Apprentice Life in the Harper Hall
Contents
Apprentice Classes and Duties in the Harper Hall
Apprentices at the Hall find that they have very little free time. If not in class, they are rehearsing, studying, or doing chores. Classes involve all aspects of Harpercraft: musical performance, both vocal and instrumental; music composition; instrument crafting; art; copying and research, particularly in the area of Charter Law; and arbitration. In addition, all apprentices are expected to contribute their talents in performances, so must rehearse on a regular basis, both with the chorus, in ensembles, and individually. Choral directors, teachers, and the Hall leadership may contribute their opinions as to which apprentices will actually be invited to perform as representatives of the Hall.
Apprentice Promotions in the Harper Hall
In order to be promoted to journeyman, an apprentice must first meet the criteria of age, length of time as a harper, and aptitude in the various craft skills. Apprenticeships normally start at age 12, with the earliest advancement coming at age 15: with three turns of study, a promotion to Senior Apprentice is possible. The next benchmark is at age 18, with six turns of experience, to Junior Journeyman, then at 21 and nine turns of experience, Senior Journeyman. Of course, all of these are dependent upon the Hallmaster and the other Masters: promotions only take place with their approval, and are based on participation and knowledge of the craft.
Apprentice Schedule in the Harper Hall
- 6 c/m Breakfast
- 7 c/m Dormitory clean-up & inspection
- 8 c/m First class session
- 10 c/m Second class session
- 12 c/m Noon meal
- 13 c/m Chore sections/ individualized lessons
- 14 c/m Third class session
- 16 c/m Chore sections/ individualized lessons
- 17 c/m Free time
- 18 c/m Evening meal
- 19 c/m Choral rehearsal
- 20 c/m Mandatory study
- 21 c/m Free time
- 22 c/m Light's out
Hall Leadership in the Harper Hall
The ultimate authority at the Hall is the Hallmaster. While he may occasionally teach a class or review an apprentice's performance, he is not in daily contact with the apprentices. Likewise, the Hallsecond has some contact with apprentices, but is more concerned with supervision of the journeymen within the crafthall. The primary supervisor of the lower ranks is the Master of Apprentices, who oversees their education and discipline. Although either the Hallmaster or Hallsecond will readily punish an apprentice caught in a transgression, the Apprentice Master is the one to deal with pranks, skipping classes, or shirking of chores. He also schedules classes and private lessons for his charges as needed. In addition to those already mentioned, each apprentice dormitory has a journeyman in charge who advises and corrects the apprentices as needed.
