[MR] Running bardic circles

[Made For Willow]

Greetings Good Gentles, 
 
I am glad to see this conversation and wish to comment. I support Pick, Pass and Play...no one should be forced to perform at any Bardic. It is the fellowship of the Circle that brings people together. It is often observing the Bardic Circle that will bring interest to a possible new performer. Not all who come to a circle know songs, or stories to share, it is by attending a Bardic that one will learn. 
 
Bardic Circles should not be a pressure pot for someone to perform.
 
If you take a moment and look back at the history of a Bardic Circle, you will find that after a day of toil and travel, family, friends, workers, and travelers would gather about a fire in the evening, to prepare a meal, to keep warm, to share their day. Once the meal was finished, the spirits may have been shared and the stories of their day’s journey, past travels or simply a tall story would begin. Singing songs, sharing stories, enjoying food and drink, that is what an original circle was. 
 
Keep this in mind. If your circle is closed, and unwelcoming, others will not join. A Bardic Circle should always have space for others to join, be open and welcoming.
 
I say this from personal experience, and I will ask...when was the last time you heard me sing?  I have not in a very long time joined a Bardic Circle, due to the pressure of poorly run Bardic Circles, a closed unwelcoming circle, or pressure to perform. As a professional singer, I often enjoy listening.
 
That being said, I will not point fingers, nor will I press the issue. I will render this advice:
 
-All Bardic Circles should be open to any and all who wish to come
-Any song or story, no matter what level of talent is wonderful to hear…
-Children are the future of the SCA, teach them and welcome them.
-If you want to learn a song…ask the person who sang it for the lyrics
-Do not feel pressured to perform…ALL ARE WELCOME….
 
I would be happy to host a Bardic Circle at any event....and know that you and all are welcome. Your songs and stories are part of the legend of the Circle. 
Bring them, share them and learn more. 
 
In service to the Dream, 
Baroness Willow Faye Dunne