2024 Classes

How to sing.  An introduction to making full use of your singing voice (and everyone DOES have one).

Class teacher:  Maredudd ap Gwylim 

Class length: 1 Hour

Class participant limit: No limit

Participants should bring: Just themselves. 

Humans are storytelling animals.  Part I and II

In the first session of this two-part class on bardic storytelling, we will discuss how stories work, story selection, audience involvement, making an atmosphere, choosing a character or character to narrate, projecting your voice, using props etc. In the second session, we will discuss working with the types of SCA story, and will work on bringing a story of your choosing to performance. 

Session 1: Outside if weather permits and participants are comfortable with this, otherwise indoors in the covered area. 

Session 2: inside. 

Class teacher:  Alessandra di Riario 

Class length: 1 Hour per class (2 H in total over two days)

Class participant limit: No limit

Participants should bring: Just themselves.  If you would like advice on a story you are working on in the second session make sure you have brought it for then. 

Introduction to highland bagpipes 

a very basic intro of how bagpipes work, how to fundamentals of playing and getting ideas of notes and embellishments, anyone who can play a bagpipe already is welcome but may find themselves over qualified 

Class teacher: Alex of long riston 

Class length: 1 Hour

Class participant limit:2-5

Participants should bring: A chanter if you own one, otherwise they will be provided.

Knowing the score: a beginner's guide to reading music. 

An introduction to reading music for complete beginners. We'll hopefully cover reading notation, rhythm, keys, and some simple tips for picking up an unfamiliar piece.  Suitable for those with no music-reading experience, or those who have just started in another class! 

Class teacher: Safiyya al-Zarqa bint Garsiyya al-Isbili 

Class length: 45 Minutes

Class participant limit: 4-10

Participants should bring: A notebook and pen. 

Leading the dance 

I will teach a simple dance (and tune), and then go through how I've learnt the dances and how to then teach a dance once you know it. I will also attempt to give advice for musicians playing for dance.

If there's time we might try one of the more advanced dances for fun.

I'll provide sheet music, you bring instruments and/or willingness to dance. 

Class teacher: John Yarrowe 

Class length: At least 1 Hour

Class participant limit: No limit, but minimum 4 (and preferable a musician who wants to play dance music)

Participants should bring: For dancing, just yourself.  Spare instruments can be provided however, it is preferred you bring your own. 

Recorder for Beginners 

An entry-level class for descant recorder - one of early music's most versatile instruments. We'll start with basic breath technique and notes, then move on to playing some simple common rhythms and period tunes. There may even be time for a round or some duets! No knowledge of music-reading is expected, and scores and individual instruments will be provided.
Please let the instructor know if you can already read music. 

Class teacher: Safiyya al-Zarqa bint Garsiyya al-Isbili 

Class length: 45 Minutes

Class participant limit: 4-10

Participants should bring: If you already own a music stand, soprano recorder please bring them.