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Market Square => Music / Instruments => Topic started by: Aderin on May 27, 2013, 08:39:54 PM

Title: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on May 27, 2013, 08:39:54 PM
I am a vocalist and a guitarist with hopes of being a violinist/small harpist (when I come across them).

If you play any instrument(s) (especially period authentic :) :) ) which do you play?
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on May 28, 2013, 12:13:27 PM
I am primarily a bassist, but somehow I doubt my 5-string electric would be period authentic outside of the last 50 years or so. I also play guitar. I have a lovely Martin D1235, but even that would not be period. I could play some other stringed instruments with a little practice.
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Meagan on May 29, 2013, 09:17:11 AM
I sing and used to play the violin. I want to pick up the mandolin, which I have been told has the same fingering as the violin and has the added bonus that I can sing while playing.
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Prof. John Bull on May 29, 2013, 04:16:11 PM
Quote from: Aderin on May 27, 2013, 08:39:54 PM
I am a vocalist and a guitarist with hopes of being a violinist/small harpist (when I come across them).

If you play any instrument(s) (especially period authentic :) :) ) which do you play?

Organ
Harpsichord
Piano
Accordion
Fiddle
Lute
Guitar
Mandolin

The faire-going public has relatively little interest in period music so I mostly play in more modern styles on more modern instruments.
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: William the Braveheart on May 30, 2013, 01:38:48 AM
I'm a drummer, as you can see from my photo. I'm currently the Bass Drummer for "Baton Rouge Caledonian Pipes and Drums" and played snare with "Kilts of Many Colors" in some of their Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans this past season.

My background is high school and college marching band (L.S.U.) and post college Pipe Band.

I'm currently trying to put together a Celtic Fusion Pipe and Percussion Band. (Envision a little bit of Tartanic and The Rogues, with Fiddles and more percussion) 

My ultimate goal is to play at TRF and Scarborough, but you have to walk before you can run.

I've been playing for over 40 years and have been to so many Ren Fests that I have a pretty good idea of what will work and be unique and popular with Faire goers.

It's difficult finding Fiddlers and Pipers that are serious about playing.

If anybody might be interested, please e-mail me at braveheartfusion@cox.net
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on May 30, 2013, 01:17:34 PM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on May 28, 2013, 12:13:27 PM
I am primarily a bassist, but somehow I doubt my 5-string electric would be period authentic outside of the last 50 years or so. I also play guitar. I have a lovely Martin D1235, but even that would not be period. I could play some other stringed instruments with a little practice.

When I think of a medieval band, I think of Merlin on bass! Acoustic of course ;-)
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on May 30, 2013, 01:19:44 PM
Quote from: Meagan on May 29, 2013, 09:17:11 AM
I sing and used to play the violin. I want to pick up the mandolin, which I have been told has the same fingering as the violin and has the added bonus that I can sing while playing.

Mandolin is such a beautiful intrument and I'm excited for you to learn it! It has a fret board much like guitars and ukuleles and you hold them the same way. I know many a fiddle player who plays while singing! Must be tough though.
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on May 30, 2013, 01:26:01 PM
Quote from: Prof. John Bull on May 29, 2013, 04:16:11 PM
Quote from: Aderin on May 27, 2013, 08:39:54 PM
I am a vocalist and a guitarist with hopes of being a violinist/small harpist (when I come across them).

If you play any instrument(s) (especially period authentic :) :) ) which do you play?

Organ
Harpsichord
Piano
Accordion
Fiddle
Lute
Guitar
Mandolin

The faire-going public has relatively little interest in period music so I mostly play in more modern styles on more modern instruments.

Wow! This is quite the impressive list! You are very talented!

My heart's desire is to one day start/join a period music band that sweeps the ren faire public by storm! It would sound so beautiful yet exciting that the faire-goers could not resist! I've already seen some bands start the movement such as Maidens IV and the bagpipe/drum combo bands. So exciting!!!  ;D  ;D

I pray you won't give up on performing period music if that is something you desire to do in your heart! I think it makes the faires amazing!
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on May 30, 2013, 01:27:26 PM
Quote from: William the Braveheart on May 30, 2013, 01:38:48 AM
I'm a drummer, as you can see from my photo. I'm currently the Bass Drummer for "Baton Rouge Caledonian Pipes and Drums" and played snare with "Kilts of Many Colors" in some of their Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans this past season.

My background is high school and college marching band (L.S.U.) and post college Pipe Band.

I'm currently trying to put together a Celtic Fusion Pipe and Percussion Band. (Envision a little bit of Tartanic and The Rogues, with Fiddles and more percussion) 

My ultimate goal is to play at TRF and Scarborough, but you have to walk before you can run.

I've been playing for over 40 years and have been to so many Ren Fests that I have a pretty good idea of what will work and be unique and popular with Faire goers.

It's difficult finding Fiddlers and Pipers that are serious about playing.

If anybody might be interested, please e-mail me at braveheartfusion@cox.net

I am SOOO happy for you and I wish you the best of luck! You will be in my thoughts and if any fiddle or pipers come my way I'll send them to yours! :)
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: William the Braveheart on May 30, 2013, 03:51:23 PM
Quote from: Aderin on May 30, 2013, 01:27:26 PM
Quote from: William the Braveheart on May 30, 2013, 01:38:48 AM
I'm a drummer, as you can see from my photo. I'm currently the Bass Drummer for "Baton Rouge Caledonian Pipes and Drums" and played snare with "Kilts of Many Colors" in some of their Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans this past season.

My background is high school and college marching band (L.S.U.) and post college Pipe Band.

I'm currently trying to put together a Celtic Fusion Pipe and Percussion Band. (Envision a little bit of Tartanic and The Rogues, with Fiddles and more percussion) 

My ultimate goal is to play at TRF and Scarborough, but you have to walk before you can run.

I've been playing for over 40 years and have been to so many Ren Fests that I have a pretty good idea of what will work and be unique and popular with Faire goers.

It's difficult finding Fiddlers and Pipers that are serious about playing.

If anybody might be interested, please e-mail me at braveheartfusion@cox.net

I am SOOO happy for you and I wish you the best of luck! You will be in my thoughts and if any fiddle or pipers come my way I'll send them to yours! :)
Thanks. I need all the word of mouth I can get.

It's a difficult process trying to find the musicians I want and need.

I'm going to check with the Pipe Bands in Houston to see if any of their Bagpipers might be interested. 

I see Meagan from this thread is a Fiddler. Interested in playing my dear Lady?
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Prof. John Bull on May 30, 2013, 10:31:08 PM
Quote from: Aderin on May 30, 2013, 01:26:01 PM
Wow! This is quite the impressive list! You are very talented!

Persistent, mostly.  Some might use the word stubborn. :)

Quote
My heart's desire is to one day start/join a period music band that sweeps the ren faire public by storm! It would sound so beautiful yet exciting that the faire-goers could not resist! I've already seen some bands start the movement such as Maidens IV and the bagpipe/drum combo bands. So exciting!!!  ;D  ;D

I pray you won't give up on performing period music if that is something you desire to do in your heart! I think it makes the faires amazing!

The general, mundane public in Minnesota has more trained, part-singing, sight-reading vocalists per capita than anywhere else in the world and so it should come as no surprise that there are no less than three a capella vocal ensembles at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival who perform, well mostly at least, period music.

But there aren't any instrumentalists who play period music.  Occasionally I see some at smaller faires (the late Owain Phyfe was one example though he sang as well) and I hear that the SCA has some.  Well I guess we do have a string quartet at MNRF but the mostly play baroque and later material.

The thing is that most authentic, period material that endures, other than the dances, is courtly material that doesn't lend itself well to street performance.  Most of it is most effectively performed with 4 or more people, the instruments are not loud, some must be played while seated, some are too large to be hand carried by the performer.  And to the modern ear it doesn't have the excitement or crowd appeal that most music now heard at the festival brings.

So, I still listen to it, and play it, at home, for my own reasons.  But on stage I do something else.
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: William the Braveheart on May 31, 2013, 02:25:59 AM
QuoteI am SOOO happy for you and I wish you the best of luck! You will be in my thoughts and if any fiddle or pipers come my way I'll send them to yours! :)
Oh BTW, I'm looking for musicians within the Houston, Dallas, San Antonio/Austin triangle, with Houston being the base. 
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Meagan on May 31, 2013, 03:56:28 PM
Quote from: William the Braveheart on May 30, 2013, 03:51:23 PM


I see Meagan from this thread is a Fiddler. Interested in playing my dear Lady?


Unfortunately I am a hobbyist. I don't even own an instrument anymore and the only songs I can scratch out by memory are Amazing Grace and Rubber Dolly.  Have you spoken with Jim Hancock at all? He seems to know everyone in the Ren-Faire musical world and I think he is based in Houston as well.
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: uncletimcobleigh on May 31, 2013, 08:17:15 PM
At faire, as The Minstrel Teig, I mostly play fiddle and octave mandolin, but I've been seen playing things like pipe & tabor, dulcimer, guitar, bodhran, whistle, and recorder. I'm slowly building a bowed psaltery, so I guess I'll have to learn that, as well. Outside of faire, I also like to play clawhammer banjo.
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on May 31, 2013, 08:37:19 PM
Quote from: Prof. John Bull on May 30, 2013, 10:31:08 PM
Quote from: Aderin on May 30, 2013, 01:26:01 PM
Wow! This is quite the impressive list! You are very talented!

Persistent, mostly.  Some might use the word stubborn. :)

Quote
My heart's desire is to one day start/join a period music band that sweeps the ren faire public by storm! It would sound so beautiful yet exciting that the faire-goers could not resist! I've already seen some bands start the movement such as Maidens IV and the bagpipe/drum combo bands. So exciting!!!  ;D  ;D

I pray you won't give up on performing period music if that is something you desire to do in your heart! I think it makes the faires amazing!

The general, mundane public in Minnesota has more trained, part-singing, sight-reading vocalists per capita than anywhere else in the world and so it should come as no surprise that there are no less than three a capella vocal ensembles at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival who perform, well mostly at least, period music.

But there aren't any instrumentalists who play period music.  Occasionally I see some at smaller faires (the late Owain Phyfe was one example though he sang as well) and I hear that the SCA has some.  Well I guess we do have a string quartet at MNRF but the mostly play baroque and later material.

The thing is that most authentic, period material that endures, other than the dances, is courtly material that doesn't lend itself well to street performance.  Most of it is most effectively performed with 4 or more people, the instruments are not loud, some must be played while seated, some are too large to be hand carried by the performer.  And to the modern ear it doesn't have the excitement or crowd appeal that most music now heard at the festival brings.

So, I still listen to it, and play it, at home, for my own reasons.  But on stage I do something else.

Wow, interesting! Thank you for that information and I'm glad you are playing to your heart's content :)
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on May 31, 2013, 08:38:07 PM
Quote from: uncletimcobleigh on May 31, 2013, 08:17:15 PM
At faire, as The Minstrel Teig, I mostly play fiddle and octave mandolin, but I've been seen playing things like pipe & tabor, dulcimer, guitar, bodhran, whistle, and recorder. I'm slowly building a bowed psaltery, so I guess I'll have to learn that, as well. Outside of faire, I also like to play clawhammer banjo.

Impressive! So glad to see someone who enjoys such interesting instruments :D
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Lady Nicolette on May 31, 2013, 10:22:21 PM
You know this already, but for the record, I play the harp.  I fell out of practice for a couple of years due to business, moving and other life concerns, but am getting back my chops bit by bit.  I have a long history of being involved with period and decidedly non-period music in several other capacities throughout my lifetime, including every kind of music from World and Middle Eastern (no, I was not a dancer), to psychedelic and progressive rock and acoustic singer/songwriters.

A few of my favourite Faire performers on the circuit are/were Owen Phyfe, Craig of Farrington, Cantiga, Circamon, E Muzeki, Joseph Pusey and Empty Hats.  Ancient days of Faire's musical and/or dance performers I've loved included the fabulous Pitu Guli, Sirocco, and Tony Selvage and Carole the Harper (the first harpist I saw and heard), Chris Caswell and the wonderful Hahbi Ru with the sadly departed and incomparable John Compton.

I have a beautiful Dusty Strings 36-string stave-backed harp, made of curly maple and bubinga wood, that I hope to do justice to by continuing to advance in my learning and playing. 
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Lady L on June 01, 2013, 12:31:00 AM
I took piano lessons from 2nd grade to 12th grade. Then, when I left home, I didn't have a piano, got married, didn't have room for a piano. Finally, 35 years later, my husband bought me an electric piano keyboard, for my birthday. Took me a while to get back into it, but I really love it. Then, I taught both my granddaughters to read music and play keyboard, too.  :)
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on June 01, 2013, 09:33:12 PM
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on May 31, 2013, 10:22:21 PM
You know this already, but for the record, I play the harp.  I fell out of practice for a couple of years due to business, moving and other life concerns, but am getting back my chops bit by bit.  I have a long history of being involved with period and decidedly non-period music in several other capacities throughout my lifetime, including every kind of music from World and Middle Eastern (no, I was not a dancer), to psychedelic and progressive rock and acoustic singer/songwriters.

A few of my favourite Faire performers on the circuit are/were Owen Phyfe, Craig of Farrington, Cantiga, Circamon, E Muzeki, Joseph Pusey and Empty Hats.  Ancient days of Faire's musical and/or dance performers I've loved included the fabulous Pitu Guli, Sirocco, and Tony Selvage and Carole the Harper (the first harpist I saw and heard), Chris Caswell and the wonderful Hahbi Ru with the sadly departed and incomparable John Compton.

I have a beautiful Dusty Strings 36-string stave-backed harp, made of curly maple and bubinga wood, that I hope to do justice to by continuing to advance in my learning and playing.

Ahh! How splendidly exciting!! You are rested and ready to start anew! Nothing more exciting than picking something lovely back up again. I am avid to hear of the good news that is surely coming :) Your harp sounds beautiful and I'm sure it is.

I saw Owen Phyfe in your list, what a lovely soul. Bless what he did for our ears and many ears to come.

E-Muzeki! What a lovely band. Just making sure you are aware they parted ways and formed two seperate bands. The lovely Circa Paleo, headed by Jenny who ravishes the violin, and Wine and Alchemy, where the guitarist from E-Muzeki electrifies the fret board of various lutes and guitars from around the world.

Blessings to you!!
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on June 01, 2013, 09:37:34 PM
Quote from: Lady L on June 01, 2013, 12:31:00 AM
I took piano lessons from 2nd grade to 12th grade. Then, when I left home, I didn't have a piano, got married, didn't have room for a piano. Finally, 35 years later, my husband bought me an electric piano keyboard, for my birthday. Took me a while to get back into it, but I really love it. Then, I taught both my granddaughters to read music and play keyboard, too.  :)

Lady L, this is most wonderful news!! The piano is so soothing to me during times of storm and strife. Your granddaughters are most fortunate and you are most venerable for teaching them a beautiful skill/instrument :-)
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Lady Nicolette on June 03, 2013, 08:25:39 AM
Ah yes, I was aware of the demise of the original E Muzeki.  However, that was a wonderful combination of talents.  I also forgot to mention MOM (Minstrels of Mayhem), how could I forget MOM?   :)
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on June 03, 2013, 10:16:00 AM
I play around with a variety of instruments (played trumpet and other brass instruments for a number of years), including guitar ,mandolin, bowed psaltry, drums, flute and digerydoo.  Just recently purchases a chanter and practice goose to learn a little piping.  I see why they call it a goose, 'cause in the words of Leo Koettke, it sounds kinda like geese farts on a muggy day.  The dogs really love it too  :P
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on June 03, 2013, 10:18:25 AM
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on June 03, 2013, 08:25:39 AM
Ah yes, I was aware of the demise of the original E Muzeki.  However, that was a wonderful combination of talents.  I also forgot to mention MOM (Minstrels of Mayhem), how could I forget MOM?   :)

Wow, their voices and the guitars blend handsomely! The fast fiddle is also exciting :D
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on June 03, 2013, 11:32:41 AM
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on June 03, 2013, 08:25:39 AM
Ah yes, I was aware of the demise of the original E Muzeki.  However, that was a wonderful combination of talents.  I also forgot to mention MOM (Minstrels of Mayhem), how could I forget MOM?   :)

Mark also departed Wine and Alchemy, although Roxanne kept them going, but I have not heard that iteration on the band.
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Lady Nicolette on June 03, 2013, 08:57:53 PM
Sometimes you get those great combinations of musicianship that just work together, I thought the first E Muzeki was the best, although I enjoyed the other configurations as well. 
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Welsh Wench on June 03, 2013, 09:18:54 PM
Nothing can touch E Muzeki.

Their last performance at BARF, the last song they ever did there---it was Kashmir and I was touched beyond belief when they dedicated it to me!
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Lady Nicolette on June 03, 2013, 10:21:40 PM
And you deserved every note of that dedication!
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on June 04, 2013, 02:30:02 PM
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on June 03, 2013, 11:32:41 AM
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on June 03, 2013, 08:25:39 AM
Ah yes, I was aware of the demise of the original E Muzeki.  However, that was a wonderful combination of talents.  I also forgot to mention MOM (Minstrels of Mayhem), how could I forget MOM?   :)

Mark also departed Wine and Alchemy, although Roxanne kept them going, but I have not heard that iteration on the band.

Surely you jest good sir! This is grave news for music lovers and mourn I will. Best wishes to all parties concerned.
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on June 04, 2013, 02:31:13 PM
Quote from: Welsh Wench on June 03, 2013, 09:18:54 PM
Nothing can touch E Muzeki.

Their last performance at BARF, the last song they ever did there---it was Kashmir and I was touched beyond belief when they dedicated it to me!

Wise words Welsh Wench. Anyone worthy of such an honor is venerable in my book!
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on June 04, 2013, 02:32:18 PM
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on June 03, 2013, 10:21:40 PM
And you deserved every note of that dedication!

Indeed!!! Kind words from an even kinder Lady!
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: William the Braveheart on June 05, 2013, 02:47:44 AM
Quote from: Meagan on May 31, 2013, 03:56:28 PM
Quote from: William the Braveheart on May 30, 2013, 03:51:23 PM


I see Meagan from this thread is a Fiddler. Interested in playing my dear Lady?


Unfortunately I am a hobbyist. I don't even own an instrument anymore and the only songs I can scratch out by memory are Amazing Grace and Rubber Dolly.  Have you spoken with Jim Hancock at all? He seems to know everyone in the Ren-Faire musical world and I think he is based in Houston as well.
Don't know Mr.Hancock. Please send me his contact information or post it here.

BTW, I met a very talented Fiddler/Piper from Nashville this past weekend at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. Possibilities!
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on June 05, 2013, 03:44:35 PM
Aye William, best of fortunes to thee! I'm avid to hear about your future endeavors.
Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: William the Braveheart on June 06, 2013, 12:55:37 PM
Quote from: William the Braveheart on June 05, 2013, 02:47:44 AM
Quote from: Meagan on May 31, 2013, 03:56:28 PM
Quote from: William the Braveheart on May 30, 2013, 03:51:23 PM


I see Meagan from this thread is a Fiddler. Interested in playing my dear Lady?


Unfortunately I am a hobbyist. I don't even own an instrument anymore and the only songs I can scratch out by memory are Amazing Grace and Rubber Dolly.  Have you spoken with Jim Hancock at all? He seems to know everyone in the Ren-Faire musical world and I think he is based in Houston as well.
Don't know Mr.Hancock. Please send me his contact information or post it here.

BTW, I met a very talented Fiddler/Piper from Nashville this past weekend at the Georgia Renaissance Festival. Possibilities!
Received your PM Meagan and will be contacting Jim post haste. Thanks.

Title: Re: Who are Musicians here?
Post by: Aderin on June 12, 2013, 06:28:10 AM
Any other musicians out there? I'd love to meet an ocarina player or a harpist!!