A change in the light? A soft smell in the air? A gentle kiss of a breeze instead of an ice-knifed gale? Well, ok, not today given the snowstorm blanketing much of southern Æthelmearc, but it’s coming!
If you are weary of the bite of winter, I invite you to think of the warmer months ahead … particularly June!
The good folk of the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais look forward to welcoming you to the Spring 2018 session of Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College, which will be held on Saturday, June 16. Event information can be found here: http://aecademy.net/spring2018/index.shtml
The theme for this session will be Adornments, Embellishments, Flourishes, and Garnishes.
We can all find ways to up our game, whether by adorning a garment with intricate embroidery, embellishing a tale, adding flourish to a calligraphed signature, or garnishing a tasty dish.
Teachers are thus encouraged to offer classes that will inspire others to “kick it up a notch.”
Already, we have classes in:
Making turnshoes (An all-day, make-it-and-take-it class!)
Protocol for RP events (Helpful tips for Royalty Liasons!)
Running an event (Great for autocrats wanting to up their game!)
Scandinavian boxes (Spiff up your camp!)
Sewing hats (Every outfit is better with a hat!)
Short-sleeved Italian gown (Just right for Pennsic!)
For this session, we will be using two sites: one is a church with typical classrooms; the other is a fire hall with one large open room.
Having two kitchens means that those wishing to teach hands-on cooking classes will be able to do so without interfering with lunch prep. The fire hall is especially suited for multi-hour, messy classes.
Brewers will be pleased to learn that the fire hall will allow us to offer a Brewers’ Guild Roundtable.
For the martially inclined, we have a large, flat open field that can accommodate any number of fighters and fencers.
In addition, Duchess Ilish is already working to line up a stellar slate of classes for our Youth Track. We welcome classes taught by our youthful artisans as well as for them.
I hope you will consider sharing your knowledge, skills, and passions with AEthelmearc by teaching a class (or two!)
The class schedules for recent sessions of AEcademy have filled up more than a month before the event. To avoid disappointment, please don’t wait to register your class … sign up TODAY!
Greetings unto the most talented and erudite Kingdom of Æthelmearc from Mistress Alicia Langland, Chancellor of Æthelmearc Æcademy!
Good Gentles,
Central Æthelmearc has arrayed herself in her brightest fall finery.I invite you to enjoy the spectacle as you travel to the Shire of Nithgaard for Fall 2016 Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College on Saturday, November 12.
Come and learn a new skill to help while away those dreary winter hours!Immerse yourself in a topic or activity that inspires you!Make new friends to geek out with!
To entice you, we offer this tantalizing cornucopia of classes:
Deeper Look at Textiles & Trim of Viking Age Dress ( Mistress Álfrún ketta )
Headdresses 101 ( Lady Therasa du Domrémy )
Make Your Own Viking Hand Bag ( Lord Hrolfr Fjarfell )
Impress your friends … Hand them a homebrew!
Brewing 101 – Getting Started ( Master Gille MacDhnouill )
Documenting Homebrew What Digby never told you. ( THL Madoc Arundel )
Brewers Guild Roundtable ( Lady Elska á Fjárfella )
See the world through a different lens …
The Arts in Japanese Polity ( Solveig Throndardottir )
Dracula ( Lady Rowena Macara )
Old Norse Dróttkvætt Poetry: A Closer Look ( Baron Fridrikr Tomasson )
Who wants to go to POLAND!!! ( Lady Brygida Zajacowa )
Fiber FUN!
Bookmarkers for Discontinuous Reading I ( Mistress Rhiannon y Bwa )
A discussion of brocaded tablet weaving ( Baron Silvester Burchardt )
History and Future of Hand Spinning ( Mistress Evelyn Bloomfield )
Masterful fencing …
Developing mastery in teaching (fencing) ( Master Raev Halle )
The four general techniques in Destreza ( Master Raev Halle )
Learn by doing …
Introduction to Silk Banners ( Baron Friderich Swartzwalder )
Seething Sope -or- How to make Black Soap ( Lady Elska á Fjárfella )
Printing and Stamping on Fabric ( Meisterin Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen )
Printmaking Made Easy (For all ages) ( Meisterin Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen )(YOUTH-FRIENDLY!)
Find your niche …
The Big Cookie: Secrets of Polling Orders Unlocked ( Master Bedwyr Danwyn )
Exchequer 102: the Quarterly Report ( Baron Tofi Kerthjalfadsson )
Talking with Your Hands ( THL Gytha Oggsdottir )
Oooh …. Ahhh … Oh!
Preparing a Scroll Using Period Methods, Materials and Tools ( THL Mairghread Stoibheard inghean ui Choinne )
Italian White Vine Scribal Track: Zero to Hero ( Scribal Tour ) – This 4-hour workshop will coverOverview of the Style, Raised Gilding, Painting, and Humanist Calligraphy.The $10 fee covers supplies for the entire track; everyone will leave with a finished piece that day.Participants must register via ScribalTour20162017ATyahoo.com before November 8, 2016.
Before pumpkin-chuckin’ …
Build a Human-Powered Trebuchet ( THL Rosalia Iuliana Andre )
Introduction to Siege Marshaling and the MIT Process ( THL Rosalia Iuliana Andre )
You know, for the kids …
Youth Puppet Make and Take ( Lady Mairin O’Cadhla )
Printmaking Made Easy (For all ages) ( Meisterin Fredeburg von Katzenellenbogen )(YOUTH-FRIENDLY!)
…. and don’t forget about the War College!
An indoor gym as well as plenty of space outside (weather permitting!) for fencing and heavy weapons classes
His Royal Highness Timothy has promised to provide plenty of moving targets!
Their Majesties in Japanese outfits made by Her Ladyship Hara Kikumatsu, and His Lordship Ishiyama Gen’tarou Yori’ie. Photo by THL Ishiyama.
Unto the artisans and scientists of Æthelmearc do Byron and Ariella, King and Queen, send Greetings.
We have returned from Our travels to Our beloved Shire of Ballachlagan (beloved particularly by the cicadas this year). We saw so many good artistic acts and thoughtful, insightful classes at the Æthelmearc. We extend Our thanks to all of the artisans and teachers who made the day so special, and to Mistress Alicia for organizing the Æcademy classes. We were pleased to witness the largest Cut and Thrust tournament ever sponsored in this Kingdom, and Our thanks go to Master Will Parris for organizing the tournament. Vivant to Don Clewin, who will soon become a Master of Defense, for winning the tournament.
THL Aelric and all the members of Ballachlagan should be very proud of the event; it went off beautifully and was an excellent showcase for martial and artistic pursuits. We attended many of the classes (at least in part) and were impressed with the quality and depth of the teaching. We also spent time in the Arts and Sciences display, where all of the entries were exceptional, and it was difficult to choose favorites. Furthermore, We thank everyone who made Ian Aetheling and Princess Leah welcome in their classes.
It is indeed a blessing to have Heirs who work so well with Us, and Our thanks go to Prince Marcus and Princess Margerite for their support in numerous ways.
Documented from the Rolls and Files of the Coram Regibus of Thomas Byron and Ariella, Rex et Regina Æthelmearc: Being a True Record of the Business of Their Majesties’ Royal Court at the Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College, 28 May, Anno Societatis LI, in the Shire of Abhainn Ciach Ghlais, accompanied by Their Heirs, Prince Marcus and Princess Margerite. As recorded by Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres, Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald, with the assistance of Lord Pavel Dudoladov.
In the morning. Their Majesties invited Mistress Alicia Langland to address the populace. She welcomed all to the event, especially those who gave of their time to teach throughout the day, and made a few announcements of changes to the classes. She also announced the inauguration of a new stipend in the memory and honor of the late Countess Aidan ni Lir, and named its first honoree: Lady Edana the Red.
THL Sion’s Fleur. Photo by Brehyres Gwendolyn.
Their Majesties next called before Them His LordshipSionn the Lost, and Lady Lelija Barnasiewicz-Tancerka. His Majesty spoke of the singular joy that is dance, particularly when one’s partner is also one’s love. A couple so dedicated and so infectious in their love of their art does not escape the notice of others.
Thus, Their Majesties invited before Them Their Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc, who acclaimed Their Majesties’ will to induct The Honorable Lord Sionn and Lady Lelija into that company, and to Grant Lelija Arms. His Lordship’s scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova; Her Ladyship’s scroll is a work in progress.
Viscountess Rosalind sent on vigil.
Next did Their Majesties desire words with Mistress Phiala O’Ceallaigh. She brought unto Their Majesties works of exquisite skill and artistry, woven not by her own hand, but that of her apprentice, Viscountess Rosalind Ashworthe. So greatly impressed were Their Majesties that Her Majesty was tempted to keep a sample for Herself, but instead chose to have Her Excellency brought before the Throne. Thereupon did Their Majesties seek the counsel of the Most Noble Order of the Laurel, and instructed Her Excellency to go forward with that Order and sit the remainder of the day in vigil to contemplate elevation into their company. Mistress Phiala asked Viscountess Rosalind to return her apprentice belt, that she might make her decision independently. Her Excellency was escorted to her Vigil, and Court was suspended.
Court resumed in the evening. Their Majesties asked the children forward and invited them to amuse themselves with activities provided by Princess Leia at the rear of the hall.
Then Their Majesties gave leave to The Honorable Lady Clarissa da Svizzera to address the populace. Her Ladyship invited all to Pax Interruptus in the Barony of Thescorre, and announced a scribal fundraiser to be held at the event. She encouraged all to help support the scribes by bringing “SCA Yard Sale” items to donate, and to shop the yard sale during the day.
Their Majesties next received Mistress Arianna of Wynthrope to install her as the Kingdom Youth Fighting Marshal. Although Sir Thorgrim Skullsplitter, outgoing Marshal, was not able to attend, Their Majesties thanked him in absentia for his service, and entrusted Mistress Arianna with the charge to continue training Their Kingdom’s youth.
Mistress Arianna takes the oath of office.
Their Majesties invited the Silver Buccle, Kameshima Zentarou Umakai, forward. With Their Majesties’ permission, he inducted Maighstir Liam MacantSaoir as the new Sycamore Herald. He also sought applications for the position of Keystone Herald, in charge of education, to replace the late Baron Malcolm FitzWilliam.
Maighstir Liam becomes Sycamore Herald
Their Majesties gave leave to The Honorable Lord Aelric Ravenshaw, autocrat for the day’s event, to address the populace. His Lordship thanked his staff, the staff of the Æcademy, the teachers, the cooks, and all those who helped bring the event to success.
Mistress Alicia.
Mistress Alicia Langland was once again invited to offer her own thanks for the teachers and students. She particularly acknowledged those who taught at Æcademy for the first time, and those who had had their first-ever teaching experience. She further explained that in the teachers’ gift bags were Medieval-style candle-lighting tools, known in period as a “clue,” and that additional “clues” will go to teachers at future events. Thus, if one teaches sufficient classes at upcoming Æcademy sessions, one might be so lucky as to earn a “clue-by-four.” The next opportunity to amass more “clues” will be Æcademy in the fall, currently proposed for November 12.
Master Will Parris announces the results of the Cut and Thrust Tourney.
Then Their Majesties called Master William Parris forward to name the winner of the cut-and-thrust tournament held that day. Master William explained that cut-and-thrust has long been a growing interest within the rapier community, and that the Masters of Defence have made it their particular brief to encourage and foster it. He announced the final placements: in third place, Master Annanias Fenne; in second, Countess Elena D’Artois; and the winner, Don Clewin Kupferhelbelinc. Don Clewin was called forward to receive his prize: a Royal favor to wear and pass on as additional sponsored cut-and-thrust tournaments are held in the Kingdom.
Their Majesties called before Them Fenna Rioux. They noted her willingness to retain, and spoke of the glowing reports They had received of her other efforts in her Shire and for her Household. This, along with Their first-hand knowledge of her courtesy and nobility, moved Them to Award her Arms. Scroll was a work in progress by Baroness Mahin Banu Tabrizi and Lady Raven Whitehart.
Lady Fenna Rioux received an Award of Arms
Their Majesties also summoned Jarngerd of Stormhaven to attend Them. Her Majesty said that She first took notice of Jarngerd in Her home, where she was hard at work in the kitchens, and later learned of this lady’s practices in her own home, including raising rabbits for food and fur, as well as her efforts retaining and serving her household. In recognition of these things and more, Their Majesties named her a Companion of the Order of the Keystone and further Awarded her Arms. Scroll by Lady Raven Whitehart with wording by Baroness Mahin Bany Tabrizi.
Lady Jarngerd receives a Keystone
Lady Jarngerd’s AOA. Photo by Brehyres Gwendolyn.
Their Majesties next sought Lady Elena de la Palma and complimented her on her splendid attire. Her Majesty noted that all who see this lady can be in no doubt of her skills as a clothier, but also her attention to the details of her presentation, as well as her other creative ability. Thus did Their Majesties proclaim Their mind to name her a Companion of the Order of the Sycamore. Scroll by Lord Oliver Sutton.
Lady Elena receives a Sycamore.
Lady Elena’s Sycamore. Photo by Brehyres Gwendolyn.
Baron Silvester Burchardt was brought before the Sylvan Throne, where Their Majesties assured him of Their admiration for his weaving. Their Majesties also assured him that the Order of the Fleur d’Æthelmearc enthusiastically agreed and encouraged Them in Their present course, which was to once again convene the Order, and name him one of their Companions. Scroll by THL Máirghréad Stíobhard inghean uí Choinne.
Baron Silvester is inducted into the Fleur
Baron Silvester’s Fleur. Photo by Brehyres Gwendolyn.
Next did Their Majesties desire to address Baroness Amelia Soteria. Although she came before the Thrones from her position behind them as Their Thrown Weapons Champion, Her Majesty pointed out that she might as easily have been standing behind Them as Their retainer. Rarely is this lady found not working, as Mistress of the Lists, or in fighter support, or in any number of ways great and small where she tirelessly serves. Her prodigious efforts commanded the notice not only of Their Majesties, but of the Order of the Millrind. Thus with that Order’s acclaim, Their Majesties did name her a Companion of the Millrind, and gave unto her two medallions that had been provided by members eager to welcome her among them. Scroll by Baroness Ekaterina Volkova.
Baroness Soteria receives a Millrind.
Baroness Soteria’s Millrind. Photo by Brehyres Gwendolyn.
Viscountess Rosalind is asked if she will accept elevation to the Laurel.
Their Majesties called for Viscountess Rosalind Ashworthe to come before Them and give answer whether she had chosen to undertake elevation. Upon her assent, the Most Noble Order of the Laurel was invited forward. Words from Duchess Rowan de la Garnison were conveyed by Countess Alexandra of Clan Donald. Her Grace cited the way Her Excellency wove her own patterns on her travels and left her mark upon the Kingdom. Master Wulfgar of the Wood spoke on behalf of the Order of Chivalry, saying that he has known Her Excellency almost all her life and never seen a better example of chivalry or courtesy. Her Highness Margerite read the words of Duchess Dorinda Courtenay, as a representative of the Order of Defense. Her Grace wrote of the work Her Excellency has done for the arts community, not loudly, but quietly, with little fanfare, but with great patience, and proclaimed that now is the time for the kingdom to speak loudly to proclaim her a Peer. Mistress Mahin Banu Tabrizi, also, attested to the service inherent in every instance that Her Excellency offered to teach, or to help, or guide another artisan on their path. Master Victor of Shrewsbury reflected on the way the threads of one’s life intertwine and twist, for Her Excellency introduced him and his late lady to the Society, ultimately setting them on the path that led to their own inductions into the Order of the Laurel. With the testimony of these Noble Worthies to confirm Their Majesties’ wish, Her Excellency was then bedecked with the medallion given to Mistress Phiala by her own Laurel, Master Ruadhan O’Ceallaigh, and with a hood adorned by a laurel wreath, wrought for her by Lady Beautrice Hammeltoune. Then did Mistress Laurencia bestow into her keeping the reliquary fruitcake of the Order of the Laurels of Æthelmearc. Mistress Rosalind swore her oath of service to the Crown and was proclaimed by Letters Patent to be a Peer of the Realm and a Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Laurel. Scroll by Duke Malcolm MacEoghainn.
Mistress Rosalinde is made a Laurel
Mistress Rosalind’s Laurel. Photo by Brehyres Gwendolyn.
Their Majesties called for the attendance of His Lordship Jussie Laplein. His Majesty declared that He knows this man well, for he comes to practice at Their Majesties’ home most weeks, and thus They have both crossed swords with him many, many times. With great pleasure, Their Majesties requested the presence of Their Most Noble Order of Chivalry to attend Them. They then commanded His Lordship to sit vigil at a mutually agreed date and contemplate elevation into the Chivalry. Scroll by Hrefna Fruþikona Þorgrimsdottir.
THLord Jussie receives a Writ for the Chivalry
THL Jussi’s writ for the Chivalry. Photo by Brehyres Gwendolyn.
Prince Marcus announces his fundraiser to benefit the scribes. Photo by Master Tigernach.
His Highness, Prince Marcus, addressed the populace. Moved by the ongoing efforts to support and bolster the scribes of Æthelmearc, His Highness announced his intention to sponsor a silent auction at the Kingdom Party at Pennsic. His Highness will create a full Landsknecht ensemble for the winner (who must also provide His Highness with the materials); the proceeds will benefit the scribes.
Her Majesty then named Her inspiration for the day: Lord Sasson della Sancta Victoria. Her Majesty spoke of his impressive efforts as a new Thrown Weapons marshal and a craftsman, but what captured Her attention on this day was that, while he normally attires himself in Japanese clothing, on this very hot day, he was in full Elizabethan garb. He chose to make himself this outfit on the occasion of becoming an apprentice, in honor of his Laurel, Mistress Anne Greye, whose persona is of that period. As he had already departed, Mistress Anne accepted Her Majesty’s token on his behalf and pledged to convey Her words to him.
Their Majesties recognized all those scribes who contributed scrolls, and announced that today and going forward, They have thank-you gifts in the form of scribal supplies. For the duration of the reign, scribes turning in scrolls may select an item from the scribal goodie stash, to help resupply them and provide them with materials they need to produce additional work.
There being no further business, the Coram Regibus was closed.
Faithfully Submitted,
Gwendolyn the Graceful, Brehyres
Jewel of Æthelmearc Herald
All photos of people by Master Tigernach mac Cathail. All photos of scrolls by Breyhyres Gwendolyn.
THL Duncan faces tourney winner Don Clewin, while second-place tourney entrant Comtesse Elena walks by on the left. Photo by Princess Leah.
History was made on June 11 at the Æthelmearc Æcademy & War College in Ballachlagan: the first-ever Order of Defense-sponsored Cut-and-Thrust Tournament in the Kingdom occurred.
Nine combatants entered in the tourney, arrayed themselves in a semi-circle around the inside of the list field. The format for the tournament was round-robin style. Each pair of combatants met in the center of the circle, exchanged introductions, and proceeded to take their guard. The combat ensued under the watchful eyes of our Sylvan Majesties, Thomas and Ariella, and the marshal-in-charge, Master William Parris.
Many feats of valor and acts of chivalry were exchanged in the crossing of swords. In the end, Don Clewin Kupferhelbelinc bested all comers and was victorious. Second place was Comtesse Elena d’Artois le Tailleur and third place Master Anias Fenne.
As one of the combatants, it is my wish that these Tournaments continue, and my hope that they draw more worthy fighters into the fray.
Greetings unto the most talented and erudite Kingdom of AEthelmearc from Mistress Alicia Langland, Chancellor of Æthelmearc Æcademy!
Good Gentles,
If you have been wanting to learn a new skill or perfect a technique you haven’t quite mastered, I invite you to attend Saturday’s AEthelmearc AEcademy and War College, hosted by the hospitable Shire of Ballachlagan.
With nearly 60 classes offered, you will surely enjoy a day of learning and doing!
Do you brew? Do you want to?
Documenting Homebrew. What Digby never told you
Medieval Malting
Are you interested in classes on clothing and accessories?
A Brief History of Undergarments: The Pair of Bodies and the Farthingale
Hitatare Kamishimo, Fancy Japanese Menswear
Hoods for Everyone
Ladies Japanese Outfit
Making a Norse Hat or Sewing 101 (Youth-friendly class!)
Yorkshire and Doublet Buttons
Does a good brawl set your toes a-tapping?
Bransles/Brawls of Arbeau f1589
Bring Your Own Feet Dance Practice
Three 15th century Italian dances
Want to embellish garments that others will envy?
Hand Applique
To Knot or Not To Knot (Youth-friendly class!)
How about fiber arts?
Felted Mitten Fun! (Youth-friendly class!)
Fingerloop (Youth-friendly class!)
Inkle Loom Make&Take
Inkle set-up and beginning weaving
Tablet Weaving Play Time
What about food and cooking?
Butter Making Experiment for Children (Youth-friendly class!)
Grain Milling for Children (Youth-friendly class!)
In Charge of the Feast
Lunch, Feast, or Sideboard
Period Feasts for a Picky Palate
Potage Practicum
Maybe you prefer hands-on/how-to classes?
Armour Pattern Making
Beginning Pewter – Cold and Hot Pewter Look the Same
Introduction to Dovetails
Is history your thing?
Bling Out Your Dead
A Brief History of Carriages
I Came, I Saw, I Cocked It Up: Great Military Blunders, And What They Can Teach Us
If Not By Prowess Then By Poison
Medieval Metrosexual?
One Monarch, Two Interments
Vampires – Separating fiction from fiction
The Way of Saint James: The Santiago de Compostela Pilgrimage Then and Now
Are you musically inclined?
The Ubiquitous Recorder (Youth-friendly class!)
Moving Beyond Recorders – Other Period Instruments
Love drawing and painting?
Applying gold leaf using period materials
Basic Paint Techniques
Illumination Play Time
Italian White Vine: A Hands-on Introduction
Lefties Loving their Letters
Wax on, wax off calligraphy
Looking for ways to up your SCA game?
Designing armory from period examples
Drafting the Sun
Fairy tales workshop – composition in performance
Heraldry BINGO! (Youth-friendly class!)
On Being a Signet
Sharing the Wealth: creating a presentation of your work
Using Technology to Gather and Organize Documentation
Using Technology to Create Images for Documentation
And don’t forget there’s a host of WAR COLLEGE classes, too!
Medievally speaking, what gets your creative juices flowing?
Is it getting your hands dirty making stuff?
Is it figuring out how things were done?
Delving into the when and where and why of medieval life?
Is it learning something you didn’t know before?
Is it learning more about something that intrigues you?
If you answered “YES!” to any of these questions, consider teaching at Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College, hosted by the Shire of Ballachlagan (Wheeling, WV), on June 11.
So far, we have 25 classes (that’s 31 class-hours!) scheduled, on these topics: Bardic, Brewing, Clothing, Dance, Embroidery, Heraldry, History, Metalworking, Research, SCA Life, Scribal, Youth Track, War College — Fencing (for a listing of class titles and descriptions, please visit the Æcademy website).
But sadly, there are NO classes (yet) in Cooking, Equestrian Arts, or Fiber Arts. If you’ve never taught at Æcademy (or if it’s been a while), no problem! It’s easy to register — Just go to the Æcademy registration page and supply the requested information about yourself and your class.
If you’ve never taught a class (or have taught but are still a bit nervous about teaching), I have a solution! On Saturday of Æthelmearc War Practice, from 3 to 4 pm, I’ll be teaching a class called “Documentation to Class,” which will give you ideas to turn what you know into a successful class.
If you have signed up to teach at Pennsic, consider teaching at Æcademy as a “dress rehearsal.” Teaching in June will give you time to fine-tune your class. Plus, the feedback and experience will boost your confidence.
Greetings unto the most talented and erudite Kingdom of Æthelmearc from Mistress Alicia Langland, Chancellor of Æthelmearc Æcademy!
Good Gentles,
It is my great pleasure to inform you that the schedule for Saturday’s AEthelmearc AEcademy and War College is now available here.
Are you interested in classes on clothing and accessories?
• 16th-Century Coif Make-and-Take
• From Seeing to Sewing: Intro to Pattern Making
• German Renaissance Accessories
• Heavy Metal Embroidery: Finnish Style! (Part 1: lecture; Part 2: hands-on)
• To Be Well Red
How about fiber arts? • Beginning Netting
• Beginning Stick Weaving
• Brocaded Tablet Weaving
• Making Felt Balls
• Nalbinding
• Silk Banner Making
What about food and cooking? • Beginning Butter Makin
• Cooking on a Fire for Beginners
• Finished Brewing? NO, Bread! A Use for Spent Grain
• Food and Drink in Early Medieval Ireland
• What is a Perfectly Period Feast?
Maybe you prefer hands-on/how-to classes? • Beginning Lampwork Bead Making
• Cabochons – How Are They Made?
• Introduction to Armouring
• Musical Manuscript using Period Tools, Methods and Materials
• Of Charcoal and Lye
• Printmaking Made Easy (For all ages)
Is history your thing? • Constructing Commedia dell Arte Scenarios
• Marguerite Makes a Book- An Interactive Story
• Poisons and their Historical Uses
• Poisons/Medicines/Useful Plants in the Field
• “Segja Hvaða?!” Insults in Old Norse-Icelandic Literature
• Viking Art:Is it a Borre?
• Wars of the Roses, a primer
• Write Like A Viking
Are you musically inclined? • The Ubiquitous Recorder
• Moving Beyond Recorders – Crumhorn, Cornamuse and Kortholt
Looking for ways to up your SCA game? • Documentation: Form and Function
• Documenting Homebrew: What Digby never told you
• Finding an SCA name
• Judging an SCA Brewing Competition
• On Being a Signet
• Researching for a project and how to proceed
• Too Terrified to Teach? Riddikulus!
And don’t forget there is a host of WAR COLLEGE and GOLDEN CHAIN classes, too! • Combat Archery: Introduction to Combat Archery
• Fencing: Une Pratique Sur les Angles – A Practice in Angles for Single Sword or Sword and Dagger
• Youth Combat: Becoming a Youth Combat Marshal
GOLDEN CHAIN CLASSES • Basic Sword and Heater
• The Basics of Melee
• Beyond the Basic Shots
• Controlling the Fight
• Early period kits, and how to get them to look more SCA
• Footwork: More than Just Moving Your Feet
• How’s it Hanging, Your body and how your armour fits
• Impromptu combat and/or philosophy class
• Leadership
• The Left-handed Fighter
• Mentality: Path to overcoming doubt
• Polearm
• Spear
• Two-hand sword fighting, incorporating a more medieval style to the weapon form
After you’ve had a chance to check out the amazing array of classes, remember to tell all your Facebook friends that you’ll be there on the event page!
Looking forward to seeing YOU there!
Did you know that Æthelmearc Æcademy — a semi-annual event that seeks to bring the best teachers possible to even the smallest groups in the Kingdom — has been in existence for over 15 years?
Did you know that, since then, thousands of students, ranging from new participants through experienced veterans, have been inspired to try a new craft, have refined previously-learned skills, and have increased their knowledge of the Middle Ages and Renaissance?
And did you know that hundreds of instructors – well over 400! — have shared their passions with those students?
Did you know that YOU could be one of those instructors?
It’s true! You don’t have to “be somebody” to teach a class! All you need to get started is an idea and a few minutes online to register here. (Followed, of course, by planning and preparing your class!)
First-time registrants provide basic information such as SCA name, modern name, contact information, and home group.
Every instructor must also provide the following information: class title, description, class length, class level, student supplies, materials fee, preferred class size, and special facilities required. (One helpful feature of the registration form is that class information, once registered, is stored in the system. That way, if you decide to teach a class at another AEcademy sometime later, you won’t have to re-type all that information.)
Make-and-take classes are always a big hit, but Æcademy students also appreciate well-researched history classes, too.
When developing your class title and description, a little extra time to make it catchy as well as clear is time well spent. After all, you want your class to stand out from the others offered at the same time!
Most classes tend to be an hour in length, but two hours (or more) might be appropriate, especially if the class involves hands-on learning. Teachers set the maximum number of students for their class, based on factors such as availability of supplies and the teacher’s comfort level.
Teachers also determine what fee – if any – to charge. The fee may cover the cost of printing the handout as well as any consumable class supplies.
Will you need any special facilities for your class? For example, electricity, a projector screen, a tile floor for messy class, access to water, large tables, and outdoor area, etc.? If so, be sure to mention this when you register your class.
After you register your class, it is approved by the Æcademy Chancellor, and it instantly appears on the Æcademy website on the event’s Tentative Class Listing. This listing lets everyone see what is being offered, along with a description of each class.
Two weeks prior to the event – or sooner, if the maximum number of classes has been reached – the registration period ends. This allows the Æcademy staff sufficient time to create the schedule of classes, which is then posted on the Æcademy website.
If you are new to teaching or are looking for ways to improve your classes, check out the teaching resources available here.
There are many terrific reasons to teach at Æcademy. One of them is to infect others with enthusiasm for your topic. Teaching also allows you to find out who’s interested in your field and to network with them. Finally, since one of the best ways to really learn a topic is to teach it to others, teaching gives you motivation to hone your skills and firm up your research.
If you love to learn, then you will want to register to teach at Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College. Whether it’s a hands-on make-and-take class, a scholarly academic class, or a how-to martial class, someone will want to attend!
Mistress Alicia Langland
Chancellor of Æthelmearc Æcademy and War College