Welcome to the Carolingian Quire!

We research, practice, and perform vocal music of the Middle Ages and early Renaissance. This site includes information of potential value to anyone interested in early vocal music, though some portions are intended especially for current or potential Quire members, or for Autocrats of SCA events interested in having the Quire perform at those events.

The Quire is the vocal music section of the Guild of Musicians and Jongleurs.

Joining the Quire

The Carolingian Quire does not hold auditions. Ability to read music is helpful but not required. All local SCA participants who like to sing and are willing to perform with us are welcome. Music copies are provided by the Quire. Quire members should be willing to do some solo practice outside of our regular rehearsals; how much solo practice varies according to the music chosen for each performance.

We perform at several Carolingian events each year. Performances at SCA events in other places, or in non-SCA venues, are rarer but not unheard of.

If you are in the SCA and might be interested in joining the Quire, please drop by one of our rehearsals and see how you enjoy singing with us. You are welcome to contact the Quire Manager first, to find out when would be best for a new person to show up at.

Rehearsals

The Guild practices on Monday evenings, but the schedule is a little complicated; the Quire generally practices only twice a month, while the Waytes meet almost every week:

• On most even-numbered Mondays of the month (2nd & 4th), practice is held at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Watertown. Quire practice runs 7-8pm, followed by Waytes practice from 8-9pm.
• On most odd-numbered Mondays (1st, 3rd, & 5th when it occurs), the Waytes practice at the home of Duke Vissevald & Countess Mara in Dorchester; practice on these nights runs 7:30-9pm.
• Waytes rehearsals may be cancelled on the 1st Monday of the month, to avoid conflict with the barony’s monthly Great Council (business) meeting.
• When dance practice is in session — currently weekly for a couple of months each spring & fall — the Waytes occasionally play there; when they do this, their Monday practice of that week is usually cancelled (so this sometimes occurs during a Great Council week). Interested people should check with the Waytes Captain to learn when playing at dance practice will be happening.

This schedule is somewhat subject to change; in particular, if the Quire is preparing for a performance, it may hold extra practices. Schedule changes will be announced in advance to the Guild.

For members of the Quire:

You can find copies of music, audio files, and other restricted materials by following this link.