I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December
A magical thing
And sweet to remember.

‘We are nearer to Spring
Than we were in September,’
I heard a bird sing
In the dark of December.
—Oliver Herford

Year’s end, all
corners of this
floating world, swept.
—Basho 

Letter From the Editor

Hello,

I am the new editrix for this newsletter (finally), Katie Lee White.  I only wish this wasn't so late, but it couldn't be helped.  I've just recovered from a small case of walking pneumonia and bronchitis--which it seems like I get every year.  It's amazing.  I'm actually an intern for The Starlight Circle Players (I'm a senior in high school in San Francisco).  It has been a pleasure to sing, act and play violin for "The Ring", despite the atrocities that have been occurring throughout the production.  First, cast and band are scarce for rehearsal, then everyone gets sick, including myself.  Just when we thought things were getting better (or at least I thought they were) more problems were underway.  It had gotten so bad it's actually almost funny.  But we must look forward to this production with a high hopes and optimism, or else it won't happen.  My experience in theatre and performing before having gotten involved in the production of "The Ring" has helped me learn that things always pull together near the end--maybe even the last minute.  And this will be a success.  This really is an amazing play, and if we play our cards right, we can go all the way with this.  

I have been a performer since I was about 10 years old.  I was admitted into the San Francisco Girls' Chorus and that had taught me how to act professional on and offstage.  And for that I'm grateful.  I started out as a solo singer-guitarist, but dropped down because I thought I wanted to be a writer.  It was fun being a high school journalist, but I had to go back to music.  The violin was my first melodic instrument (I just don't count drums anymore) and I really got into it after I was taken to the San Francisco Scottish Fiddler's Camp.  Since then I was more passionate about Celtic music than ever.  I have fronted a band called "Drowsy Maggie", with whom I went to tour Ireland.  I am no longer with this band, and am now fiddling and singing for an excellent guitarist and singer, Chris Waltz.  Also a wonderful singer and songwriter, Meli Rivera.  I will notify if any performances come up.  Being involved with bands has made me value sound technology and I wish to learn the business of recording.  So for this internship I have a plan:

As a special project I am required to do for the Starlight Circle Players for school credit, I am hoping to put together a CD of all the songs and tunes from "The Ring".  A soundtrack.  It would be handed out to all the cast and crew and sold at performances or gatherings.  The object is finding recording equipment or someone who has it or a studio.  Fortunately I have those connections.  Hopefully making this recording will be a lot of fun and fulfilling.

On another note, coming up in January is the annual corp group dinner, where we look for play submissions--so submit!  Kay Pannell is on the top of the pile and is up next.  Her play is called "Mustering Home".  We're involved in discussions with Magical Acts Ritual Theatre and Spiral Path Fellowship to come under their non-profit umbrella--There will be a vote for the membership.  Of course, at Pantheacon, we will perform "The Ring" on President's Day weekend, joined by Entanglement Sword dance troupe.

We must thank Esther Palmer for bookkeeping for this group, and doing a fantastic job of it.  Also, a general thank you to all the people who have sent money--send more!  It is because of you that we still exist.

With best wishes, and sincerely yours,

Katie Lee White