arontius | Is Judging An Art Or A Science? (Reply)

.....Had an interesting conversation last night over at Gwen's that is still rattling around in my brain this morning. We were looking over Gwen's judging sheets from KAS / KBC last weekend to see what the judges all had to say. What things they found 'challenging'. What things they liked. And how exactly they gave out these comments. I found it interesting first off the range of styles in what comments were given. I'm sure that there was some attempt to be consistent on the comments given, and for them to be informative and constructive, but you could really see the judge's individual style in what comments were given and how they said them.

.....While looking over a couple of the comments there was discussion on how to transform some of the ideas and suggestions into actual improvements for future demonstrations. Then the thought was expressed about how, in a certain way, and considering Gwen's vast knowledge and experience, that statements made could be taken as condescending or patronizing. Not the case, but read in a certain light one could really infer that.

.....When I thought back to the comments I made on the judging sheets I turned in at KBC I could read several of the comments I made as patronizing if read out of context. And, you know, considering that I was in a hurry and usually distracted, I scribbled my thoughts out as thoroughly as I could and moved on to the next issue. When I really should have spent some more time thinking about how my comments would be taken. And whether they would actually be useful.

.....That was certainly a personal revelation for me, to store in a few brain cells for future reference. But it led me to ask those assembled if there were ever considerations for giving classes on how to judge entries in an Arts & Sciences or Bardic Competition. The general consensus was that it has been considered and discuss, but generally dismissed as those who really needed it probably wouldn't take it.

.....The more I think about it though, the more I think something like this would benefit someone like me, who is not an artistic genius, but wants to improve. Especially if what they say might have an impact on what someone does in the future.

.....I suppose though that the learning process does go in multiple directions. If I were a competitor with an entry at KBC and was being judged, we could make the judging session a lot more interactive. If the judge asked me a question on intonation or tonal quality, I could ask where he / she noticed a lack. I could then play that section to see if there was a way I could improve my technique. Or if I were reciting poetry and someone questioned style, we could take a closer look at the entry to see how improvements could be made in word useage or flow.

.....But this runs against the time restrictions of a competition as is currently run. You'd have to allow more time for interaction. But this is something that is already noted, as Gwen did last weekend. She used up every single allotted moment she had and she said she could have easily spoken another hour on just details of her piece.

.....Now, am I intrigued enough to pull out my damned recorder or gemshorn and do something this next year? Maybe not. But I am intrigued. :-)

.....Aaron / Arontius.