F.A.Q.

I want to teach!
If you have a topic you’re passionate about teaching, let us know. We will do our best to make sure that everyone who is interested in teaching gets to teach a class.

I play a modern instrument / sing in a non-Early Music choir. Can I participate?
Absolutely. If you can (more-or-less) read modern sheet music, you’ll be able to fully participate in just about every class. We aren’t picky about period instruments. Sure, renaissance recorders and shawms might be ideal, but plastic baroque recorders, oboes, modern flutes, french horns are all fine. We might draw the line at a theremin. Maybe.

I can’t carry a tune in a bucket, I don’t read music, and I don’t play any musical instruments. Will there be anything for me to do?
Yes, although a fair number of the classes will assume you have some musical knowledge. The lecture track won’t require you to actually play or sing any music. You can attend the afternoon Salon and evening Concert. For the evening concert there will be program notes to help you better appreciate the music you are listening to. Classes with little or no music background required will be marked.

What are the Concerts about, and how can I participate?
There will be a concert on Saturday evening. The performers will be groups and individuals participating at St. Cecilia at the Tower. Performance requirements:

• Pieces must be composed before 1650 or in a pre-1650 style. See the Concerts page for more information.
• Pieces must performed in an approximately period style. See the Concerts page.

Participation in the concerts will be on a first come, first served basis. See the directions on the Concerts page if you or your group would like to be in the Concert.

Is this event only for Pre-1600 European music?
No, this event welcomes all music from before 1600. That said, this event has historically been overwhelmingly full of classes and performances of decidedly European music, but it is open to having a broader scope.

Pre-1600 or pre-1650?
Because the SCA time period is “pre-seventeenth century”, the event is obligated to say pre-1600. However, Renaissance music didn’t suddenly become Baroque at the turn of the century, and certainly not all over Europe nor for every composer. I’m sure the same is true elsewhere in the world. So, up to 1650 is fine. If you’re not sure about your piece email the event stewards.

I heard there will be unofficial musical gatherings throughout the weekend. Can you tell me more?
Saturday night after the evening activities have finished, there will be a post-revel. Information on this will be given at the event.

Is this the last question?
No, there is one question after this one. There may be more questions with answers as we update the website.

Why aren’t there any more questions?
Because everything you need to possibly know about this event is already posted. If not, prove us wrong by asking us a question.