Unified Activity Schedule

Bardic Skirmishes Scavenger Hunt

Keep your eyes and ears peeled this weekend for performances that meet the following criteria. Make a note of the title of the song/story/poem/etc, and the person that performed it, to check it off your list. Each piece can only be used for a single slot. You have all weekend to gather as many as you can, at classes, concerts, and bardic circles. You get a million points if you can complete the entire list… but then, the points don’t really matter

1. A period piece

2. A piece written by the same person that performed it

3. A piece you’ve never heard before

4. A piece in a foreign language

5. An instrumental piece

6. A piece about ships/sailing/seas

7. A piece about war or fighting

8. A piece about magic

9. A kingdom anthem

10. A piece about love

11. A piece about SCA life

12. A piece about animal(s)

13. A piece done by someone from a different kingdom

14. A piece done by a brand-new bard

15. A piece that made you want to dance

16. A piece that brought tears to your eyes

17. A piece that gave you goosebumps

18. A piece that made you smile

19. A piece you’d really love to learn

20. A piece that was written this weekend

Rallying Cries Skirmish: 7-9 PM EST

Ruadhri an Cù and Gwendolyn the Graceful

Held in the Skirmish Yard Break-Out Room

With a thundering shout and a lingering storm, Ruadhri an Cù and Gwendolyn the Graceful will share their insights into what makes an anthem soar, an anthem ring, an anthem bring all the populace running up the hill. Enjoy a guided whirlwind tour of the Rallying Cries of the SCA and then launch into the night with lungs ready to summon the enthusiasm of all twenty Kingdoms of the Known World! No sign up is required: show up, listen, ask questions, and sing along!

Simon de Spaldyng 1 hour starting at 7 PM EST

SCA Ukulele

Held in the Parlor Break-Out Room

This is an introduction to playing SCA music on the ukulele, an instrument with roots in the SCA period. Simon will teach a few chords and songs hands-on, including a song apiece from the Renaissance, Medieval, and Filk repertoires. This is a hands-on class - come with your ukulele (tuned if possible), ready to play!

Tigernach Bard (tee-ern-bard) 1 hour starting at 8 PM EST

European Medieval Lyre CANCELLED DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES, Rescheduled to 8 PM EST Sunday

Held in the Study Break-Out Room

This class will discuss the history, use, building process, and how to play the lyre as used in medieval Europe.

Shinjo Takame 1 Hour starting at 9 PM EST

Renga Rounds

Held in the Discussion Hall Break-Out Room

A Japanese Waka poetry group session where we compose Waka poems as a group. All skill levels welcome as we take turns adding our haiku to a collective poem.

Friday Night Bardic at 9 PM EST for as long as they wish

Rohais de Ravenscroft

Held in the Main Zoom Room

It’s Friday Night in Meridies at Bardic Skirmishs, and that can only mean one thing— It’s time to meet around the virtual campfire for an evening of stories, songs, and laughter. Please feel free to drop by and enjoy the performances, whether or not you want to perform yourself. There’s no pressure, and audience members are always appreciated. Hope to see you there!

THL Drake Oranwood 1.5 hours starting at 10 AM EST

The Pleasures & Perils of Making Filk

Held in the Parlor Break-Out Room

Exploration of writing and sharing “filks” (new lyrics to an existing, often modern, tune). This is a subset of songwriting skills that can bring laughter and smiles, but it is not appropriate for every venue or situation.

First Common Folk Skirmish: 12-3 PM EST

THL Juliane Bechaumpe

(Un)common Sense for Simple People, 3 hours starting at 12 PM EST

Held in the Skirmish Yard Break-Out Room

First prompt drarwing at noon

Second prompt drawing at 1 PM

We know the moral of the story: your task, should you dare to undertake it, is to write the folk tale that led up to this moral- and some of the morals are quite unexpected.
Description: THL Juliane Bechaumpe will lead us in weaving up a fable with a twist: we know the Moral of the Story, the Lesson Learned, but... How exactly did we get here? That is for you to discover! Follow the breadcrumbs back into the woods to find out where it started! Each participant will have a unique ending to work back from, and good company to share inspiration with.

Details: Participants in this skirmish will receive a story-moral drawn from a hat that will serve as their prompt, and will have time to craft a story backwards from there. Participants may choose to pull from the Straight-Forward Morals, or the Warped Morals. You may either stay in the Zoom room to collaborate or go off on your own if you prefer. At the beginning of the third hour, we will gather together to share our tales as time permits.

Tigernach Bard (tee-ern-bard) 1 hour Starting at 12 PM EST

Y Gododdin 6th century Welsh poem

Held in the Parlor Break-Out Room

Y Gododdin is the oldest extant Welsh poem. It is the oldest reference to the person who has come to be known as King Arthur. It describes a battle that took place at the end 6th century between the Britons and the Saxons near Catterick. It documents the use of crossbows as well as female warriors in leadership positions. This class will discuss the history, content, and a little about the verse style of this poem.

Eirik of Two Ravens 1 Hour starting a 1PM EST

Organic Improving Storytelling – Beginner

Held in the Gardens Break-Out Room

This class is called organic because I didn't learn improve in a Drama class, learned it thorough a number of other activates, and developed an art that is more like making a dish from ingredients in a kitchen, not a science experiment. There is no A to B to C in this way of looking at improv is based on experience and an adaption of the theories that I work with because of this. These base factors are not need in equal measure, the concept is to use them like a tool kit.

Hilla Stormbringer 1 hour Starting at 1 PM

Riddle Me This

Held in the Study Break-Out Room

What is a mystifying, misleading, or puzzling question posed as a problem to be solved or guessed? What is a form of word-play shared across cultures and time periods throughout the world? What can confuse and obfuscate, yet provide insight about people and cultures? What is this class about? Riddles!

Ms. Amelie d'Anjou 1 hour starting at 1 PM

Medieval Music Modes

Held in the Library Break-Out Room

Wondering how to make a tune sound more medieval? Go beyond major and minor keys, and learn about modes. We'll start at Do-Re-Mi, then go on. Previous music theory not necessary. If you write songs you want to learn this!

Rudaba al-Nahdiya 1 hour starting at 2 PM EST

Cascarde Dance-along

Held in a Separate Zoom due to break-out room technical limitations:

Feeling cold this winter? The cascarde is a 16th Century dance form that I would love to share with you. The choruses repeat and will be fully taught; the verses will have walkthroughs and calls so everyone from beginners to experienced folks can have fun! Co-taught with Lady Avelina del Dolce.
Join Zoom Meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/6754229123?pwd=ZTBJdTNDbGkxeXpWZVY4UUZ4THEvZz09

Meeting ID: 675 422 9123

Passcode: wordweaver

Lady Lalleshwari Sah 1 hour starting at 2 PM EST

Let’s Write a Poem

Held in the Discussion Hall Break-Out Room

Come learn about iambic pentameter and period examples. Then if you choose we can write a communal poem together.

Ollaimh Ruaidhri an Cù 1.5 hour starting at 3 PM EST

Bawdy Ballad Composition: Let's Make Something Dirty

Held in the Gardens Break-Out Room

This class will include some existing examples for reference (period and periodesque) and workshopping ideas and techniques.

Lady Vani ka Bhediya 1 hour starting at 3 PM EST
Youth in Bardic

Held in the Study Break-Out Room

Youth are the future of the SCA, and Bardic is no exception! How can we encourage youth to participate in the bardic arts? Discussion will be a large part of this class, so bring an idea! Youth are welcome.

Second Common Folk Skirmish: 4-7 PM EST

THL Kateryn Draper

The Commonor’s Tale, 3 hours starting at 4 PM EST

Prompts given out at 4 PM and 5 PM, stories at 6 (audie

Held in the Skirmish Yard Break-Out Room

Craft a folktale, after being given three randomly selected prompts: play with your words, explore the unexpected in the lives of the common people. Open to all storytellers!

Description: THL Kateryn Draper shows us there was more to the Middle Ages than Kings and Queens, Knights and Princesses. How did the common folk live? Spin a tale of servants or serfs, ploughmen, spinsters, or candlemakers, based on topics given to you by chance. Create a folktale, ballad or other bardic piece that tells of the life of commoners.

Details: Participants in this skirmish will take turns being given three elements chosen at random by Kateryn Draper and will have two hours to craft a piece using those elements. You may either stay in the Zoom room to collaborate or go off on your own if you prefer. At the beginning of the third hour, we will gather together to share our tales as time permits.

Bjar the Blue 1.5 hours starting at 4 PM EST (immediately following the conclusion of Bardic Youth class)

Bardic Inclusion of Youth & Families

Held in the Study Break-Out Room

Join us for a discussion on ways to include and support youth in your bardic communities. We aim to include key topics of choice of performance pieces, accessibility to families, and methods of encouraging youth to participate. If you have stories to share of what has worked in your local group, we would love to hear them as well.

Christian Lansinger von Jaueregk 1.5 hours starting at 4:30 PM EST

Held in the Parlor Break-Out Room

Performing Poetry Tips and Tricks

Exercises and other tips to help you perform your poetry for audiences.

Bardic Champions’ Roundtable 1 of 2 1 hour starting at 6 PM

Discussion led by THL Juliane Bechaumpe

Held in the Discussion Hall Break-Out Room

Kingdom Bard, Regional Bard, Royal Bard, Queen’s Bardic Champion, Rose Bard- alright, so there are almost as many ways to say it as there are ways to play. Come share what the role meant to you and your kingdom: how are you chosen? What part do you play? Did you have obligations with your title? What was your favorite moment as a Bardic Champion?

One of two roundtables, this is an open invite to all Bardic Champions past and present to share their experiences and hopes.

Hilla Stormbringer 1 hour starting at 7 PM EST

Strike Up the Grand Kazoo Band!

Held in the Study Break-Out Room

Bring your kazoos! Bring your favorite songs! Bring your sense of humor! Bring your earplugs! Come and join us in playing the SCA "best of" playlists.... WITH KAZOOS! With enough people, we can even play the Kingdom Anthem Kazoo Relay!

THL Rohais de Ravenscroft 1 Hour starting at 7 PM
Curating Your Bardic Repertoire

Held in the Library Break-Out Room

How do you choose what songs go into your bardic repertoire? Do you try to learn everything you can get your hands on? Do you pick and choose only your favorites? Do you strive to have a variety of songs under your belt so that you can match (or change!) the mood of the circle? Where do you go for inspiration when you’re dissatisfied with your current collection and ready to learn something new? Although this discussion is aimed primarily at musicians, it is hoped the information presented will be broadly applicable to story tellers, actors, and other bardic performers as well. Let’s share our ideas and advice with each other on a topic that is key to being a well-prepared and versatile performer.

Eirik of Two Ravens 2 hour starting at 7 PM EST

Improv from a Hat

Held in the Parlor Break-Out Room

A few dozen items are place in a hat, one is selected out the hat and the Bard has to do a bardic performance involving that object. Around the circle we go until time is up.

THL Davock Walkere 2 Hours starting at 8 PM EST

Across The Rainbow Bridge: Themed Bardic

Held in the Gardens Break-Out Room

We gather together again to grieve the departed, by honoring their memories and cherishing their legacies. Share a favorite song, a story, anecdote, or just say a name, in memoriam. Let us toast those who went before us.

Lady Vani ka Bhediya 2 Hours starting at 9 PM EST

SCA Encore

Held in the Discussion Hall Break-Out Room

Brush up on your lyrics - this is a game of rapid recall! Teams take turns with one person singing six words (from an existing song) containing a keyword. Special rounds include 1v1 and key topic instead of word. Bardic Circle appropriate periodish music. The first game is family friendly, second hour is adults only!

THL Hilla Stormbringer

Saturday Bardying into the night! Starts 10 PM EST and ends when it ends

Held in the Main Room

Open Bardic hosted by Hilla

Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres 2 Hours starting at 10 AM EST

Lyric-Writing Workshop: Rallying Cries

Held in the Parlor Break-Out Room

As a follow-up to the Rallying Cry Skirmish, we will talk about basic lyric principles and give folks a chance to apply them specifically to the creation of anthems, war songs, and other songs celebrating a kingdom, group, or house.

First Mystic Traditions Skirmish: 12-3 PM EST

Lady Vani ka Bhediya

Ritual As Performance 3 hours starting at 12 PM EST

Held in the Skirmish Yard Break-Out Room

We use the phrase "perform a ritual" with ease, but have you ever thought of the performance aspects of your ritual? Of what qualities rituals share across time and places? What role can they play, and how can we participate? Tarot cards will be used as creative prompts for participants who wish to engage with the material.

Fiorenzo d'Osier 1 hour starting at 12 PM EST

Writers Workshop & Hangout

Held in the Discussion Hall Break-Out Room

A warmly welcoming and non-threatening workshop space for new performers. This is an informal, supportive space meant for community-building. Please bring something you'd like to workshop-- or just yourself!

HL Fionnghuala ingen Chellaig 1 hour starting at 12 PM EST

From Manuscript to Music: Trouvere Chansons

Held in the Study Break-Out Room

Have you ever seen music in a manuscript, and wondered how to translate it? What's with that four or six line staff? This class will help you deconstruct a period manuscript to help understand how to transpose it into modern notation. This will be helpful for bards and scribes alike.

Please note: a basic understanding of modern musical notation is a must. You will be lost if you don't understand how to read music.

Class Handouts are on the Class Handout page.

THL Kateryn Draper 1 hour starting at 1 PM EST

Comedy in the Current Middle Ages

Held in the Parlor Break-Out Room

How to be funny - a class and discussion about the ins and outs of humor in the SCA

Ollaimh Ruaidhri an Cù 1 hour starting at 2 PM EST Moved to 7 PM EST Sunday

Telling the Tale: Storytelling vs. Recitation

A class on converting written mystic tales to told stories.

Bardic Champions’ Roundtable 2 of 2 1.5 hour starting at 3 PM EST

Held in the Discussion Hall Break-Out Room

Discussion led by the Dishonorable Dahrien Cordell

Kingdom Bard, Regional Bard, Royal Bard, Queen’s Bardic Champion, Rose Bard- alright, so there are almost as many ways to say it as there are ways to play. Come share what the role meant to you and your kingdom: how are you chosen? What part do you play? Did you have obligations with your title? What was your favorite moment as a Bardic Champion?

The second of two roundtables, this is an open invite to all Bardic Champions past and present to share their experiences and hopes.

Rav Ezra ha-Yona 1 hour starting at 3 PM

The Gazelle, Up Close: Sacred Verse of the Sephardic Golden Age

Held in the Parlor Break-Out Room

An examination of liturgical poetry in Sephardic culture in 11th and early 12th century Iberia, focusing on themes, style, and context. Poetry and biographies from three major poets will be used as case studies.

Second Mystic Traditions Skirmish 4-7 PM EST

Mistress Morgana bro Morganwg and Lady Elizabeth de Spaldyng Creatures From the Mists of Time, 3 hours starting at 4 PM EST

Held in the Skirmish Yard Break-Out Room

Mythic beast roam the landscape of legends: what did they signify? What fears or hopes or strange circumstance did the derive from, and how can they inform our telling of them? With a focus on the Norse catalog of strange creatures and companions of the god, we explore what they tell us about myth then and now, and close the Skirmish with an open Mystic-themed bardic led by Elizabeth de Spaldyng where we can share our songs of the seasons and cycles and otherworldly things.

Bards as Chatelaines Roundtable: 2 hours starting at 4:30 PM EST

Discussion led by Teuctli (Lord) Tenochcacuicatl Delmar (Tenoch)

Held in the Library Break-Out Room

We say Come and Be Welcome: how can we put this phrase into practice? As the outsiders to the Mainstream SCA , we Bards have a duty to stretch out hands out and ensure access to others. Let us be Bardic Chatelaines, and learn how to better create a welcoming space to everyone. After a prerecorded discussion is screened, and hour of Q&A and discussion will follow.

Rav Ezra ha-Yona 1 hour starting at 7 PM EST

Bardic Mad Libs II: The [Noun] Strikes Back

Held in the Discussion Hall Break-Out Room

Returning from the mists of time, join Rav Ezra as he once again [verb]s his way through an [adjective] odyssey piecing together some of the most [profanity] maddening tales never told.

Ollaimh Ruaidhri an Cù 1 hour starting 7 PM EST (previously at 2 PM)

Telling the Tale: Storytelling vs. Recitation

Held in the Study Break-Out Room

A class on converting written mystic tales to told stories.

Tigernach Bard (tee-ern-bard) 1 hour starting at 8 PM EST (Rescheduled from Friday night)

European Medieval Lyre

Held in the Gardens Break-Out Room

This class will discuss the history, use, building process, and how to play the lyre as used in medieval Europe.

THL Rohais de Ravenscroft 1 hour starting at 8 PM EST

Being a Better Audience Member - a roundtable discussion

Held in the Library Break-Out Room

Audience members are a vital part of the bardic community, and can have a huge effect on the energy and direction of a bardic circle. Let’s share some ideas on how we can all be better audience members, whether we are performing or not. How can we best show our appreciation and enthusiasm for the bards, and for the stories and songs they share?

Mellitus of Rouncivale, OL 1.5 hours at 9 PM EST

Preserving the SCA's History Through Oral Tradition

Held in the Discussion Hall Break-Out Room

In this session, we will discuss ideas for keeping the SCA's history alive through use of story, song, and poem. We will discuss ideas on how to research our history, compose a piece for presentation, and other ideas. We will discuss how far we should allow for embellishment of actual historic events in the SCA, and we will discuss the concept of bardic drift. The main idea of this discussion will be how we preserve the memory of important moments in SCA history. The presenter will be begin each section with some ideas and then invite further input and questions from the participants.

House Sans Nomens Concert 1 Hour 9 PM EST

Held in the Skirmish Yard break out room

An hour of song, story, Death, and BOOM from some of Cerian Cantwr Bardic Menagerie.