Format for Crown Bardic Championship at War of the Roses
Below please find the format Their Majesties’ would like to see for the upcoming Crown Bardic Championship at War of the Roses
The competition will take place over three rounds with the following theme for the day: “The Mythology of War.” As Their Majesties undertake preparations for the upcoming Pennsic War, they wish to know that those vying to be their Royal Bards know of both the joy and agony of battle, so performers are asked to perform pieces inspired by the theme “The Mythology of War.” This theme may be approached in a variety of ways: lamenting a lover gone to war or a tale of surpassing valor, a comedic blunder on the battlefield or a valiant soldier laid low in defeat. The interpretation of the theme is left entirely up to the artist.
Competitors will be judged by Their Majesties and an advisory committee on choice of material, artistic impression, audience impact, technical skill, and individual response. Their Majesties would also like to encourage people to present works from a variety of cultures across their performances if they have the ability within their repertoire.
Each performer shall submit, prior to the first round, an index-card-sized summary of types of performances and styles said performer would be willing to perform with little or no prior notice. This gives the performers a chance to display versatility as well as skill, and gives Their Majesties additional information as they consider their next bardic champions. Their Majesties will choose something from this list for the final round, so consider well what you may be called upon to perform!
ROUND ONE- All Competitors
This piece may be original, written by the competitor or another, or it may be period. First round pieces may not exceed five minutes. (Longer works should be performed in excerpt.)
ROUND TWO- Top 8 from Round 1
This round requires a period (historical) piece tied to the theme for the day. This piece ought to be directly historical or utilizing period styles (tunes, stories, music adapted from a primary source, etc.) Please provide brief documentation for this round, such as would fit upon an index card. This piece should also differ in some way from the first piece performed, e.g., lively/slow, spoken/sung, wistful/cheerful, etc. Second round pieces should be no longer than 8 minutes in length.
ROUND THREE- Top 4 from Round 2
This final round will be Their Majesties’ choice, guided by the performer’s earlier works, the skills which have been listed in their performance summary, and a brief interview of the entrant. Performers will have a few minutes to prepare.
All who seek to present themselves to be considered for Crown Bardic Champions must submit a LETTER OF INTENT. Entrants are REQUIRED to send a letter of intent to THL Agnes Marie de Calais agnesmariedecalais@gmail.com , until the end (11:59 pm) of day Sunday, May 14th.
All are strongly encouraged to come forth for this. Indeed, a large first round often shows the breadth of the bardic talent we are blessed with here in the East. However, should you be in the final round please be reminded that with this honor comes responsibility and duties of a champion.