Here are listed the classes that are scheduled to be taught at the Bergental Novice Schola, February 24, 2007.
The site will open at 9:00 am, so that people have time to sign in at the gate before classes begin. There will be a one-hour lunch break at noon. Most classes will run 50–55 minutes, giving teachers and students time to get from one class to the next.
If there is a class size limit, it is noted as part of the class description, and the same for materials fee. If these are not noted, then assume there is no class size limit and/or no materials fee.
We hope you will find the classes of interest, and join us in Bergental for a day of sharing and learning! And remember that there is a fine feast in the evening, as well as an auction and some entertainment!
Elwynne and Kathleen, Head Class Scheduler and Co-Scheduler
21-Jan-2007 — Page created.
22-Jan-2007 — Updated description of “Tale of Three Towers”; removed class
“Reconstructing History from Text”; moved “A Sprint Through The 14th
Century” to Track 1, 3:00 PM.
23-Jan-2007 — Added “The Other Side of the Fence — Judging at A&S
Competitions”.
23-Jan-2007 — Added description to “From Wool To Yarn” — changed class size limit and materials fee.
23-Jan-2007 — Corrected teacher name “Robert Maser” to “Robt Maser”
for class “Early
Gunpowder and 14th Century Handgonnes”.
24-Jan-2007 — Moved “Introduction to Heraldry” to 1 PM;
moved “Fingerloop Braiding” to 2PM; Moved “Other Side of the Fence (Judging)”
to Track 1, same time; Moved “Early
Gunpowder and 14th Century Handgonnes” to Track 6 and expanded it to 2 hours.
05-Feb-2007 — Corrected teacher name “Sue” to “Susanna of Dragonship Haven”
for class “Youth Combat”; changed class name from “Writing Documentation for Competitions,
Professional Development, and More” to “Writing Documentation for Competitions, Research, and More”
17-Feb-2007 — Replaced “Knotted Necklaces” class with “Chess Tactics and Strategies”.
21-Feb-2007 — Updated description of “Fourteenth-Century Earworms”.
23-Feb-2007 — Changed teachers on four classes; changed class description for “Intro to Fingerloop
braiding”; replaced “Fourteenth-Century Earworms” class with “Rivetted Maille”
class; dropped “Early 15th Century Dances”; added a description to class
“Basic Medieval Carpentry“.
| Time | Track 1 | Track 2 | Track 3 | Track 4 | Track 5 | Track 6 | Open Space | Outdoors | Kitchen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
10:00 – 11:00 |
OPEN |
OPEN |
|||||||
11:00 – 12:00 |
Lunch Prep |
||||||||
Noon |
Lunch |
||||||||
| 1:00 – 2:00 |
Recognizing Coronets, Crowns, Medallions and Awards |
(Bad weather space for Rattan Combat 101) | OPEN |
Rattan Combat 101 | Lunch cleanup and set up for next class |
||||
| 2:00 – 2:30 |
How to Make Simple Italian Ren for Camp Wear (2 hours) |
Feast Wares — or, Which Cup is Right For You? | Tale of Three Towers (2 hours) |
OPEN | |||||
| 2:30 – 3:00 | OPEN (½ hr) | ||||||||
| 3:00 – 4:00 | Intro to Medieval Sewing | Calligraphy Basics |
So You’d Like to Perform in Your First Bardic
Circle |
Herbs 101 | |||||
| 4:00 – 5:00 | Rivetted Maille | Introduction to Archery |
Basic Medieval Carpentry |
|
Dinner Prep |
||||
| Persona | SCA Life | History | Arts and Sciences | Martial |
NOTE for class descriptions: If there isn’t a specified limit noted, then the class does not have a class size limit.
The Other Side of the Fence — Judging at A&S Competitions
Teacher: Eleanore MacCarthaigh
You do not have to be an expert in any field in order to judge and the East Kingdom needs A&S Judges! The exercise will demonstrate judging techniques and thought processes for the benefit of potential judges. Entrants would also benefit in order to understand how judging is usually done and encourage them to also judge. Students will “judge” sample entries individually, and then together we’ll review the findings.
Class size limit: 10
Make a Medieval Book (2 hours)
Teacher: Lyle fitz William
From the king’s jewel-encrusted prayer book to the merchant’s accounting to the student’s notebook, books can be found in many walks of medieval life. In this class you can learn to make your own reinforced-spine limp binding, and then maybe use it for the rest of the day for your other classes, and then on to other events!
Class Size Limit: 8
Materials Fee: $10 (includes handouts, bookbinding tools, leather cover and
paper)
Youth Combat
Teachers: Susanna of Dragonship Haven and Dziuginte
This class offers an overview of the Youth Combat Program — a discussion of the program’s philosophy, the Rules of the List, armor and weapons standards, and what to expect if your child wants to try combat at an event. Learn how to find a Youth Combat practice (or initiate one yourself). Hopefully, we’ll have time to explore the mysteries of armor and weapons construction. Hand-outs, demo weapons and armor will be available. The Youth Combat Program is for fighters ages 6–17, but this class is for parents/guardians. Kids are welcome but should bring a grown-up.
14th Century Clothing
Teacher: Pagan Graeme
This is a discussion class. It will be a survey of 14th century clothing for men and women, looking at the components for creating clothes appropriate to the time of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. It is a very basic class, which I hope will whet people’s appetite for further research.
From Wool to Yarn
Teachers: Henna Sinclair and Una ingen Ragnaill
We’ll take a wild and woolly journey from fleece through yarn, as you do and see all the steps necessary for this most magical transformation, and in the process transform yourself from a non-spinner to a spinner. You'll learn to spin and ply and be provided a set of equipment and resources to carry on into your future spinning adventures.
Class Size Limit: 4 (additional people welcome to watch and listen)
Materials Fee: $10 for materials and handouts.
Early Gunpowder and 14th Century Handgonnes (2 hours)
Teacher: Robt Maser
Early history of gunpowder and handgonnes.
How To Make New Friends and Meet Interesting People In the SCA
Teacher: Pagan Graeme, Brigit of Bergental
New to the SCA? This class discusses how to get involved in activities in the SCA. Learn about the different opportunities and you’ll always be in good company!
Make a Medieval Book (continued from 10:00)
Combat Archery
Teacher: Holt Kinkaid, Combat Archery Marshal
If you are a target archer who has always wanted to be in the big battles, then this is the class for you. If you are an established fighter who would like to add a new weapon form, then drop in and learn more. This class will cover what is required to become a combat archer. You will learn; what armor is needed and where to get it or how to make it, what types of bows and arrows/bolts are needed and how to get them or make them, and the rules and where/how to practice and to get qualified.
Whitework Techniques,
Both Cut Fabric and Drawn Thread
Teacher: Robert of Stonemarche
Make a nice edging for your camicas, chemises and smocks. Add some decoration to that white linen handkerchief. It’s easier than it looks. Reticella, that fantastic Italian lace technique is very similar to the modern Hardanger, and is just as easy to work. Drawn tread embroidery is equally easy and provides a fantastic array of options for decorating garb and your table linens.
Class Size Limit: 8-10
Materials Fee: If there is one, it’ll be just a few dollars, I think, but I may
not need that.
Wool to Yarn (continued from 10am)
Early Gunpowder and 14th Century Handgonnes (continued from 10 am)
Dancing for Newcomers (Open Space)
Teachers: Emma MacMinn, William the Alchemist
Suitable for all ages, children included, this dance class will begin with very basic dances with easy steps.
LUNCH
Recognizing Coronets, Crowns, Medallions and Awards (1½ hours)
Teacher: Lyle fitz William
A general introduction to the recognition of items of regalia worn by folks in the East Kingdom. This class actually goes further than simply explaining who wears what coronet, it talks about the award structure as well as addressing etiquette and myths concerning use of titles and honorifics. Hand outs provided.
Introduction to Leather Tooling and Embossing
Teacher: Detharlion of Nottingham
A look into current day practices that have their roots in antiquity. Shaping and embossing of leather for decorative and functional purposes.
Class size limit: 10
Some extra handouts will be available.
Introduction to Heraldry in the SCA
Teacher: Ælfgifa of the Hazel Thicket
Argent, Gules, Sable, a Sword Bendwise… What do all those words mean? Come learn about heraldry, and how it is used for identification of people and groups in the SCA, both on and off the field of battle.
Writing Documentation for Competitions, Research, and More
Teacher: Rowan de Beauchamp, Northern Lights XVI Pentathlon Co-coordinator
Learn the basics for writing documentation to succeed in competitions such as Northern Lights. The class is a discussion format and will hit on the usual pit falls and misconceptions students run into when they write documentation for the first time. Documentation should not be intimidating but should be part of the entire process for any re-creation or research into the Middle Ages. Documentation skills are helpful even for those who do not wish to compete as it helps provide the basics for organizing your thoughts and research.
If you are planning to enter a competition, please feel free to bring your documentation to this class for class discussion and pointers. Gentles are encouraged to bring examples of their documentation to share with the group. Those who have expertise in documentation are highly encouraged to attend this discussion to share their advice and tips.
Embroidery in 14th Century England
Teacher: Ygraine of Kellswood
As you dress your persona for the Crossroads at Canterbury event in September 2007, you may wish to use embroidery to embellish your garments and accessories. The 14th century was the height of the renowned "opus anglicanum" (English work). In this class we will look at images showing where and how embroidered decoration was used, identify motifs and patterns commonly found, discuss appropriate materials, and try some of the stitches.
Please come prepared for note-taking, and bring an embroidery hoop and supplies, if you have them. The instructor will provide hoops and supplies for at least 6 students. There is no class limit, though hands-on will be limited by available supplies. There is no fee.
About the Instructor: Mistress Ygraine of Kellswood, a Laurel in diverse arts, has been embroidering since she was a young girl. She has achieved the status of Senior member of the Guild of Athena’s Thimble, and has learned much from her fellow members over the years.
Introduction to Rattan Combat (out in the covered porch entrance area)
Teacher: Tommaltach MacFhiachach
Learn about some of the basics of rattan combat — stance, offense, defense, armor and weapon standards, and more.
Recognizing Coronets, Crowns, Medallions and Awards (continued from 1:00pm)
Accessorizing Your Period
Garb With Leather
Teacher: Detharlion of Nottingham
A look at those items that are inconspicuous, unobtrusive, and otherwise overlooked. Belts, Pouches, Scabbards, and Footwear.
Class size limit: 15
How to Make Simple Italian Ren for Camp Wear (2 hours)
Teacher: Jovonne d’Esprit
You will learn how to make a simple sturdy version of the popular Italian Renaissance style overdress, in fabric suitable for warm weather camp wear. During the first half of the class, bodice & sleeve patterns will be drafted for each participant. Written cutting and sewing instructions will be provided and explained. Those who would like to stay for the 2nd half, there is the hands-on opportunity of putting the dress together. This is especially helpful for novice sewers. More experienced seamstresses could attend either, or both, periods. For beginning to intermediate sewers.
Class Size Limit: 8.
NOTE: Please bring a brown paper bag, scissors, pencil, and measuring tape (Some will be available to share.)
Introduction to Fingerloop Braiding
Teacher: Angharad Rhos ferch Rhain
It’s another class on Cool Stuff to do with String! Got string? Got fingers? Then you can fingerloop braid! Participants will learn three easy and period braids and get to take home a sample.
Class size limit: 10
Age limit: 10
Intro to Harp
Teacher: Emma MacMinn
So, you’re curious about the Harp? For those who have a harp but don’t know what to do with it (or have just a bit of a clue)… or those that have seen this beautiful instrument and would love a chance to get their hands on one — if only for a short time — just to see if this is the instrument for them, I offer my services as teacher, demonstrator, monitor, and cheerleader.
I will show you different hand positions, introduce you to the anatomy of a harp, and lead you to play a simple accompaniment for some period songs! … and no, you don’t have to know how to read music!
Because I only have one harp, this class will have to be limited to 6 people. If you have a harp, and you don’t mind other people handling it — under my tutelage — please bring it with you! It would be most appreciated! (I would then be able to see more people!) If the harp you bring needs tuning and you need my help, please bring it to me at the beginning of the event.
Feast Wares — or, Which Cup is Right for You?
Teacher: Elwynne Rowenna of Wentworth
So here you are, new to the SCA, and they tell you that you need to bring your own dishes with you for dinner! What sorts of things should you bring? What would an English or Italian or Viking person use? And what are the differences for 10th, 14th, or 16th century? Well, I can’t promise to answer all your questions, but this class will provide an overview, with many photographs and illustrations of examples as well as some reproductions and also dishes from places like Family Dollar and Christmas Tree Shops. You can spend as much or as little as you like on dishes, and this class will try to cover the range of possibilities.
Tale of Three Towers (2 hours)
Teachers: Graywolf the Gonner, Seamus O’Corcrain, Jane Little Cougar, Brangwyne
of Wentworth
Did you ever feel you could lead not just absorb hits on your Armor and Shield? Could you command an Army or several regiments? Want to try without risking Kingdom Flesh and Blood? Then this class is for you! Experienced or Novice, HERE IS YOUR CHANCE.
Strategy and tactics of battle with emphasis on movement and application of troops, recreated on a large “Sand Table” like board with pieces to represent the troops, etc. will have Tactical Goals in three separate Battles. Final game will be played on a 9' by 5' battlefield with 50 units involved. This is designed to stimulate overall tactical application of differing units with differing qualities, much like real field tactics. This is NOT A SIEGE BASED GAME. Generals will guide their Colonels. Colonels will command Foot Troops, Knights, Archers, Cannon, and More! This Tactical application will allow assaults, surrounds, terrain based defense, and more. Victories are best obtained by strategy, but can still end in a "Slug Fest". Finalist teams will clash in a massive Battle.
Observers are welcome and will have a “Grand View” much like looking on from the Fort at Pennsic.
Teams of 4 (1 “general” and 3 “colonels”) will work together to try to defeat the other teams. Team members will work to best apply their forces.
Class Size Limit: 16 competitors (Adults preferred but, open to 12 and up.)
and unlimited observers. Prizes awarded to the Conquerors.
A Sprint Through the 14th Century
Teacher: Dreda
A sweeping survey of events, fashions, and culture in Western Europe, primarily England and France, designed to give a bird’s-eye view of what the fourteenth century looks, feels, and sounds like, and who the big players are.
Intro to Medieval Handsewing
Teacher: Laurencia of Carlisle
A hands-on introduction to hand sewing with medieval threads and stitches. No previous sewing experience needed. The class will also explore the strengths and weaknesses of different combinations of stitches and thread used in the Middle Ages for clothing construction.
Limit of 15 hands-on kits. Observers welcome
Materials Fee: $0.50
How to Make Simple Italian Ren for Camp Wear (continued from 2:00pm)
Calligraphy Basics
Teacher: Robert of Stonemarche
Good tips on getting started in the calligraphic arts. I’ll be showing methods of working with gouache vs. ink, tools that are needed and tools that are useful.
Class limit: 5-8.
Materials Fee: $5 (starter calligraphy kit)
Introduction to Knitting
Teacher: Angharad Rhos ferch Rhain
Have you ever wanted to learn to knit? Well, now’s your big chance. This class will cover the absolute basics of knitting and while we stitch, we’ll chat about the types of knitted items and knitting techniques that were used prior to 1600.
Class limit: 6
Age Limit: 10
Materials Fee: $4 for yarn and needles or you may bring your own
So You’d Like to Perform in Your First Bardic Circle
Teacher: Tommaltach MacFhiachach
What is a bardic circle? What to expect. How to prepare. How to perform. Do’s and don’ts. Protocol.
Tale of Three Towers (continued from 2pm)
Herbs 101
Teachers: Kalliera Laskarina, Henna Sinclair
An introduction to herbs, including common household herbs and spices, uses and preparations for personal care. Basic techniques and tools will be covered. Teas and salves will be covered, other topics openly discussed.
Materials Fee: Handouts and samples will be available for $2
Rivetted Maille
Teacher: Eric von Hemeor
One of the classic types of armor in the Middle Ages, chain or maille, was an excellent defense against many weapons. Come learn about its history and see the making of rivetted maille, the very best of this type of armor!
A Short Discourse on Decorating Clothing Through the Centuries or,
What is Trim and How Would it be Used?
Teacher: Jolanna Eadgythe of Heverington
We’ll cover history of decorating clothing, highlighting the use of trim over the centuries, including an overview of the basics of weaving; how they used tablet weaving and other narrow fabrics. You’ll see different trims on clothing and learn about the ‘care and feeding’ of trim.
Handout will include photographs, a bibliography of sources, web sites to check out, and more.
Medieval Board Games
Teacher: William the Alchemist
We’ll look at a few medieval games, then spend the rest of the time playing!
Introduction to SCA Archery
Teacher: Li Kung Lo
Ever seen the lords and ladies with bows and arrows and wondered if you could play too? Are you a dabbler who has played a little at archery but felt a bit lost? Perhaps you are a non-fighter who would like to support the Eastern Pennsic War effort, or a fighter who would like to support it... more. Maybe your child has been asking if he or she could do archery. If so, this class is for you.
Material that will be covered:
Required equipment: None, but the instructor requests that students bring any bows, arrows, or other archery equipment they already own for assessment and as examples.
About the instructor: Master Li Kung Lo is a companion of the Pelican, Companion of the Sagittarius, Grand Master Bowman, and Lieutenant General of Archers of the East. He holds the unofficial rank of Ludicrous Bowman, and has been a member of every archery champion’s team of the East since Pennsic 17. He has been King’s archery champion twice, once with a handbow, and once with crossbow. He has coached multiple students from beginner to Eastern archery champion, and has been in the top ten ranked archers of the East longer than anyone else.
Chess Tactics and Strategies
Teacher: Syr Kai MacLain
This course is a basic intro to chess tactics and stratagies. If you know how the pieces move, but are not sure what to do from there, then this course is for you. I will go over basic mating techniques, Rules of the board, basic opening principles, basic piece principles, and anything else that people may wish to know about chess. Although I will briefly discuss some of the rules of chess, and where it came from, this is a course designed to teach you how to play better then when you entered (Thus staying with the Novice Schola theme).
Course Requirements: Course participants should know how the chess pieces move.
Items that are required: Just your presence. If you have a chess board and would like to bring it great, but it is not required to attend.
Basic Medieval Carpentry
Teacher: Angus Kerr
Learn about the types of wood used in the Medieval and Renaissance periods, as well as the basic methods of construction and assembly.
The maintainers of this page are Lyle H. Gray (gray @ cs . umass . edu) and Heather Gray (march . hare @ verizon . net).
The material presented on this page is subject to change without notice.
Page last updated on 23-Feb-2007
