minstrel: Acapella Group

[Cynthia J Ley]

Greetings. 

I've been directing a cappella choirs for the last 20 years through the
auspices of the SCA. In answer to your questions.

1) You don't need to join the SCA (although it's a lot of fun! ;) )
Direct inquiry should be just fine. Even SCA events have their share of
"visitors." One thing you should be sensitive to is ambiance, so be aware
of their needs and your costuming.

2) Check out your local library. One truly excellent source for madrigals
and their baby cousins, the canzonet, is the Fellows English Madrigalist
series, probably only to be found in reference sections. It's a huge
multi-volume treasure trove, and you'll find lots of wonderful stuff in
it. It's difficult getting stuff expressly for women's choir (I have one
too), and I find myself pulling from all sorts of places for medieval and
Renaissance stuff, as well as frequently having to make minor adjustments
with the music, such as transposing it to suit my choir's voicing. Some
sources by name: Oxford Book of English Madrigals, ed. Philip Ledger;
Oxford Book of Carols (there's a large red volume and a smaller blue
one--both are good); Oxford Book of French Chansons; English Song Book,
ed. Greenberg.

There's a lot out there--these are just a very few, but very good
sources. You might also try a Google search under medieval music,
Renaissance music, and carols.

Too many favorites to name! :D

Good luck!

Arlys

On Mon, 10 Mar 2003 20:05:59 -0800 (PST) Jennifer
<mikesgirl777 at yahoo.com> writes:
> 
> I belong to a 4 part women's acapella group that has been competing 
> in another musical genre for several years and doing quite well, but 
> feel that the performances are a bit too "Vegas" for us and have 
> been working on some madrigals, carols and other renaissance pieces. 
>  We have a nice sound and are interested in 2 things: 
> 
> 1- in order to be involved in performing at Faires and events, 
> should we inquire directly with the person in charge of 
> entertainment at such event...or would it behoove us to join a guild 
> or group such as SCA first?
> 
> 2- Any links to aid us in purchasing vocal music would be 
> appreciated. Any favorite songs that one might recommend?
> 
> Thank you so much.
> 
> Jennifer
> 
> 
> 
> ---------------------------------
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