Order of the Solar (Domestic Program)

              While the knights rode forth to protect the innocent, competent women and men, known as Ladies and Stewards, remained behind to tend to the needs of the castle and the people. The Domestic Program involves those “behind the scenes” and the often unglamorous tasks  necessary for the performance and social aspects of the AOA.

 If, upon completing the Page requirements, a member desires to enter the AOA’s Domestic Program, they must be sponsored as a Maid/Youth to an existing Lady/Steward. This sponsor has the duty and responsibility to help prepare the Maid/Youth for becoming a Lady/Steward.

 In the AOA, becoming a Lady or Steward requires proficiency in duties and fealty (loyalty and service) to the AOA.  Duties are taught and fealty is measured by dedication to the Arthurian ideals (the Orders of the Roses).  As there are two Orders of the Roses, there are two levels of rank and honor within the Domestic Program.

 Ladies, Stewards, Chatelaines, and Chamberlains are expected to continually demonstrate proficiency in their areas, and to sponsor Youths and Maids in the Domestic Program. Following completion of their requirements and service to the AOA, Youths and Maids sit an Eve with their sponsors on the night before gaining their titles.  Chatelaines and Chamberlains are afforded the right to design and wear a heraldic patch and dress in their colors.

Requirements to become a Lady or Steward:

        Required:

1. Red Rose

2. Know 3 AOA dances

3. Know 3 AOA songs

4. Make a piece of costuming

5. Assist the host/hostess of a feast

6. Make and educational display for the Education Tent

Elected (must complete 4 of 7):

• Teach a dance to a member

• Teach a song to a member

• Play a musical instrument at an AOA performance

• Perform in a song or dance show at an AOA performance

• Make a faire compound or feast decoration or prop

• Perform a skit, play, street interaction, etc. at an AOA performance

• Donate 1 book, piece of costuming or feast gear to the AOA

Requirements to become a Chatelaine or Chamberlain:

Required:

1. White Rose

2. Sponsor a maid/youth to the level of Lady/Steward

3. Know 10 AOA dances

4. Know 10 AOA songs

5. Assist/Teach someone how to make a costume

6. Host a feast

7. Conduct an Educational Seminar

Elected (must complete 5 of 7):

· 

• Introduce and teach a new dance to the group

• Introduce and teach a new song to the group

• Provide instrumental accompaniment for an entire song/dance show

• Organize a song/dance show for a performance

• Assist the Quartermaster with an inventory of AOA property

• Develop a script for a show 

• Donate 5 books, pieces of costuming or feast gear to the AOA