NOBLE Prize is a handsome antique cup awarded annually at Northern Oaken War Maneuvers to a champion from one of the nine baronies and shires of North Oaken. The competition traditionally takes place on the NOWM Village Green following Court.

The 2011 Results

The NOBLE Prize Challenge was won by Brendan O Corraidhe, representing the Cleftlands. The other competitors were:

Rivenvale: Robin McCauley
Red Spears: Brihid O Seanchain
Brendoken: Donalbane

The judges were Kari Garanhirson and Mael Duin mac Guilla Eanna.

The 2010 Results

The NOBLE Prize Challenge was won by Kari Garanhirson (assisted by Holkuldr Dadaskald), representing the Cleftlands. The other competitors were:

Rivenvale: Ulfr Ganglr (assisted by Robin McCauley)
Red Spears: Brihid O Seanchain
Brendoken: Ursula Mortimer (nee "the Widow")

The judges were Their Excellencies Edward and Milesent, Baron and Baroness of the Cleftlands, and Their Excellencies Helowyse and Thorkell, Baron and Baroness of Red Spears.

2012 - The NOBLE Prize Redux

A third iteration of the NOBLE Prize Competition is planned for Northern Oaken War Maneuvers XVI, June 8-10, 2012.

Hereafter, the Rules Used for Previous Competitions (May Be Modified for 2012)

Each Barony and/or shire in North Oaken is invited to send a single champion to compete for the cup. These are: the Baronies of Brendoken, Red Spears, Middle Marches, and the Cleftlands; and the Shires of Castell Gwent, Eastwatch, Falcon's Quarry, Oakford and Rivenvale.

The champion may be a single individual or an ensemble (two or more individuals performing as a unit on both entries). An individual champion may have an accompanist on either or both entries.
Other Baronies or Shires outside North Oaken may compete for bragging rights, but the cup itself will be awarded to the highest-placing champion from a North Oaken Barony or Shire.

The name of the champion must be presented by the Shire seneschal or Baronage to the NOBLE Coordinator not less than one week before the event. Questions about the competition may be addressed to her as well.

(Note: Each territory may also appoint an alternate to be on standby in case of emergency.)

Each champion must present two pieces in any performance category. Each must be five minutes or less in length - entries exceeding the limit will not count in the judging. Performance categories include (but are not limited to):

song
instrumental music
drama
dance
other physical performance
storytelling
poetry

Essentially, anything intended for performance in front of an audience may be used.

BOTH entries together will be judged on:

Technique/skill
Presentation Style (emotional projection; appropriateness to material)
Complexity/Difficulty
Overall impression
Audience appeal
Scope and contrast between the two entries
Authenticity or appropiateness to the SCA context
Originality