What You Should Know About Requesting a Quire Performance at Your Event
First, and most important, know that we like the prospect
of performing at events. The goal of the Quire is to sing period music,
and while research and practice are good in themselves, it is by performing
at events that we can share our music with the Barony.
That said, don't make unwarranted assumptions. To put together
a performance, we have to find a volunteer director in the group,
and not have serious conflicts with our other commitments. We'll
make a commitment to your event, but only when we know we won't let
you down. In particular, requesting earlier makes it easier.
The fun part: music selection. We've got a lot of music, from
various times in history, in different languages, musical forms and styles,
using different voice ranges, of varying degrees of difficulty, etc. etc. Some
of these we've glanced at briefly, some we
practice regularly even if we're not planning to perform them soon.
Additionally,
we're happy to pick up new pieces. That means there's a bunch of possible songs
to
choose from. You may have some ideas about what you'd like to have, even if
you've never thought about it specifically. You can look through our master
list of songs here if you have something specific in
mind and want to see if we have the music.
Any information you can provide
that would help influence this decision is appreciated. For example,
we've encountered criteria similar to the following before:
- The event is set in late 15th century France. We would like to have
music appropriate to the time and region.
- Singing at this event will be an informal sight-singing 'get-together'.
Easier pieces that a collection of decent singers could pick up and
sing together would be good. Oh, and you should probably bring extra
copies of music for the pick-up singers.
- The event is at a recreated tavern, and the music is 'spontaneously'
performed at the table, not up on a stage. Rousing rounds on the
importance of drinking would be great!
- This is a Yule event, and we'd like songs appropriate to the season.
- The Quire will be performing from a balcony overlooking the high
ceremony of Coronation. Songs which lend themselves naturally to
a clear, bell- or angel-like tonal quality would sound nice in the
space.
- The main focus of the event is an archery tournament. Got any songs
about archery?
- It is traditional to have a particular song sung at this event. Could you
oblige?
That's all you need to know. If you'd like to request a Quire
performance at your event, you can do so here.
Questions, comments and corrections are welcome. Contact the Webmaster.