Bardic circle
Camp Northern Lights invites one and all to come for an evening of singing, music and storytelling. Come and participate, or just enjoy the evening’s entertainment.
What is a Bardic?
In the SCA a “Bardic” refers to a gathering of people who entertain one another. It is a space that is appropriate for group sing-alongs and solo (or small group) performances. We strive for a welcoming and encouraging space were people new to performing are as welcome as experienced performers.
The Bardic at Camp Northern Lights will use the “Pick, Pass, or Play” Bardic Circle method, wherein each person in turn may either:
- Pick: Make a request (either for a specific song/story/whatever, or even for a general request by topic/theme). If anyone present knows the requested item, and is willing to perform it, it wil happen.
- Pass: Let the next person in the circle take their turn without making a request or doing a performance yourself. This can be done by saying “pass”, or by making a gesture to show that it is the next person’s turn, as you prefer.
- Play: Perform a song/story/something of your own choosing (with or without accompanying performers and/or group participation, as as you feel appropriate).
To keep the circle flowing, it is good to decide before your turn comes around which option you prefer, so you are ready when the question comes to you. Note: each time the circle returns to your turn you are welcome to choose any of these options. If you passed before, but now would like to pick or play (or vice versa), that is ok.
While it is very appropriate, and encouraged, to offer verbal praise and/or questions directly after a given performance, please keep them brief, so that the next person gets their turn. Likewise, please keep any introductions to your performance brief and let your your song/story/whatever be the focus. This will ensure that everyone in the circle has a chance for more than one turn over the evening.
As the SCA focuses on bringing to life the best parts of pre-1600 history (often called our “Period”), we encourage your requests and performances to do the same. This can take many forms, including, but not limited to:
- Songs/stories/poems etc. that were written during our Period
- Ones that were written more recently (by you, or by someone else), but that address themes from (or convey the history of) our Period
- Ones that focus on the SCA itself, our people, culture, and/or activities.
When it is your turn: remember that we are all friends here and we welcome your contribution, in whatever form it may take. The goal is a shared evening of joy in the “Bardic Arts”, lasting as long into the night as we wish to continue.
What about the host?
The Bardic will take place at Camp Northern Lights, an inclusive space where all are welcome.
The Bardic coordinator is Kareina Talventytär, who especially loves group singing and served as the ninth Norra Nordmarks Norrskensbard.
If you would like to ask Kareina anything about Bardic: kareina.sca@gmail.com
