[MR] Royal Bard Competition at Twelfth Night

[Johann von Solothurn via Atlantia]

Bards of Atlantia!  I, Johann von Solothurn, am nearing the end of my tenure as Royal Bard of fair Atlantia.  At Twelfth Night, a new Royal Bard will be chosen from among Atlantia's many talented and skilled bards.  I hope many of you will choose to compete for the mantle of Royal Bard.  

Their Royal Majesties are now accepting letters of intent from those who wish to enter the Royal Bard competition.  If you would accept the challenge and compete for the title of Royal Bard, please send your letter of intent to me at RoyalBard at atlantia.sca.org.  Please submit your letter of intent by December 18.

Per the Atlantian Great Book of Laws, the Royal Bard is chosen for excellence in the individual performance of any of the following fields:  singing, instrumental music, poetic rendition, or storytelling.  The Royal Bard is encouraged to be proficient in at least two of these fields.  

Kingdom Royal Notables are expected to encourage the disciplines for which they are selected.  Suggested goals and duties for the Royal Bard include:  1) services to the Crown as Their bard, 2) sponsoring at least two bardic competitions during their tenure, including the Royal Bard competition to select a successor, 3) work with Branch Officers to encourage the growth of the bardic arts, 4) teaching in such venues as are available and reasonable.  The tenure of the Royal Bard is one year.

The Royal Bard competition will consist of a minimum of two rounds.  For the first round, bring a period piece (song, story, instrumental, or poem) with documentation.  For the second round, bring an original composition (SCA-themed or Period-themed) with documentation.  At Her Majesty's whim, a third round may be required, and will be announced during the competition.  

The position of Royal Bard has been a more gratifying role than I ever imagined it could be.  I cherish the new friends and memories made over this past year.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions you might have concerning the position of Royal Bard.  I look forward to hearing my fellow bards compete at Twelfth Night!

Yours in Song and Service,

Johann von Solothurn
Royal Bard of Atlantia