i have been at work for quite some time developing a hands on, fun class on the Renaissance. My original idea was to focus on the music and dress, but the logistics of that escaped me, so i began creating classes on weapons, defenses, every day life, the feudal system itself (including the fact that it was not as universal and comprehensive as we've long thought), and the role of music.

Now my sister has kick started things by mentioning to my niece's teacher that i have something going. Said teacher is not only interested, but wants to focus on music. This means i have to figure out the logistics of presenting four and five part music as one person.

Part of the instigation of this whole project is that i sing with a 10 voice A Capella Renaissance group, and it may be that one (or more) of the group might want to go with me, which makes the initial presentation easier. If not, a ballad or two and my trusty CD player will have to do, i guess.

One advantage i have with this particular group is that they read music and have been reading through and learning 3 part music for years. i know, however, that i cannot count on that with most kids. i can then move on to the non standardization of music notation, and separate scores for each part. Put them in a circle and let them experience it for themselves. That's the easy part.

i'm not sure how to handle dress with just my costume for an example. i can download some drawings, but i'm not sure how to emphasize the differences. i do have a couple of costume expert friends who might have some ideas... harmony, keith

Get to know Dubh better

 

Please let me know what thou didst think of this survey! And what else would you like to know about Dubh?? If you ask me, i shall endeavor to answer!!!

1. Introduce yourself.
i was named Dubh, which means 'the dark'.

2. It's Thursday at noon, where are you usually?
Oh, 'tis different each day! Generally at noon i endeavor to find sustenance, though, failing that, i might be found walking in the woods.

3. Who are the last four people to send you a letter?
Alas, I get few letters... but i have had one from me Da, and another from my sister, telling me of my nieces, who have doubled in my absence. The moor my sister married does surely enjoy the marriage bed!

4. What kind of soap do you use?
i shall need to purchase soap from the inn when i next bathe.

6. What are you listening to right now?
The crackling of the fire.

7. What is your favorite saying?
While i am quite enamoured of the saying Rosemary recorded, i have no favorite saying, but a favorite prayer, for i have much need of help from God to keep me safe from being the drunken boor i once was.

10. You need a new recipe, whom do you ask first?
Larrinda, who could make mud tasty.

11. How do you feel about your hair?
i remain in an uneasy truce with my hair. While i am willing to let it be, it tends to be less unruly. At times that i choose to try to force it to lie flat and be neat, it dost rebel.

12. What time do you wake up?
i wake just before dawn, stir the fire, make porridge, and provision the horses.

13. Who sleeps in your bed besides you?
Daniel, my patron.

14. Last thing you ate?
Dried fruit!

15. Who's in your dreams?
i remember my dreams not when i wake.

16. What side of the bed do you sleep on?
Standing at the foot of the bed (from that perspective, I mean, not that I sleep there) on the right, with Daniel filling in the remaining space.

17. Do you like roller coasters?
Could that be a food with which i am not acquainted?

18. What do you like to read?
Any manuscript upon which i lay my hands.

21. What do you think about gay marriage?
Ah! Though many who are married are miserable, some I know are gay in their match. I should like to think that were I to marry, I should be delighted and gay.

22. What do your pants look like?
Worn, torn, and in need of the soap i have the intention of using at the next inn!

24. Do you own a home?
Nay. Though my patron does allow me to reside at his home on the occasions i return to town.

26. What kind of cologne/perfume do you wear?
i once received a gift of green leaves which hath a pleasing scent.

28. What are your plans for Friday?
I knoweth not! Hath anyone an invitation for me?

29. What is the dumbest thing you have ever done?
i attempted to burn some leaves which were yet greene and gave off copious amounts of smoke, which made me light headed.

32. Are you paranoid?
Nay... should i be?!

33. What was the last thing you were invited to?
i was invited to sing for a group of children as a break in their lessons.

34. What item should never be shared?
Famine.

35. What do you usually wear to bed?
A quilt.

36. When was the last time you were up all night?
Night before last, as my patron felt we should travel by night in order to reach his home more quickly.

38. Does drinking alcohol make you act more like your true self?
i truly hope not! The last time i had cause to drink to excess, i was slovenly, rude, and ill! It grieves me to know that i did so for nigh twenty years! Perchance it will suffice to say that i have not drunk to excess since. Nor drunk any alcohol since.

39. Do you sleep with a fan on?
Nay... i sleep with a quilt. i did think this had been previously ventured.

40. What is the best thing about winter?
Curling up in quilts aplenty to sip mulled cider and read and write.

43. How often do you hold back from saying what you are thinking?
With most of KnightSong, i do not. When in the presence of an audience or royalty, i must, as i have a wicked tongue and would cost us future patronage.

44. What is your favorite possession?
My quill and my quilt.