STING (originally on VILYA from 2007-2015, followed by GLADDEN from 2015-2025).

Yes, the group is open to anyone that wants to play music. This is not a "kinship only" group.

We all have our own chosen outfits for when we get together, with the one common item being a feathered, brimmed hat (color-dyed to best match your outfit). The exception is formal concerts, when we have matching outfits (example: the first Yuletide concert).

As a group, we use scripted music (ABC files) for easier synchronization.

No, we gather together to play music when we choose to (typically evenings, N. America time zones). Often we "flock together"; where there is one Bard, usually more will follow. If a formal event is planned, we will try to meet ahead of time to be sure everyone is set (e.g. instruments ready, same music files, coordinated outfits).

When Raymiond (founder) would meet other players who enjoyed playing music in-game, it was difficult for the musicians "to be on the same page" (pun intended). Often a lot of time was spent just getting ready to play because each player had to be sure to have the same version ABC file(s) of {insert song title}. Inevitably someone had to go to one of the many LotRO ABC music sites, find the correct file arrangement and download it.

To start playing music more quickly with these random music groups, Raymiond created a "music pack" of the ABC files he collected from across the internet (quality songs without ABC file errors, songs that transcribed well into LotRO's music system, and so on), and made it freely available for download.

Next, Raymiond began to look for a group of players who enjoyed playing music together consistently. To give players a purpose to re-group, a name was "hatched":

                                        Bards of a Feather

The Bards (as they became to be known) officially debuted at the Baggins' birthdays on September 22, 2008.

The name, Bards of a Feather, is a pun on the old saying, "birds of a feather (flock together)" and that our group's uniform is a feathered, brimmed hat. The group's name is credited to Garethor and Melawe.

When visiting other worlds, we have setup a kinship named Traveling Bards to group under. And as always, anyone that would like to play music with us is welcome to without that character having to leave their current kinship.

The Traveling Bards were once seen wandering on the following worlds:

- Landroval
- Silverlode

Perhaps the main difference is Bards of a Feather was never meant to be a kinship-only music group. It is open to anyone, without having to leave your existing kinship.

Also because we are all individual players, you never know what to expect; there could be someone randomly jumping or running off the stage, while others magically disappear only to reappear later (e.g. connection issues). Our concerts are often impromptu as "we wing it" and have an organic feeling about them. NO TWO SHOWS ARE THE EXACT SAME.

If given enough notice, we will perform at various occasions (e.g. Middle-earth event, house warming, celebration for a character leveling). Please contact Raymiond or one of the other Bards.

That's the wonderful thing about music - there are many styles to choose from depending on your mood. We are open to music suggestions to be added to our ever changing song list.

The thought behind Raymiond continuing to teach and use the original methods "from the First Age" is:

Keep it simple.

The game's music system is one of its features that really helps to set it apart from other similar games. Raymiond's hope is that it remains accessible to everyone, regardless of their technical experience. It shouldn't be so intimidating that someone is discouraged from trying it.

Whenever new methods of playing music are introduced, the questions asked are:

"How does this affect a new player?"
"Can someone still learn to play music easily?"

If a new method makes the system less approachable, then there's no need to introduce it right away. There is always time to learn more advanced methods later.

This doesn't mean that the older methods are necessarily better than newer ones. Rather, they are often better suited for teaching the fundamentals, keeping things approachable, and encouraging everyone to actively participate. The goal is to get a new player playing music as quickly and easily as possible: teach the basics, get everyone making music, and have some fun. Once someone understands the fundamentals, the more advanced tools and methods can be learned over time.

Individual and All-in-One Files

Raymiond continues to use individual files because they provide a simple way for players to understand which part they are playing and which instrument they should have equipped.

Including part of the song's title along with the intended instrument in the filename gives players a simple, visual reminder of which instrument they should have equipped. It does this without requiring the player to understand anything more complicated.

There is also a practical reason for using individual files. Raymiond has collected ABC files transcribed by many different people over the years. Different transcribers haven't always used a consistent numbering system when assigning instruments to parts, and some arrangements don't have assigned instrument numbers at all.

Using the instrument's name is therefore easier to understand than asking someone to remember which number corresponds to which instrument.

All-in-one files can certainly be useful, but individual files provide a straightforward and consistent way for someone who is learning the music system to identify their part and instrument.

For more information about filenames, see the section below on instrument designations.

Typing Out Commands and Plugins

Raymiond encourages players to type out their own song parts because it provides a simple way to learn the basics of the music system while actively participating in the process of playing music.

Typing commands also helps keep players focused on the act of playing music. Much like a raid group working together toward a common goal, everyone has a part to play, and everyone needs to "hit their mark" at the right moment.

Playing music together is similar. Each person has to work with the group to keep the song in sync. Having to type the commands gives players something to actively focus on and helps keep their attention on the music.

Plugins can be useful, particularly for players who are already familiar with the music system. For a single player trying to get several characters (or "alts") ready to play a song, a plugin that synchronizes the music group can make the process much faster and more convenient.

For someone who is just learning the music system, however, introducing a plugin adds another layer of complexity. They would need to learn:

* How to install the plugin
* How to configure it
* How to build a song library
* How to use it to synchronize characters
* How to troubleshoot it when something doesn't work

For a new player, all of this can make the initial learning process more complicated than necessary. Rather than introducing those additional tools immediately, Raymiond prefers to start with the basics and get people playing music as quickly and easily as possible.

Once someone understands the fundamentals, plugins can be introduced when they provide useful additional convenience.

In short: Raymiond isn't opposed to newer methods; they simply aren't always the best place to start. The priority is keeping the music system simple enough that anyone can pick it up and enjoy it, while allowing more advanced tools and methods to be introduced as they become useful.

The filenames use the following instrument designations:

...Ages	-	lute of ages
...Bardic	-	bardic fiddle
...Bass	-	basic theorbo
...Clar	-	basic clarinet
...Cowbell	-	basic cowbell
...Drums	-	basic drum
...Fiddle	-	basic fiddle
...Flute	-	basic flute
...Harp	-	basic harp
...Horn	-	basic horn
...Lonely	-	lonely mountain fiddle
...Lute	-	basic lute
...Misty	-	misty mountain harp
...Pibgorn	-	basic pibgorn
...Pipes	-	basic bagpipe
...Soon	-	basic bassoon
...SoonBR	-	brusque bassoon
...SoonLM	-	lonely mountain bassoon
...Sprightly	-	sprightly fiddle
...Travellers	-	traveller's trusty fiddle