Country Dance and Song Society English Dance Musicians Week at Buffalo Gap July 4 - 11, 1998

English Dance Musicians Week at Buffalo Gap July 4 - 11, 1998 Program Director: Laurie Andres
Tentative Schedule: [Back to Top]
9:00 - 10:00
English Dance Musicians Course: Small Ensembles or Instrument Classes	Laurie Andres
10:15 - 11:15
English for Experts	Colin Hume
English Dancing for Poets	Scott Higgs
Callers Class	Tony Parkes
11:30 - 12:15
Camp Gathering	Steve Hickman & Scott Higgs
1:15
Community Singing	Alistair Brown
2:00 - 3:00
English Dance Musicians Course: Small Ensembles or Instrument Classes	Laurie Andres
3:15 - 4:15
English Dance Musicians Course: Small Ensembles or Instrument Classes	Laurie Andres
8:00
Couple Dances
8:15
Evening Dance Party
11:00
After-dance Refreshments Late-night Parties (camper initiated)

Program Description: [Back to Top]
Join a group of enthusiastic and dedicated musicians for a week long course of English country dance music. Our objectives for the week will be playing with phrasing, danceability, expression, and gusto, coupled with an awareness and sensitivity to your fellow musicians, the caller and the dancers. We will examine and probe phrasing, rhythm, ornamentation, improvisation, arrangement and orchestration. We will also delve into the mechanics of performing with other musicians and callers and the historical and social background to the music and dance from 1651 to the present. To help translate theory into practice, we will break into smaller ensembles which provide a more lifelike band experience. Participants must be able to play their instruments at dance tempos. An ability to read music is helpful, but not required.

The program, held concurrently with English & American Dance Week at Buffalo Gap, is designed and led by Laurie Andres who has been playing jubilantly danceable music on the piano and piano accordion for English country, contra, square, and morris dancing since 1976. He has been on the staff at Buffalo Gap, Pinewoods and many other music and dance festivals since 1980.

For two periods every day, Laurie Andres will lead an exploration of the intimate relationship between music and dance in English country dancing.

Master classes on individual instruments vary from day to day. They will draw on the talent and experience of the tiptop musicians at English & American Dance Week at Buffalo Gap.

As dancing can only serve to enhance one's playing, participants will be free (and encouraged) to dance during the morning graded English classes and at the evening dance parties. The schedule also allows participation in the full range of camp activities and social events, from singing to swimming to saunas. Please check the description of English & American Dance Week at Buffalo Gap for details on the rich and varied program and staff. There will be limited opportunities to play at the programmed evening dance parties, but playing at informal camper-instigated dances and music sessions during free periods are encouraged.

Registration: [Back to Top]
English Dance Musicians Week is limited to 15 people to ensure ample opportunity for active participation. There will be an acoustic piano, but piano players are encouraged to bring an electric keyboard with headphones. We will attempt to keep a balance between melody players and accompanists. Scholarships are available; please check the appropriate box on the Registration Form.

Program Description Tentative Schedule Registration Top

413-268-7426 FAX: 413-268-7471

Country Dance and Song Society 132 Main St/PO Box 338 Haydenville, MA 01039-0338 Office Hours 9:30am - 5:00pm EST

http://www.cdss.org/